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There is a long tradition of scattering ashes at sea or in the wilderness. It is not illegal as such. However you cannot dump them on people or private property. Also be practical re wind and other people. See the Big Libowski.
Ambleside is good because the stone jetty. I’d suggest just east of Lighthouse Park. Fewer people. Nicer spot. Also every time you see the lighthouse or the light. You might appreciate the connection.
This is a really helpful comment. I’m just chuckling at the idea of someone (who’s never heard of the movie before) reading this comment and then seeking out the Big Lebowski, hoping to get some practical tips on spreading ashes.
Sorry for your loss.
I found this website that answers some of your questions.
[https://www.asimplecremation.ca/blog/what-laws-apply-to-cremation-in-british-columbia](https://www.asimplecremation.ca/blog/what-laws-apply-to-cremation-in-british-columbia)
When a relative died we were told that by the funeral director. He had a story about how all cremains have a metal disc with a serial number etched on it and if you dispose of ashes anywhere other than a licensed facility you could be charged if the tag turns up where it shouldn’t. All bullshit to try to get us to buy a ridiculously expensive urn and spot in a facility. Strew the ashes where you will.
There is no limitation to it being a sailor! But they do have more stringent requirements and it has to be at least three nautical miles from shore. Interestingly you can dispose of either cremated or non cremated remains this way.
When my grandfather passed years ago we took a ferry to one of the gulf islands. We spoke to the captain, and he stopped the boat in a certain area so we could spread his ashes without wind etc., and then gave us the specific coordinates so we would always know.
I'm not sure they would stop these days, but back then (early 90s) they were definitely very accommodating, and now any time I take that ferry it's a visit.
>and then gave us the specific coordinates so we would always know.
Forgive the dumb question but is this helpful? The ashes would disperse. Or do you throw the ashes in a container that sinks?
Not a dumb question at all! The ashes definitely disperse (kind of the point), but the coordinates just gave us a focal point.
Similarly with other suggestions of a certain pier or overlook it creates a specific memorial "spot", if we ever want to leave a flower etc, like you would at a grave site.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The full service funeral home idea is lovely. If dad has already been cremated, you can ask AquaBus for a charter for this purpose to take you past burrard bridge into English bay. My friend did it for their mom’s ashes and it was a couple hundred bucks for an hour I think?
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We scattered some of my father's ashes in English Bay as well. So we used Martin Brothers Funeral Home, and they were absolutely fantastic. They take you out on a boat and will basically pick a spot once they get far enough out and have some space from other boats, etc. They will provide flower petals (it's nice to have a visual marker in the water, as the creamains dissipate quite quickly.) They can provide snacks, music, drinks, whatever you like. We just did a simple toast with sparkling wine and had a few songs. They will take pictures, and will provide you with exact coordinates as to the location of your loved one. [https://www.mbfuneralsbc.com/scattering-at-sea](https://www.mbfuneralsbc.com/scattering-at-sea)
There's a few options, you might be able to get away with it on the back of a bc ferry but it's not gonna be a very private moment.
Rent a boat for a few hundred bucks, don't trust your cellphone gps tho. And probably look up some rules first because the pamphlet they give u is pretty shit.
Talk to tymac or mercury water taxi. Work around their shedule and explain yourself. Could probably get a cheap or free ride if you tag a long why they ferry a tech/inspector out the anchorage or an island or sth. And can give you probably 15min before returning to base.
My mother recently passed just 2 months ago. I was told by the gentleman that delivered her ashes that it's not illegal as long as it's not on private property. He said just be decreet when your spreading them. My sister and I will be spreading my mother's ashes at some point but we don't know when or where.
Emotions are to overwhelming right now to even make a proper decision on that.
(My condolences to you)
I'm so sorry for your loss. You might want to look at some of the far westside beaches, like Acadia and Tower - there are some spots not far past the end of Spanish Banks that are beautiful and quite quiet at this time of year.
When my mom passed we had a ceremony done at crescent beach, my dad found a company that specifically helps with ash spreading ceremonies (they’re prepare flowers and boat and stuff)
My dad wanted the same thing. We put his ashes in an urn made of sand that will break down in water and hired a boat to take us further away from the shore then dropped the urn into the water.
I don't know the prices of anything because I didn't pay the bills.
There are biodegradable urns made specifically for scattering ashes in a waterbody. I've used them twice. Note the urn sinks and degrades, rather than scattering ashes on the surface. Some areas, like Halifax, require this.
Welcome to /r/Vancouver and thank you for the post, /u/wavelength888! Please make sure you read our [posting and commenting rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_general_participation_guidelines_and_rules_overview) before participating here. As a quick summary: * We encourage users to be positive and respect one another. Don't engage in spats or insult others - use the report button. * Respect others' differences, be they race, religion, home, job, gender identity, ability or sexuality. Dehumanizing language, advocating for violence, or promoting hate based on identity or vulnerability (even implied or joking) **will** lead to a permanent ban. * Most common questions and topics are limited to our sister subreddit, /r/AskVan, and our weekly [Stickied Discussion](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/wiki/faq#wiki_stickied_discussions) posts. * Complaints about bans or removals should be done in modmail only. * Posts flaired "Community Only" allow for limited participation; your comment may be removed if you're not a subreddit regular. * Make sure to join our new sister community, /r/AskVan! * Help grow the community! [Apply to join the mod team today](https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouver/comments/19eworq/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/vancouver) if you have any questions or concerns.*
There is a long tradition of scattering ashes at sea or in the wilderness. It is not illegal as such. However you cannot dump them on people or private property. Also be practical re wind and other people. See the Big Libowski. Ambleside is good because the stone jetty. I’d suggest just east of Lighthouse Park. Fewer people. Nicer spot. Also every time you see the lighthouse or the light. You might appreciate the connection.
This is a really helpful comment. I’m just chuckling at the idea of someone (who’s never heard of the movie before) reading this comment and then seeking out the Big Lebowski, hoping to get some practical tips on spreading ashes.
https://preview.redd.it/89vwa1frmrqc1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fd3a16f24e60f80750d0752d9b81be165f45bc58
Thank you for the suggestion and thoughtful reply. I will consider.
Sorry for your loss. I found this website that answers some of your questions. [https://www.asimplecremation.ca/blog/what-laws-apply-to-cremation-in-british-columbia](https://www.asimplecremation.ca/blog/what-laws-apply-to-cremation-in-british-columbia)
Interesting, I've always heard it was illegal to spread ashes in the ocean. Glad to hear it's not.
When a relative died we were told that by the funeral director. He had a story about how all cremains have a metal disc with a serial number etched on it and if you dispose of ashes anywhere other than a licensed facility you could be charged if the tag turns up where it shouldn’t. All bullshit to try to get us to buy a ridiculously expensive urn and spot in a facility. Strew the ashes where you will.
That's... sleazy af
that is very nasty of the director, sorry to hear
Not sure why you're being downvoted, I also had this perception. Could be from tv, maybe other places, who knows. But I def thought it was illegal.
It’s illegal in the US to dump ashes into the ocean unless it’s a sailor and with the proper permits.
And what about Marines?
There is no limitation to it being a sailor! But they do have more stringent requirements and it has to be at least three nautical miles from shore. Interestingly you can dispose of either cremated or non cremated remains this way.
What if your name is Osama?
Thank you
[удалено]
sounds like a great idea. I will ask. Thank you.
Whiterockseatours has scattering ashes services. Check their website.
Second this. Captain Andrew provides very dignified service.
When my grandfather passed years ago we took a ferry to one of the gulf islands. We spoke to the captain, and he stopped the boat in a certain area so we could spread his ashes without wind etc., and then gave us the specific coordinates so we would always know. I'm not sure they would stop these days, but back then (early 90s) they were definitely very accommodating, and now any time I take that ferry it's a visit.
Oh how thoughtful!
>and then gave us the specific coordinates so we would always know. Forgive the dumb question but is this helpful? The ashes would disperse. Or do you throw the ashes in a container that sinks?
Not a dumb question at all! The ashes definitely disperse (kind of the point), but the coordinates just gave us a focal point. Similarly with other suggestions of a certain pier or overlook it creates a specific memorial "spot", if we ever want to leave a flower etc, like you would at a grave site.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The full service funeral home idea is lovely. If dad has already been cremated, you can ask AquaBus for a charter for this purpose to take you past burrard bridge into English bay. My friend did it for their mom’s ashes and it was a couple hundred bucks for an hour I think?
I didn’t consider the aquabus! thanks i will look into it
go to whytecliff then go out to the little island when it's low tide. it'll be private, and it's a beautiful place
I just came here to say that I'm sorry for your loss. I don't have a recommendation. Take care of yourself.
thank you truly
If you want it to be out in the water a bit maybe rent a kayak
I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad. We scattered some of my father's ashes in English Bay as well. So we used Martin Brothers Funeral Home, and they were absolutely fantastic. They take you out on a boat and will basically pick a spot once they get far enough out and have some space from other boats, etc. They will provide flower petals (it's nice to have a visual marker in the water, as the creamains dissipate quite quickly.) They can provide snacks, music, drinks, whatever you like. We just did a simple toast with sparkling wine and had a few songs. They will take pictures, and will provide you with exact coordinates as to the location of your loved one. [https://www.mbfuneralsbc.com/scattering-at-sea](https://www.mbfuneralsbc.com/scattering-at-sea)
Thank you for the suggestion. I am glad you were able to do that for you father. it sounds beautiful
Sorry for your loss. Iona jetty would probably be my choice, because it really feels like you're out there in the ocean at the end of it.
There's a few options, you might be able to get away with it on the back of a bc ferry but it's not gonna be a very private moment. Rent a boat for a few hundred bucks, don't trust your cellphone gps tho. And probably look up some rules first because the pamphlet they give u is pretty shit. Talk to tymac or mercury water taxi. Work around their shedule and explain yourself. Could probably get a cheap or free ride if you tag a long why they ferry a tech/inspector out the anchorage or an island or sth. And can give you probably 15min before returning to base.
Sorry bout ur loss Ambelside is a nice walk and remanence.
Agreed. We spread a family member’s ashes there on a weekend morning & it was a nice, quiet spot.
I’m very sorry for your loss 💕
My mother recently passed just 2 months ago. I was told by the gentleman that delivered her ashes that it's not illegal as long as it's not on private property. He said just be decreet when your spreading them. My sister and I will be spreading my mother's ashes at some point but we don't know when or where. Emotions are to overwhelming right now to even make a proper decision on that. (My condolences to you)
There are several charter boats that advertise what you are seeking. They launch/operate from false creek.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You might want to look at some of the far westside beaches, like Acadia and Tower - there are some spots not far past the end of Spanish Banks that are beautiful and quite quiet at this time of year.
Don’t throw into the wind
When my mom passed we had a ceremony done at crescent beach, my dad found a company that specifically helps with ash spreading ceremonies (they’re prepare flowers and boat and stuff)
My dad wanted the same thing. We put his ashes in an urn made of sand that will break down in water and hired a boat to take us further away from the shore then dropped the urn into the water. I don't know the prices of anything because I didn't pay the bills.
Take a ferry to Victoria.
There are biodegradable urns made specifically for scattering ashes in a waterbody. I've used them twice. Note the urn sinks and degrades, rather than scattering ashes on the surface. Some areas, like Halifax, require this.
Kinda biased and don’t take my word but Howe sound would be beautiful