The “Admiral’s Boathouse” is a sophisticated floating cottage with the timeless charm of the best of Canadian cottage life. With a warm wood interior this cottage has a studio apartment with the bed and living area combined but it is spacious. The is our largest floating cottage. Full separate kitchen, full separate bathroom and a covered deck from which to view the exciting activity of Victoria Harbour.
The Admiral’s Boathouse Pricing
All prices subject to all local taxes and GST
Summer Season 2024 (May 1 – Oct 1)
Daily (per night) – $195 + tax ($204.75)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1150 + tax ($1207.50)
Monthly (30 nights) – $4000 + tax ($4200)
Winter Season 2024-25 (Oct 1 – May 1)
Daily (per night) – $175 + tax ($183.75)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1050 + tax ($1102.50)
Monthly (30 nights) – $3500 + tax ($3675)
Summer Season 2025 (May 1 – Oct 1)
Daily (per night) – $249 + tax ($261.45)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1500 + tax ($1575)
Monthly (30 nights) – $5225 + tax ($5486.25)
Winter Season 2025-26 (Oct 1 – May 1)
Daily (per night) – $215 + tax ($225.75)
Weekly (7 nights) – $1290 + tax ($1354.50)
Monthly (30 nights) – $4500 + tax ($4725.00)
Special Rate Holdover
If you book your 2025-2026 stay before September 30, 2024 then we will hold 2024 rates for your booking!
Why is this floathome called the “Admiral’s Boathouse”?
You may not know this but Esquimalt, the location of our marina, has been the western Canadian base of first the Royal British Navy and later the Royal Canadian Navy since the mid 1850’s. There is a long and fascinating history of association between Esquimalt and the Navy which you can experience at the Naval Museum, just a small distance from the marina.
The Admiral’s Boathouse comes by its name authentically. The boathouse was, in fact, the boathouse for the Admiral’s or Base Commander’s launch-the smallish boat used to convey the senior officers to various naval ships anchored or moored in Esquimalt Harbour. While the original construction details are lost in the mists of naval history, it is believed the boathouse was built in the early 1940’s. The boathouse continued in its original role until some time in the late 1980’s or early 1990’s when it was converted to become a floating Port Security Office for the Navy.
In order to fulfill its new role, the opening and doors where the Admiral’s launch would have entered the boathouse were walled up and the interior open area where the launch would have been tied up was overlaid with a new floor.
In 2013 the Navy decommissioned the boathouse with the intention to demolish it. As luck would have it, we were offered this historical structure, and we seized the opportunity. We completely renovated the interior and the exterior of the structure to make it into a lovely floating cottage which we named “The Admiral’s Boathouse.” Since 2014 until recently the boathouse has been rented to long term tenants. We have now upgraded the Boathouse with a new float, refreshed interior and it is part of our small fleet of unique floating vacation cottages available to rent.
Amenities
- Romantic floating Vacation Cottage
- Completely self contained and private
- View of downtown Victoria & Harbour
- Front porch with chairs
- Queen size bed
- Gas fireplace
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Cable television
- Stereo CD
- Private bath
- Wifi
Timings
- Minimum 2-night stay
- Check-in time: 2pm
- Check-out time: 11am
Deposit Policy
- Reservations of 6 days or less require a one-night deposit
- Reservations of 7 days or more require a one-week deposit (One week includes 7 nights).
- Reservations of one month or more require a one-month deposit (One month includes 1st to the 31st).
Cancellation Policy
- Reservation deposit will be refunded if sufficient notice is received:
- Reservations of 6 days or less require 24 hours’ notice prior to 2:00pm check in
- Reservations of 7 days or more require a one-week cancellation notice
- Reservations of one month or more require a one-month cancellation notice
Accessibility
Before you book a reservation, please be aware and consider that the floating cottages, as attractive and charming as they are, are not easily accessible for those with mobility issues. The cottages are located in a marina environment which has several obstacles and hazards for those less agile or less mobile. The cottages are located some distance from the marina parking lot (some 500 feet or so, with one almost 750 feet away.)
Access to the marina itself requires navigating steps, a ramp that can be quite steep at low tides, gates and docks that do not have handrails. Moreover, things move in a marina, particularly in the wintertime when it is windy or a storm surge gets the marina docks moving about. The cottages themselves require you to step up onto the floating platforms upon which the cottages are built. Wheelchairs and scooter transportation is not possible.
Movement of the floating cottages
Just as the name suggests, the floating cottages float and they will move with wind and current or the passing of boats that may roll up a small wake. The movement is not significant for most people and it is definitely part of the charm- it is a floating cottage after all- but please be mindful that the cottages are not stationary objects.
Smoking and candles
We do not allow smoking of any kind of substance (including cannabis) in any of our floating cottages. Smoking outside and on our docks is permitted. For insurance and fire safety, we do not allow the burning of candles or any other open flames in our floating cottages or on any deck or attached wooden dock.
Pet Policy
We love dogs here at Westbay and we will allow pets (particularly dogs) in some circumstances. Please check with us about any pet you may wish to bring with you by calling our office before you book. You must pre-clear your pet. Any pet that we permit to occupy one of our floating cottages must be kept on a leash and in your control at all times when not inside the cottage. Remember also that the marina is home to a number of dogs (and a few cats) and they think they own the place so your pet must be under control to maintain peace among the local pet hierarchy. Also, as you would expect, you are entirely responsible for all costs relating to any damage to the floating cottage resulting from your activities in it, including anything your pet may do. Bring your own pet beds. No pets on the furniture please!
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