Every life has a story

Share yours so you can be heard forever

Every story deserves to be told

They say we need to know where we're from, to know where we're going. As a fundamental human need to know our history and how it links to the present, sharing our stories becomes our connection to each other. Future generations can understand what experiences shaped us, what influenced our lives and discover a complete picture of our existence. When we listen to these stories, we are reminded of the humanity in others, and that there is something to be learned from every life.
OUR MISSION

WHAT IS OCEAN SPIRITS?

We began with some simple questions about life and death. Why do we want to be remembered and why do we share our stories? Why do we memorialize our loved ones, especially in places we wouldn't want to go in life?

Simply put, Ocean Spirits is a memorial that connects its residents to friends and family with stories. Marine life, migrating birds, old growth trees and crashing waves are the constant companions of this privately owned island in Nova Scotia.
THIS IS HOW

OCEAN SPIRITS IS DIFFERENT

On the physical plaque, we enshrine keepsakes, and place a QR code that connects to a LifeStory. When the code is scanned, you will be able to access a memoir of the person, through a network where you can view photos/videos, and eventually even hear their voice.

After you purchase a package and schedule an interview, we contact you to discuss details about you or your loved one. With your help, we write the LifeStory, and give you an accurate timeline of when you can visit the physical plaque and when the story will be ready to see.
THE FACE BEHIND IT ALL

RYAN HARTIGAN

Having graduated from Dalhousie University with an Honours degree in Neuroscience, Ryan has always been intrigued by the study of human decisions. Today, Ryan is a spiritually guided, successful Entrepreneur that spends a lot of his time making music and teaching the importance of living mindfully. As a fundamental believer that our decisions have a profound purpose, and as someone who has faced his fair share of grief and loss, Ryan’s goal with Ocean Spirits is to show us how interconnected we truly are, and to grant us the ability to paint our own picture of our existence.
THE LAND

Scenic, protected grounds on the shores of Cow Bay

Sitting right on the Atlantic Ocean south of Cole Harbour and accessed off Cow Bay Road, lies Moses Island and its surrounding area soon to be known as Ocean Spirits.

Having been perfectly untouched for almost twenty years, the land’s natural beauty is a place of true serenity and a breathtaking pilgrimage to visit.

How It Works

CHOOSE YOUR PLACEMENT AND PACKAGE

View our map below to see your options for where you can place a plaque. Once you know the area you would like to reserve, choose your package below and follow the prompts to check out. At the end, you will be asked to book an interview.

CHAT WITH US

On the date and time of your choosing, we will interview you about your life, your loved one's, or your pet's. We will discuss details regarding the story and what you would like on and inside the plaque. We will also request any supporting information (photos/videos, documents) and items (keepsakes).

THE BIG REVEAL

As we are working with you to ensure the LifeStory is to your liking, we will simultaneously be creating the plaque. The plaque will be the first component that is ready. We will notify you as soon as it is available to see, and send you a reminder of when the LifeStory will be available as well.

Here's What's Included

Human Spirits

Leave your legacy for friends and family to connect with you when you're gone OR honour the life of someone you love.
INCLUDES
  • LifeStory
    • Story written by our team with your collaboration
    • Unique woven visualization of the story (showcasing supporting photos, videos and documents)
    • Access to a "digital family tree" as more of your family, pets and friends have their stories shared
  • Memorial Plaque inside Permanent Pillar
    • 5.5'x8''; plaque with your/their full name, DOB, DOD (if applicable) and nation's flag
    • QR code etched into the plaque that links to their LifeStory
    • Glass enshrinement of a keepsake that is permanently joined to the plaque
(Click the plaque to access Mary's real LifeStory)

Pet Spirits

Celebrate in remembrance over the beautiful experiences you shared with your departed animal companion.
INCLUDES
  • LifeStory
    • 1-2 minute story (written by our team with your collaboration)
    • Unique woven visualization of the story (showcasing supporting photos, videos and documents)
    • Connection to your "digital family tree" as more of the family or other pets have their stories shared
  • Memorial Plaque inside Permanent Pillar
    • 2.5x8'' plaque with the pet's name,  DOB and DOD
    • QR code etched into the plaque that links to their LifeStory
    • Glass enshrinement of a keepsake that is permanently joined to the plaque
(Click the plaque to access Keesha's real LifeStory)

What is a Keepsake?

The tradition of preserving cherished items after a loved one passes is practiced across various societies all over the world, and has been a commonplace custom since ancient times. These mementos often serve as an emotional reminder and a continuing bond with the departed.

A keepsake is a small item that we place in a glass enshrinement to represent a person or even a beloved pet. It is a souvenir of their life. You can choose anything you like as a keepsake, whether it's something you already have or something you want to create.

Keepsake enshrinements are 40ml in size for human plaques, and 20ml in size for pet plaques.

Keepsakes Sent In
Custom Keepsakes

Come walk through our park, and experience the captivating beauty for yourself.

get directions

Every story starts somewhere

Something this special requires a personal approach, and that is why we are here to work with you to share your story, or help you honour the story of someone you love (including our family members on four legs).

Start the LifeStory
process here

Ready to begin? Choose your section.

Monthly
Upfront
(Click the plaque to access Keesha's real LifeStory)

Back

$82
(over 24 months)
CHOOSE PLAN

Middle

$91
(over 24 months)
CHOOSE PLAN

Front

$109
(over 24 months)
CHOOSE PLAN

Pets

$1399
CHOOSE PLAN

Mainland

$2299
CHOOSE PLAN

Back

$1699
CHOOSE PLAN

Middle

$1899
CHOOSE PLAN

Front

$2299
CHOOSE PLAN

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this service only for those telling their own life story?

On the contrary! You have the option to write the life story of a cherished loved one who has already passed away, or even document the beautiful journey of a beloved pet.

Do I have to book the interview right after purchasing?

Not at all! We understand busy schedules, or just needing time to collect information. All you have to do once you have paid, is reach out to us by phone, email or chat and let us know that you will be scheduling the interview later.

How does Ocean Spirits compare to traditional memorial options?

An Ocean Spirits memorial and Life Story costs anywhere from $3000 to $5000. In comparison, Flat Grave Markers can be up to $6,000 in cost, Pillow Headstones can be up $10,000, and Upright Headstones can be up to $25,000 and up. Installation, cemetery fees (if applicable), foundation (if required), and sales taxes are usually not included.

In addition to the high cost associated with traditional memorial options, we have discovered that it is exceedingly challenging (if not nearly impossible) to authentically capture the individuality of the life that was lived. At Ocean Spirits, however, we firmly believe that every life holds significant influence over the lives and the world that surrounds us. This is precisely why we are passionate about sharing your stories. Your life, your experiences, and your wisdom possess immense value, not only to those that love and know you, but most especially to those who may never have the opportunity to.

Apart from its immeasurable value, our pricing options are designed to accommodate a diverse range of budgets. If you encounter any difficulties or have further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us without hesitation.

Do you offer custom options for specific requests?

We understand that every family’s desires are different, and we offer custom solutions to accommodate a variety of family requests. Please contact us at support@oceanspirits.ca and let us know what you are looking for.

Who owns and maintains my story/profile?

Ocean Spirits oversees the application backend; however, the ownership and management of the content on your profile, as well as access permissions, lie with your estate. Your estate will also have the authority to control the sharing of stories to your profile, as we will allow individuals to share their personal experiences as a eulogy or cherished memory of you. Through your estate's management, you can determine who has the ability to share these memories and who can view your LifeStory.

Can my story be updated once it is completed?

Yes. If you decide to edit your story personally, kindly reach out to us directly. Please be aware that substantial changes to your story may be subject to an additional fee. In the unfortunate event of anything happening to you, your executor will be responsible for contacting us to inform us about your passing, and will also manage any modifications.

Can I visit the park?

Of course! We are open daily from 7AM-8PM, and you are free to visit any time. The mainland is open, with private access to Silver Sands Beach, so please, come on down and walk the land. Even bring your pet!

Presently, Moses Island is only accessible by wading about knee-high at low tide. With that being said, we are working tirelessly to build a bridge as soon as we can.

Will there be more developments, including the development of the island?

With your support and the aid of charitable donations, we are committed to advancing the development of the land and island. The planned enhancements for the park include:

          ●  Establishing a Celebration of Life and Events area
          ●  Creating paved and accessible pathways
          ●  Installing bathroom facilities
          ●  Constructing a bridge to Moses Island
          ●  Enhancing the island's landscaping and maintenance
          ●  Creation of inviting picnic areas
          ●  Ensuring year-round maintenance of grounds, particularly during winter

For more details regarding these developments, please visit our donation page.

Does Ocean Spirits have any plans to give back to the community?

At present, Ocean Spirits does not allocate a percentage of its profits to charity. However, we have plans to incorporate a sizeable charitable initiative once we reach the milestone of building our bridge to the island. When that milestone is achieved, we will be contributing a substantial percentage of our profits to support charitable causes.

In the meantime, we hope to give back to the community by reinvigorating the land, focus on preserving its breathtaking scenery, and bring a larger community back to celebrate the land once again. For more information about our plans for developments, and ways you can help us, please visit our donation page.

Copyright © 2023 Ocean Spirits