Restaurant Letter

ULTIMATE WEST COAST DINING AT A FLOATING PUB

Dad, get ready for a unique west coast dining experience during your visit!!  Imagine…relaxing to the sound of the ocean waves against the deck of an outdoor floating patio.  The patio gently rocking as the waves roll underneath while looking out over the bay watching boats travel by.

We will take you to experience dining at the ONLY registered floating pub in Canada at the Dinghy Dock Pub…..right in our own backyard!!  Being accessible only by boat, the journey will begin with a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown.  When visitors to Nanaimo research things to do, or restaurants to try, the Dinghy Dock Pub makes the list.  It is ranked #25 out of 363 restaurants in Nanaimo and area. And reviews on Google and TripAdvisor both rate it at four stars.

The menu is made up of a great selection for all tastes.  Appetizers include prawns, calamari and a must try…..local steamed clams.  For a lighter meal, they have soups and salads, including one of your favorites, clam chowder.  Depending on your mood, for an entrée you can pick from variety of seafood dishes, to pasta, to burgers.  My favorite so far has been their fish and chips, which is offered with cod, halibut, and even salmon. Burgers are also available with seafood including cod, halibut or salmon.  Or, pick from the more traditional chicken or beef.  The homemade French fries are so crispy and seasoned to perfection.  The pub supports local business by serving a selection of wine and craft beer from the local wineries and breweries. 

While dining on the patio, we will enjoy the expansive views of the ocean, mountains and downtown skyline across the bay.  Hopefully, some of the wildlife will be active with bald eagles soaring overhead, sea otters playing on the dock and in the water.  And if we are lucky, a pod of Orcas may be travelling through. 

If we plan on a Saturday evening, we can cheer on the sailboats during the Sailboat Races taking place right out front in the bay.  Now that’s a unique form of entertainment!!

What an amazing experience enjoying fresh seafood surrounded by spectacular views, with the sights and smells of the ocean.  The staff has always been friendly and welcoming, adding to the enjoyment of the experience.  We will plan to get down to the ferry terminal to catch the 6:10 ferry over.  Can’t wait to share this experience with you!!