Visiting the Dinghy Dock Pub is more about the experience than the pub itself. We took the ferry to Protection Island (cash only if you pay on the ferry, but you can pay by card at the pub), but saw many people arrive by boat and kayak. The interior of the pub was full of nautical decor - anchors, old diving equipment, wood carvings, etc. We ended up sitting on the patio, which had a beautiful view of the water. For drinks, I got a canned Mojito Mocktail - very tasty and refreshing. We also ordered the Classic Poutine to share. It wasn't the best poutine of my life, but still good and very filling. Service was fast and friendly, and the ambiance was excellent. Would return for the vibes alone! read more

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Offers a unique experience for sure! The interior is decked out in the most charming nautical decor, with cozy, homey vibes that make you feel right at ease. I loved the quirky touch of salt shakers made from empty beer bottles--definitely adds to the pub's character. However, the food didn't quite live up to the atmosphere. The fish and chips were a bit dry, though the fries were crispy and tasty. The seafood poutine was okay, but nothing spectacular. Still, the coolest part was being on a floating pub--it's a fun setting that's hard to beat. While the food wasn't amazing, the overall experience makes it worth a visit if you're in the area! read more

I'm not much of a pub girl, but this was worth the boat taxi ride. It's an experience! This summer we took the little boat taxi to Protection Island, down the ramp on the corner of Front Street and Promenade Drive in downtown Nanaimo. There was a line up of people there and a sign, so it was easy to spot. It runs every hour and it's $12 cash (double check on their website). I had fish & chips which were really good. I sampled some of the spinach artichoke dip which was also good. The drinks were definitely five star, especially on a hot sunny day. read more

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Sun is out, North breeze, Dark Matter on tap and Ashley (Spice Girl) behind the bar! Just might be back tomorrow for another Shaft cocktail

The experience has gone down hill from previous ears. The boat ride has gotten very expensive since it leads right to their restaurant. The food is overpriced for its mediocre quality . I had a small piece of very dry overcooked chicken over my Ceasars salad. Others at the table had pre bottled salsa over store bought chips. Since we had a child with us we were relegated to an outside patio with no access inside for him , not even the bathroom! No atmosphere outside that's for sure. read more

The dinghy dock is still a neat novelty and lives up the the old saying. It's about the Journey not the destination as the destination in these case leaves a lot to be desired. I used to find myself visiting the the dinghy dock most weekends during a summer months as a great destination while kayaking. Under the new ownership now the prices have skyrocket and the kitchen is pumping out subpar dining at premium prices. On my last visit my friend ordered one piece cod and chip, I had the beef burger. We each had one drink and the bill was $90.00 before tip. My burger was smaller and dryer then what would have been served in a McDonald's. The servers forgot to provide cutlery to my friend and we couldn't eat until I gave up waiting for a server to notice use and went into the bar to request Cutlery. read more

There's nothing like The Dinghy Dock. After a ten minute ferry ride from Nanaimo's inner harbor to Protection Island, you're on a floating pub with a spectacular view of Nanaimo and area. Unfortunately, not everything the pub offers lives up to its unique location. I've been here a few times over the years, and on this occasion, it was to see an amazing acoustic concert by Nanaimo's blues sensation David Gogo. Kudo's to the owner for bringing in such great live music! We arrived for supper, and here's where things started to slide sideways. The shared Crispy Cauliflower appie ($12) was okay, my Cobb Salad ($19) a little less so. The anemic white chicken pieces, guacamole instead of the usual avocado slices, meh ranch dressing, and flavorless tomato slices that were probably flown in from Mexico in the midst of tomato season did nothing to elevate this salad to something special, the ample pieces of bacon and blue cheese being its saving grace. I finished the salad doubting that any of the individual ingredients had been prepared in-house. My partner's cheeseburger (about $16) suffered from a reportedly dry patty, and my friend's Herb Roasted Halibut ($23) was again overcooked and perched beside a virtual mountain of shredded carrot, all atop some salad greens. He wasn't impressed. A reasonable selection of beer is offered with Longwood, Hoyne, and Driftwood being the main brews. Prices are average at around $7 for a sixteen ounce glass. Cocktails and a small wine selection are also available. Service started okay and became non-existent as the evening wore on, with waits of up to a half hour for drinks. Granted it was busy because of the concert, but this place is often busy on good days when the patios are open. An undrinkable glass of a go-to craft lager from a fresh cask (wrong cask?) had to be returned to the bar after we couldn't get our server's attention. That said, our initial appie order was replaced without issue after it showed up drizzled in a creamy parmesan sauce we had requested on the side. I'll be back for David Gogo's great annual acoustic show next year, but probably not before then. If you're looking for a nice ferry ride to a unique pub in a stunning five star location, definitely check out the Dingy Dock, but expect two to three star food and service on a good day. read more

I wish we would have taken pictures of our food - it was sooo good! The staff here go above and beyond for customers and we will definitely be back! read more

Dinghy Dock - Outside on the dock - Pubs Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

A cozy, historic floating pub on the dock at Protection Island, the type of place that makes me perhaps unreasonably happy with it's big old booths, patio on the water, fishing hole for kids where they can actually catch fish in the Pacific with tiny poles while mum and dad eat crazy fresh seafood and drink pints of local lager. The fish and chips we had were delicious, huge and inexpensive, and the gentle late night rocking and awesome music enticed us to stay 3 pints later then we'd planned. The driver of the ferry back to Nanaimo helped our waiter clean up behind the bar (um, adorable) and then we all loaded in to the little ferry together and rode home. An excellent night out. Apparently the pub can get rowdy in the summer, which I think I'd enjoy, but heads up if salty is not your thing. read more

Dinghy Dock - Pubs Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

The Mac and cheese (with added bacon) is literally the BEST I've ever had. WOOOOW If you want to fight off your hang over and then continue on to a nice buzz ... this is the place. read more

Dinghy Dock - Mac and cheese add bacon - Pubs Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

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Visited Thur Feb 25, 2016 in the evening Every Thur they have "Name that tune", where your table plays against other tables guessing the title of the song, the artist and the year it was released. We have never played before and it was very fun! The hosts Larry and Jenn were friendly and engaged the crowd. Pros The only floating pub in Canada, accessible only by boat so definitely a unique experience. Marina Mussels tasted great and fresh. Baked Penne was good as well. Reasonably priced drinks $6 for cider and cocktails. Open year-round. Cons The decor is a bit dated, don't expect anything fancy. It would have been nice to walk around Protection island, there are no lights on the island after dark so suggest to come during the daytime. Damage $45 pre-tip Protip - VIU students can use their VIUSU cards to get a free ferry ride! This is not widely advertised at all. read more

Not the place it was.. my burger was really tough, my colleagues fish was way under cooked...,the saving grace was the mojito.. that was good read more

Came here with the boyfriend since this was one of the places that was recommended on trip advisor, and a fellow yelper. It was kind of cool little floating restaurant. We took a little ferry over, it leaves every 10 minutes. Food was good, I should of ordered the seafood plates. My boyfriend's shrimp scampi tasted 10 times better than my burger. The burger had chipotle mayo, which was different from most places. One star off for untoasted bun :( read more

Wonderful view and tons of fun playing 'Seinfeld trivia'. We had the fish and chips which dripped with what seems an excessive amount of oil. A fun experience which does involve taking a small ferry from Nanaimo city to the location as well. Just make sure you get to the ferry early, as the boats only have seats for so many and can fill up very quickly. read more

Twice in two weeks. Treated the kids like gold. Food was good. Service was great. A great escape from land life. Fishing for the tiny fish with the kidlets is fun too. read more

Has gone downhill since we were here last summer. Menu is ok but not as varied as it probably could be. My husband had the ribs, and they (and the rest of his meal) werw excellent; but I had the cod and chips and it was below average. The fish was very doughy and far too soft and the fries were frozen, average fries. The best part was there signature dessert, Sex in a Dinghy. Service was slow and we had to ask a coupe of times for our drink refills. Hopefully next year will be better!! read more

Dinghy Dock - a view of the water - Pubs Near Me - Nanaimo, British Columbia

We went over to Protection Island to go to the Dinghy Dock Pub. We decided to go when the weather was going to cooperate. We were told there was a benefit event happening and that we had to sit in the family area. We were also told that we had to be out of there before the event started. I had the Halibut dinner and my cousin had the Crab cakes. The food was really good and so was the service. Just wish we didn't have to rush in and out of there and could have enjoyed the view of the water a little bit more. read more

Terrible TERRIBLE service here today. We arrived and it took a while to be seated, even longer to get our drink order in... but then it took OVER AN HOUR AND A HALF to get our food. Our server, Sarah, didn't even acknowledge us during this whole time. It wasn't until we asked a different server how much longer it would be- that she finally came out to let us know it would be at least another 15 mins. Took at least another 20 to get our food- which was incomplete - and Sarah said it would be another 10 mins for the missed plate- and then we noticed that two tables around us who had arrived over an hour after us, were also getting their food. We didn't just get up and leave because we had 3 small children with us who were starving by this point- and when we told the server that we were not happy and that she clearly had forgotten to place our order - she didn't even apologize and her response was "there was a mix up, that's why I brought you some chips". Needless to say, we won't be going back and we will tell everyone we know about the terrible experience we had. If it wasn't because we had to run to catch the ferry because we didn't want to wait another hour there- I would have asked to speak to a manager and refused to pay the bill. Definitely DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!!!!! read more

A beautiful October Saturday here. The ferry costs $9 return and drops you right at the Pub. Walked around Protection Island first before though, to work up an appetite. The Halibut and Chips were First Rate incredible, portion was large and the choice of beverages aplenty. Highly recommended! read more

A wonderful gem and one that everyone should take in. After a short ferry ride from Nanaimo Harbour we arrived at the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island. We took a table on the outside balcony and enjoyed the warmth of a September afternoon sun while enjoying the sights and sounds of the harbour and the marine and sea life. A seal came over to visit and a large Blue Herron was returning to its nest. Over a couple of pitchers of local beer, we enjoyed our steamed mussels and prawns and proceeded with the main course of Halibut and Chips, scampi and a mixed seafood and steak combo platter. The food was delicious and served in a timely matter. Desert and coffee followed, capping off a wonderful day and meal. Service was fast and friendly and was reasonably priced. The only downside is waiting for the ferry to get back to the harbour dock. We will be back! read more

The food was great. We both had halibut burgers and were excellent. However, we were seated on the deck right up against the building and it was really hot. When we requested to move tables, we were told that due to COVID that we couldn't move. The heat quickly began to increase to the point that it got unbearable, and were still not allowed to move, even though most of the tables in the pub were empty. At the end my wife was so hot she thought she was going to pass out and we had to leave. When she phoned to share her concerns right after, there was no apology and felt like she was just brushed off and was even hung up on. While we know that there are protocols in place, it was extremely hot and there were 3/4 of the tables open. It made for a very uncomfortable dinner and left with unfinished drinks and dinner. read more

They turned us away, we were 7 people, not partying or rowdy, all over 50 yrs with two young girls and were rude about it. Not impressed when they said if two separate boats showed up with 6 apiece , they would seat them, but not us on two separate tables, but across the bay at the Lighthouse, sat us no problem read more

We rented a Hobi Kayak from Kayak Adventures and stopped at this pub for some mid-day lunch. The staff directed us as we approached the dock and offered docking assistance. We sat in a great spot on the patio with plenty of shade umbrella's to get some sun relief. The spiciest cesares I have ever ordered and I liken 'em spicy. They were really good. We both had hamburgers with salad and fries with real toppings of fresh fried mushrooms and onions put this as my favourite burger place in BC. Take your own kayak or shuttle across to this gem of a pub. read more

last week we went to the dingy dock pub for a family reunion get together. We ordered drinks as soon as we could and meals shortly after. it took well over 30 min. to get our drinks, and we were ignored for a long time before we could catch the waitress's eye to try get refills. Our meals arrived about and hour after. The halibut and cod was not very good , 5 year old granddaughter liked the chicken fingers and the fries were disgusting, salty and nothing like they used to be. My extra toasted hamburger bun was open faced and floating in the wet beet juice from my salad. I eventually received another burger which was not toasted and then went to try get someone to bring us our bills. [five in total]. The waitress plunked them on the table and told use there was an 18% gratuity added to the bill as we were a table of eight. Two of use went immediately to see a manager and were told that it was a normal practice. I said there is no signage about that anywhere nothing on the menu and the server never said anything as I would have been fine sitting at the next table. Also I was charged liquor pst on my water and another person who drank pop was charged liquor pst as well. We did eventually get new bills without the 18% or liquor pst. but it definitely will be the last time we all go there. Also two ladies with 7 kids sat next to use and after we saw them on the dock and I asked if they were charged the 18% auto tip and they said they were not. Whoever is running that should be let go and I will call the govt. in regard to the illegal liquor pst. Gary read more

This place is adorable. Everything from taking the ferry to get there to the food and the atmosphere.

Sadly, I believe I had the worst dining experience I have ever had at The Dinghy Dock last night. Our family waited for 2 hours for our food until we finally left without eating. When we finally enquired as to when our food might be coming, the answer we received was "I don't know when, but it won't be anytime soon." We weren't the only ones either, our server told us multiple tables had walked out after also waiting 2 hours for food. No explanations or warnings upon being seated that there was any delays in the kitchen. Was really looking forward to our first time at The Dinghy Dock, sadly it will most likely be our last time. read more

Gorgeous pub in a fun location on Protection Island. You get a little ferry here for $9 return from Nanaimo harbour. It goes every hour and takes ten mins, although I believe they were trying out increased sailings for the summer. Ferry takes you straight to the pub, which has a fantastic amount of patio space right on the water, with both regular and high top tables. The inside is also lovely - bright, ocean/sailor themed (but not too cheesy) with a live music stage and heaps of attention to detail when it came to the decor. There's a great, very reasonably priced drinks list for both draft beer and cocktails. Waitress was the right amount of friendly. The only food I tried was the crab cake appy, which was overpriced at $11 for two small cakes. Otherwise, had a great time here as a tourist to Nanaimo. read more

Great location, right on the water and boats can tie up. Inconsistent quality for the food; sometimes good, other times very poor. You have to take a small ferry to get there and to have to gamble on if the food is OK or not can make it a very expensive time. I would not recommend. read more

Great location to watch the sunset and enjoy a glass of wine. Food is ok, however, wouldn't rate it as very good. But still worth going as the view is amazing and it's fun to be on a floating bar. read more

I have been to the dinghy dock many times. The service is moderate as well as the food. I think the experience is what makes the trip worth while. I would definitely recommend that you go at least once read more

Great little place to take a date short ferry ride to get there but food was great service was happy to have us and prices are reasonable

Great place to moor your boat and go for excellent fish and chips. Not room for many boats to be tied to dock, though, but their is a water taxi/ferry to take you there as well. Very pleasant, unique location. Lots to look at both in and out of the restaurant. Staff was very friendly. read more

Can't argue with other reviews about the view or the setting of this unique little pub. Seafood was really good but if you're hoping to have a steak spend your money elsewhere. The mixed grill is supposed to be their version of surf and turf; I would say surf and turd. I've gotten a better cut of meat on a $4.95 pub special and twice the size. I would guess they cut the steak sandwich serving in half which looked to be a 7 oz fast fry. A real disappointment. read more

We were pleasantly surprised. I had the veggie burger and my husband had the crab and bacon melt. There were both great. The fries are to die for. Beer was cold and a good local brew. Staff is really friendly and helpful and you can't beat the view from patio. read more

The Halibut Burger has reappeared on the menu, after several years absence. It's great, so is the pub.

The nice part is sitting on the dock overlooking Nanaimo Harbour and all the boating activity, but we waited well over an hour and a half to get our meal and another half hour or more to get waited on... they are just too busy or there are not enough cooks. I didn't enjoy the fish and chips either. Menu is limited. read more

Well, I've been going to the Dinghy Dock for the last 15 years. We are there usually once a week in the summer. We realize that it is mostly a pub, and you go there for the atmosphere, and not the food quality, Our first visit this year; however, was not so good. We have noticed that since the new owners have taken over, the food quality has been steadily declining. This year though, there has been perhaps the most noticeable difference in food quality . We are usually able to find a couple of menu staples which are half decent. This year, they seem to have even mucked up even that. They have taken their signature fries which had a coating, and replaced it with a generic Costco one. Several people at our table were commenting on that fact and they were very disappointed. Their steak sandwich which is usually a good option, was almost inedible. The steak which used to be of decent quality, is now grisly and tough. We have ordered this item twice so far this year, and both times it is like that. The bread used for the sandwich has also been changed and it is not good. I realize that running a restaurant is expensive and it looks like they are trying to cut their food costs. My words of advice to the pub are be careful...Ourselves and our friends are now thinking twice about ordering food there after we go sailing and we are now considering skipping the pub all together (my sangria I ordered tasted like fruit juice and that's it). read more

I keep coming back here because I don't have very high standards. Plus it's really close to my home. I live on the island. The first thing I noticed was the ferry skipper kept rooting through my bags of groceries looking for drugs I guess. Then when I was seated the first waitiress was very young and work short shorts which made my teenage son follow her up and down the whatever they are called, aisles in the restaurant. Floors? The second waitiress came and she was slow and kept trying to get us to order more food saying that it was going to be a shame to just throw out all that cole slaw. Then a bald man came out of the back and told everyone the ferry had crashed and we'd have to each each other to stay alive but that he would give us a discount. Basically the same old thing at the Dinghy Dock super salty and they act like they're the only restaurant on the island. Service is seductive but makes you feel like a creep and don't forget your wife is watching and packing up your steak knife in her purse! read more

Food is fine, pub style. there are not many choices to be chosen from. the view is awsome here which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The quantity is a lottle bit below enough for a young starving girl like me, haha read more

We were in Nanaimo on a cruise ship on Mother's Day Sunday, so we made reservations for brunch here. It's on an island in the bay, so we took the ferry over ($9 round trip) and ate. It was nicer than I expected and very pleasant. They had some interesting beers on tap, so we ate our good food, drank our good beer and enjoyed the water outside. Very pleasant! read more