Yours for $4.8M: A floating pub, a ferry and a waterfront house near Nanaimo

An iconic fixture of Nanaimo’s Inner Harbour is on the market, again.

The Dinghy Dock Pub opened in 1989 and is the only registered floating pub in Canada, according to its website.

In 2004, the owner sold the pub for $1.3 million, complete with a ferry, a commercial dock and an oceanfront home on Protection Island.

The same property was put on the market again in 2019 and was sold for $2.6 million.

“It’s about as west coast Vancouver Island as you can get,” said Marty Campbell, the pub’s general manager, in a 2019 interview with CHEK News.

“This is where people come and go. This is where everybody starts their day and finishes their day in town.”

Now it’s back on the market again for $4.8 million.

Built in 1986, the property at 8 Pirates Lane on Protection Island is billed as a “turnkey package” that not only includes a chance to own the renowned Dinghy Dock Pub, but also a waterfront single-family house with 2655 square feet of living space.

It also includes the ferry that travels to and from the island.

“This turnkey package offers a thriving pub set against a scenic bay backdrop, frequented by locals and tourists for its beer, seafood, and live music. The ferry provides a memorable voyage to the pub, enhancing the visitor experience,” according to the listing from realtor Gordon Wang.

As of Monday, the listing has been active on REALTOR.ca for 38 days.

The pub opened as a marina and bait shop where hungry mariners and thirsty fishermen could grab a bite and a beverage.

It’s “moored off beautiful Protection Island, originally known as Douglas Island. The ramp that connects the pub to the island allows visitors to walk the rock beaches, visit the parks, or check out the community garden, making it feel like you’re on vacation,” according to the pub’s website.

The listing states that the home, with “superior views” of Nanaimo’s bay, features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a spacious living area with fine maple finishes.

It adds that the property has A/C, a metal roof, and “meticulous” landscaping.

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