Anyone with $4.8 million at their disposal can buy a popular local watering hole, a residence on a beautiful piece of island property and a really short commute to work.
The Dinghy Dock Pub 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ Canada's only floating pub 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ on Protection Island has come up for sale, along with a "stunning waterfront home" and ferry service that carries patrons and the island's residents to and from downtown Nanaimo.
A listing from Richmond-based Luxmore Realty describes the property as a "turn-key package" with a "thriving pub set against a scenic bay backdrop, frequented by locals and tourists for its beer, seafood and live music."
The 2,655-square-foot home, located directly behind the pub, is listed as having four bedrooms, five baths, a spacious living area, air conditioning, views of Nanaimo Harbour and "meticulous landscaping."
The Dinghy Dock Pub has been in operation since 1989. It was last sold in October 2019 for $2.6 million by then owners John and Cheryl Logan, with a commitment from the subsequent owner to maintain the pub's operation. The pub, property and water taxi business previously sold in 2004 for $1.6 million.
According to the pub's website, the Dinghy Dock was originally intended to function as a marina that included a store, bait shop and showers and patrons would order drinks and food through "a hole in the kitchen wall."
The business has expanded three times over the years to include patios, a bigger kitchen and a family area which included a hole in the pub's floor where children could drop a line and try their luck at catching fish. The docks have been upgraded too 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ from small docks low to the water to accommodate local kayakers and patrons in dinghies 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ and can now handle watercraft up to 50 feet in length along with the kayaks and dinghies.
"We have enjoyed our time here immensely and have learned a lot including how to stay 'afloat' even during a pandemic," said Rachel Hao, pub owner, in an e-mail. "The Dinghy Dock has been loved by locals and tourists alike since 1989 and we hope it continues its presence as an iconic Nanaimo attraction."
