If you are looking for a unique eating experience while visiting Nanaimo, BC then look no further (well actually just look across the harbour) than the Dinghy Dock Pub & Restaurant on Protection Island, in the downtown Nanaimo harbour. Furthermore, when you are done eating you can take a leisurely tour around the island, which is home to a fascinating group of artists and those who like to live the leisurely island live. Getting to the pub is simple: head to the Nanaimo Harbour City Marina. You can walk down from Promenade Dr and Front St. The first boat at the bottom is where you wait for the ferry. The ferry leaves Nanaimo on the hour, and the cost is $8 for an adult, round trip. Feel free to stay as long as you like, as long as you catch the last ferry back at 11:10pm Sun-Wed or 12:10am Thurs-Sat. Make sure you check the current schedule and fees here: http://www.dinghydockpub.com/ferry-information/ The pub was originally build in 1989 and is family owned and operated. The name originated from back when there wasn't room for everyone to put their boats, so they would tie up their dinghies to the pub. Interestingly enough, the pub can actually float on its own, and is registered as a boat. At the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island you will find some fabulous fare awaiting you, from delectable seafood stuffed mushroom caps to pizza, pasta and steak. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night, or just sit on the dock and gaze back on the gorgeous Nanaimo harbor at sunset. If you want to spend the whole day exploring the island, consider coming over for a Sunday brunch before you embark. Guests and staff alike at the Painted Turtle Guesthouse love the Dinghy Dock Pub. Guest make frequent trips on the foot ferry to enjoy a great meal, an awesome waterfront view, and the opportunity to meet some new friends in a super natural setting! So, those looking for a good meal, a terrific view and an opportunity to check out one of Nanaimo's most famous restaurants should definitely put the Dinghy Dock Pub on Protection Island on their list of things to do when visiting Nanaimo on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.