Port Browning Marina Pub and Cafe

The initial impression was the sign outside advertising milkshakes for $13. Unfortunately, the food was subpar and the service was below average. The restaurant is owned by a marine group and seems to cater to Marina clientele who are accustomed to overpaying. I overheard someone mentioning they were charged nearly $100 for a campsite with basic amenities. The unserviced sites were priced at $75, which led me to believe that the Mill Bay marina group is taking advantage of customers.

For 2 per foot at the marina, you get nothing but the piece of wood you're tied up to. There is zero potable water to top up your tanks, even during a multi night stay. All of the water spigots on the docks have padlocks on them with no access except for 2 boats at the gangway which are likely resident boats, they get a key to their spigot padlock and wash their boats in front of you probably paying much less than the transient moorage rates we pay. You'd think showers would be free if you can't shower on your boat because you can't top up your water supply nope, you'll have to pay for those too so bring to the marina bathroom. Power is not included in your moorage rate, that's extra . The wifi is pointless to try and virtually non existent so that's not included either. Garbage is extra also at 5 per bag and not included in your moorage I thought I was on the most populated and civilized Gulf Island, not Refuge Cove or Desolation Sound! It's June 10th and the pool is as green as the grass and totally unusable so that's not an included amenity right now. They removed the pool table in the pub in the so called renovation (I liked it better before) and there was no live music like they're used to be on weekends so hopefully you absolutely love the food because that's all there is to look forward to and they close at 8pm. So what does the moorage rate actually include, if anything but the dock you're tied to? Judging by their FB page which is 98% posts about the pub and food, they'd rather cater to day visitors on the Aqualink shuttle than have to provide service and amenities to overnight stays for boaters in the marina maybe because we NEED water and can't stop at just any public water spigot like motorhome RV's can. It seems to me boaters helped fund the newly installed glamping suites, campers, and pub renovations perhaps because they're cheaper to run and service. You can moor at Otter Bay Marina or Poets Cove Marina nearby and get some water for your tanks, free garbage disposal, plus a pool (and hot tub at Poets Cove) for the same rate and I highly recommend you do just that or anchor in the bay at Port Browning and tender into the pub because all you'd be getting for your moorage money is a piece of wood to tie up to anyways. If management wants to come down here and ask me to leave for writing this review, nothing would make me happier right now than getting a refund for 1 of the 3 nights I paid for. Please get another water cistern (in all of your phases of renovations you announce) and treat boaters fairly for their patronage and the profit they provide you!

Great view! Food was really good, and menu selection was awesome- a lot of options. Poutine- yum! Salmon burger was also really good. Green goddess salad with chicken also really good- maybe not $27 good. Service- Excellent! Friendly and fun. Also well behaved pets welcomed on the patio we enjoyed dinner next to a few dogs a cat). Something I really enjoyed. So glad we stopped here. Would go back no question.

This has been a favourite cruising destination over the years and it didn't disappoint. I was able to call ahead to ensure space on the dock for an overnight stay would be possible. (Some marinas now insist on website reservations which is not easy when operating a boat). When I got close a call on 66A brought assistance with docking down to greet me. The upgrade to the main docks have now been completed and they are excellent. Good 30A power (no 15A) available. Watch out for the new pressure treated rails for lines. They have the usual snags on the wood. After docking I enjoyed a walk up into the commercial centre for Pender to browse the bookshop and pick up some supplies. In the evening I had a great IPA and a pizza on the deck of the Pub. I had heard on the news that the ferry from the mainland had been cancelled that day so was not surprised that some items on the menu were not available. I didn't hear any complaints about that as most people recognize this is a relatively small island dependent on offshore supplies. Food quality was good and I heard several compliments and no complaints. The staff were friendly and attentive. A good experience. I found the dock crew especially helpful with information, assistance and hot coffee in the morning before departure. They are an obvious asset for the marina. In summary, this isn't a fancy yacht club or marina in a big city. It's a great destination for families with kids who can use the field to play or take advantage of the pool. They have a good pub with good food and great staff.

Friendly service but way overpriced for medium quality food Substitutions for sides at extra costs and outrageous price for store bought pie Will not return Very disappointed I feel gouged