A hidden gem on Sproat Lake in Port Alberni, BC. is the Fish and Duck Pub and Houseboats. Let’s start with how it came to be known as the ‘Fish and Duck Inn’, the name of the pub and restaurant located on the resort. Years ago,  when it was first opened, the locals around the lake would go out fishing and while out on the water they would ‘duck in’ for a pint before going back out fishing and then home, hence the name ‘Fish And Duck Inn’.

Sproat Lake Fish & Duck Inn and Houseboats

Currently owned by Gary Spencer-Smith and Kryssie Thomson, along with a group of investor friends, who purchased it from Aaron and Sheila Griffin in 2019 who had previously owned it for 30 years. Aaron and Sheila introduced houseboats to the lake which have allowed people from all over the world to come, stay and enjoy the extreme rugged beauty of one of Canada’s (Port Alberni’s) best kept secrets! With crystal clear water and a warm lake, visitors who take the plunge into the pristine waters are blown away.  The water is so clean it is the actual drinking water for all the residents and in many areas on the lake these homes do not even have filtration systems that’s how clean it is!

Houseboats

The houseboats on Sproat Lake available are 15 person houseboats and once aboard you realize these are no ordinary boats. With 4-6 staterooms, a full kitchen, two bathrooms, hot tubs on the upper deck and slides off the back into the water, these are a floating holiday designed to offer patrons a truly unique way to cruise around and stay on Sproat Lake. Along with houseboats the resort also offers pontoon boat and speedboat rentals where you can tube, wakeboard, kneeboard or go one step further and hire the surfboat for a day which includes a driver and 15 of your friends where you can partake in wake surfing, one of the best experiences for all ages and abilities. They also have non-motorized sports available, paddle boarding and kayaking where you can choose a more leisurely pace out on the water.

Waterfront Pub

The pub and restaurant recently had an overhaul and feels like a waterfront pub should, full of unique charm and serving great local beer on tap paired with generous servings of delicious pub style food. With regular locals, holiday makers and travellers alike the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, sitting inside with the abundance of lake facing windows or outside on the deck, the panoramic views are to die for. Guests are regularly treated with sunsets from the west facing pub and deck views looking over the spectacular lake where nature gives breathtaking colours which are seriously Instagram worthy!

Also available at this hidden gem are little cabins built nearly 100 years ago available to rent and stay in, along with a couple of houses spread across the property which are also available on Airbnb for people looking for a stay on the waterfront. The new owners have a big vision for continuing to improve and create one of the BEST lakefront experiences in the world for locals and visitors alike.

Written by Guest Writer Kryssie Thompson, Owner / Operator of Fish and Duck Pub and Houseboats and Megan Warrender the Valley Vibe, Port Alberni’s fast-growing community and online magazine. The passion here at the Valley Vibe is to showcase the beautiful of our valley for all who live here, and travel through. Working together with many talented writers, we at the Valley Vibe love to explore, discover and uncover secret jewels about Port Alberni and Sproat Lake.