It’s not easy running the most remote pub in BC, but Pat Gwynne did it for nearly 40 years.
The Scarlet Ibis is in Holberg. But only 35 people live in Holberg all year round, so most of the customers are loggers and tourists who are coming to hike in Cape Scott.
When COVID hit and travel was restricted, things got even tougher.
Gwynne tried selling the Scarlet Ibis pub a few times over the past few years, but the deals always fell through. She knew she could sell the Ibis as a house, but she wanted to make sure it stayed as a pub. There were no buyers.
Until recently.
This spring a team of 12 people from Vancouver bought the pub and they’re giving it a bit of a facelift. According to Tim Sangha, the lead partner of the team, the plan for the Ibis is simple: keep what works and fix what doesn’t.
It takes a whole team to replace Pat, who did nearly every job at the pub. Mechanics and electricians on the team have fixed up the gas lines and the electrical, and put in a backup system for when the power goes out.
A woodlot owner on the team has added new carvings and made the deck bigger. Other team members are building cabins and fixing the parking area.
The new team wants to make sure the Ibis stays open for at least another 45 years. The first step is making it through the pandemic.
They’re making food for takeout and the deck is open for drinks and dinner. It’s best to call ahead to make sure they’re open, though: (250) 288-3386.
