Ultimate Guide to Vancouver’s Best Patios

Looking for Vancouver’s best patios to park yourself at for an evening? Look no further. Here’s our vetted list for patios with the best water views, city views, people-watching, and hidden gems. We put up with a lot of rain year-round, so let’s make the most of these fleetingly precious summer days and get out there.

Patios with the best water views

Ancora For a fresh and fanciful West Coast date night, head to Ancora for a blend of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine and False Creek water views. Instagram | 1600 Howe Street, Vancouver

Bridges  This patio is a Granville Island staple, 35 years and running. Instagram | 1696 Duranleau St, Vancouver

Cactus Club Cafe  These seats set right on English Bay are highly coveted all summer long – sunset views, anyone? Instagram | 1790 Beach Avenue, Vancouver

Cardero’s Restaurant  A longtime fave with views of Coal Harbour Marina and live music (every night from 8:30pm and 3-6pm on weekends.) Instagram | 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver

Dockside Restaurant  Wrapped around a tranquil corner of Granville Island, this patio practically spills out onto False Creek. No wonder they’re voted Best in Vancouver  year after year. Instagram | Granville Island, 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver

The Galley Patio & Grill  Truly a local gem at the  Jericho Beach, head up towards the Sailing Centre (just before sunset) to soak in the beauty of the mountains, downtown, and North Shore. 1300 Discovery Street, Vancouver

Lift Bar & Grill  In a quieter nook of the seawall in Coal Harbour and perched in prime position for incredible views of the water. Instagram | 333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver

Mahony & Sons  Gorgeous views of False Creek and Coal Harbour, with a casual vibe and good selection of brews. Instagram | 601 Stamps Landing & 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

Miku Restaurant  Postcard-perfect view of Canada Place and the North Shore while you enjoy the very best aburi sushi. Instagram | 200 Granville St, Vancouver

Provence Marinaside  Solid French Mediterranean food and wine list at this Yaletown waterfront patio. Instagram | 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver

Romer’s  Burgers and happy hours with a chill neighbourhood vibe and riverside view. Instagram | 8683 Kerr St. Vancouver

The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant Granville Island water views, fresh seafood, and live music 7 days a week. Instagram | 1535 Johnston St, Vancouver

Tap & Barrel Huge patios at their Olympic Village and Convention Centre locations make for popular social gathering destinations (across the water, their new Shipyards local is equally buzzing.) Instagram | 1 Athletes Way & 76-1055 Canada Place, Vancouver

The Wicklow Pub Tucked into Stamps Landing, this pub has a laid back vibe and casual happy hour specials. 610 Stamps Landing, Vancouver

Patios with the best city view

Joe Fortes Nothing beats buck-a-shuck happy hour on this botanical rooftop overlooking city centre. Instagram | 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver

Black + Blue Head straight up to The Roof on the 3rd floor to revel in an upscale night-on-the-town scene. Instagram | 1032 Alberni St, Vancouver

Market by Jean-Georges Gorgeous restaurant where the food is impeccable (thanks to three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten).  Instagram | 1115 Alberni Street, 3rd Floor, Vancouver

The Keg  Above a busy corner of Yaletown, this Keg-sized rooftop patio is covered and heated for maximum comfort.  Instagram | 1011 Mainland St, Vancouver

Best patios for people-watching

Vancouver Art Gallery Cafe One of our go-to patios for light al fresco fare or a casual glass of bubbly in the heart of city. Instagram | 750 Hornby St, Vancouver

Brix & Mortar An exquisite, old world-esque patio decked out with stunning chandeliers and stoned flooring. Instagram | 1138 Homer Street, Vancouver

Edible Canada Cute and cozy patio in the centre of the action of Granville Island – perfect setting to enjoy their fresh, local dishes. Instagram | 1596 Johnston Street, Vancouver

Chambar A welcome urban oasis perfect for any meal of the day (brunch is our fave). Instagram | 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver

The Keefer Bar Can’t help but be drawn to that fire pit…and a cocktail list that begs to be explored. Instagram | 135 Keefer St, Vancouver

Local Public Eatery You won’t be able to see Kits Beach across the road, but it’s a prime people-watching hotspot. Instagram | 2210 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver

Dalina Coffee Enjoy a solid cup of coffee or a plate of pasta while watching passersby at the busy corner of Main and Georgia. Instagram | 687 Main St, Vancouver

Havana Restaurant Soak in the colourful life on The Drive while you sip away the afternoon. Instagram | 1212 Commercial Dr, Vancouver

Hidden patios

Pronto A refreshing complement in back of the cozy restaurant, away from the Cambie Street traffic and bustle. Instagram | 3473 Cambie St, Vancouver

Tacofino  The 16-seat outdoor space faces Blood Alley and brings its own character to the hood with its reclaimed cedar tables and Mexican-style chairs. Instagram | 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver

The Narrow Lounge  Hard to find if you’ve never been, but once you do, you’ll never want to leave this hidden Mount Pleasant gem. The patio is tiny and intimate in the best way, and conducive to canoodling over beers and tequila. 1898 Main St, Vancouver, BC

Kingston Taphouse & Grille  Expectedly taphouse interior meets pleasantly unexpected rustic secret garden exterior. Instagram | 755 Richards St, Vancouver

Forage  Enjoy your farm-to-table meal with picnic vibes on their backyard patio. Instagram | 1300 Robson Street, Vancouver

Vij’s  This charmingly inviting deck comes complete with cozy blankets, cushions, and views of the North Shore mountains. Instagram | 3106 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Giardino Restaurant  Florentine-styled courtyard and sidewalk patio lined with tasteful foliage pairs naturally with Umberto’s classy Tuscan fare. Instagram | 1328 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Minami A dreamy garden to enjoy some of the best sushi in town makes for a divine patio treat. Instagram | 1118 Mainland St, Vancouver

Reflections: The Garden Terrace Hop in the elevator and go straight to the 4th floor to experience this luxurious oasis that will have you questioning where you’ve been transported to. Instagram | 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

The Westin Grand The poolside #PopUpPatio is open this summer every Thursday & Friday (weather dependent) from 5 – 9 pm. Instagram | 433 Robson Street, Vancouver

Over a bridge and yonder

The Beach House  This restored heritage building set on the shore of Dundarave Beach houses a large heated oceanfront patio with expansive water views of Howe Sound. Instagram | 150 25th St, West Vancouver

Altitudes Bistro For extra special occasions, take the gondola up to this outstanding gem. The view from up top is unbeatable. Instagram | Mountain Hwy, North Vancouver

Arms Reach Bistro You can’t miss their bright yellow umbrellas at the end of Gallant Avenue. A fave North Shore comfort spot. Instagram | 4390 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver

Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar Built on the historic shipyards at Lonsdale Quay, with 180-degree sweeping views of Vancouver’s cityscape. Instagram | 25 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver

Summit Lodge  A rewarding day-to-night outing just 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Take the Sea to Sky Gondola for an outdoor exploration, some hiking if you’re up to it, then ease into the stunning views on the patio with a glass of wine. (Kind of sounds like a the backdrop for a Bachelorette episode…or just a regular date night for you non-tv folks.) Instagram | 36800 BC-99, Squamish

What are we missing?

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