Top city views at downtown patios in Toronto, Ottawa, Niagara

Toronto

The Rooftop at Broadview Hotel

Enjoy delicious drinks and share bites with friends at the Rooftop, located atop the Broadview Hotel. The restaurant’s 360° glass façade and pyramidal skylight lets in plenty of natural light and offer incredible views of the Toronto skyline and the Don River.

Order delicious sharables such as sweet potato fries, crispy prawns or yellowfin tuna poke. Larger meals include rice noodle salad, pork carnitas tacos or steak bulgogi. For your drinks, you can choose sparkling wine, signature cocktails or beer on tap.

The Broadview Hotel Rooftop is open for reservations every day of the week from 4:00 p.m. until late.

Location: 106 Broadview Avenue, Toronto

Writers Room at Park Hyatt

Since it opened in the 1940s, Writers Room at Park Hyatt has been a popular gathering place for writers, poets and journalists.  It became a hub for academics to share ideas—a reputation it continues to foster today.

With its warm atmosphere and leather seats, this cozy cocktail bar is both a cultural landmark and a great place for drinks. You’ll enjoy unique handcrafted cocktails and martinis made by the Writers Room’s talented mixologists in vintage shakers, served in classic glassware. Sip on your drink while lounging on the Park Hyatt Toronto patio and admiring the incredible city views.

The Writers Room is open for reservations for lunch on Thursdays to Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for dinner on Sundays to Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to midnight and on Thursdays to Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Location: 4 Avenue Road, Toronto

Valerie at Hotel X

Located near Toronto’s Exhibition Place, Valerie at Hotel X consists of the three upper levels of the building.

The 27th floor offers a wide selection of curated cocktails and Japanese-inspired snacks. Drink and chat with friends inside this lounge, with music and décor inspired by the Roaring Twenties. On the 28th floor, you’ll discover a creative menu specializing in sushi rolls, sashimi and tempura. The rooftop takes up the 29th floor, which boasts unobstructed skyline views, live entertainment and more mouthwatering Japanese light bites.

Valerie can be booked for reservations. The live lounge is open on Fridays to Sundays from 7:00 p.m. to late. The sushi bar is open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The rooftop is open during the summer months, from 3:00 p.m. to late.

Location: 111 Princes' Boulevard, Toronto

Harriet’s Rooftop at 1Hotel Toronto

At Harriet’s Rooftop, located above 1Hotel Toronto, you’ll experience picturesque views of the Toronto skyline in a casual dining atmosphere. Step into the outdoor patio, complete with comfortable couches, a wooden patio cover strung with fairy lights and plenty of greenery that makes this a perfect summer hangout spot.

On the menu, you’ll discover signature cocktails made with unique ingredients like homemade lychee, Grey Goose vodka, white miso syrup and elderflower cordial. There’s also a variety of beer and Japanese-inspired drink options.

Book a reservation at Harriet’s Rooftop on Wednesdays from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m., on Thursdays to Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. and on Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m.

Location: 550 Wellington Street West Suite C, Toronto

AP Restaurant

You’ll find AP Restaurant in the heart of Toronto’s chic Yorkville neighbourhood, on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre.

Executive chef Antonio Park has crafted a menu of Japanese and pan-Asian-inspired dishes. Some of the restaurant’s most popular plates are seafood soup, lamb chops, Canadian lobster, kimchi fried rice and 5A Japanese Wagyu steak. Pair your meal of choice with a drink from the diverse cocktail menu.

Dine in the restaurant’s modern, sophisticated interior, or if the weather is warm, eat on the outdoor patio for an incredible 360° view of the city.

AP Restaurant is open for reservations on Mondays to Thursdays from 5:00 to 10:30 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Location: 55 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Lavelle

At 16 stories high, Lavelle offers scenic views of Toronto from its rooftop seating area, lounge bar, outdoor pools and private cabanas.

Perfect for celebrating the summer weather, it’ll feel like you’re on a tropical escape with the restaurant’s signature cocktails made with fresh grapefruit, cherries, passionfruit, coconut water, kiwi, grape and more. The menu features modern Brazilian and Japanese-inspired fare, including dishes such as tempura rolls, truffle mashed potatoes, spicy shrimp, island salad and panko mac and cheese.

Visit Lavelle on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to midnight and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Reservations can be booked through their website.

Location: 627 King Street West, Toronto

Ottawa

Copper Spirits and Sights at Andaz Hotel

Enjoy delicious Canadian cuisine on the sixteenth floor of the Andaz Hotel at Copper Spirits and Sights rooftop bar. This luxurious, upscale lounge is the tallest rooftop patio in Ottawa. You’ll witness incredible views of Ottawa’s copper-topped buildings while poring through the restaurant’s diverse menu of cocktails and wines.

Choose from a variety of appetizers and small plates, including kettle chips, marinated olives, chicken wings and a cheese and charcuterie board as you bask in the sunlight and sensational views.

Book a reservation at Copper Spirits and Sights on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

Location: 325 Dalhousie Street, Ottawa

La Terrasse at Fairmont Chateau Laurier

For great views of the Parliament Building, the Gatineau Hills and the Ottawa River, check out La Terrasse, a hidden gem on the third floor of Ottawa’s Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel.

Choose from a variety of unique cocktails, beers, ciders and wine. Sit at the Chateau Laurier patio and sample shareable foods like truffle fries, beef tartare and sesame-crusted tuna, or large main plates such as steak frites, chile relleno (lentil and potato picadillo stuffing) and pulpo niçoise (grilled octopus salad). If you still have room for dessert, try the flourless chocolate cake made with blackcurrant sorbet.

La Terrasse is open for reservations every day from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Location: 1 Rideau Street, Ottawa

Tavern on the Falls

Overlooking the Ottawa River, Tavern on the Falls is located near the Rideau Falls and some of Ottawa’s most popular landmarks.

The extensive drinks list includes wine, sangria, cocktails and beer. You’ll also find a menu of tasty hot dogs, tacos, bowls and shareable plates in an array of flavours.

After ordering, relax o cozy couches scattered around the outdoor patio, with whimsical umbrellas to shade you from direct sunlight or twinkling fairy lights to illuminate the area at night. You’ll get to listen to live music from local bands, who regularly play here.

Tavern on the Falls operates on Thursdays to Tuesdays from noon to midnight. Note the pub does not take reservations.

Location: 1 John Street, Ottawa

Rooftop Ottawa, above Apothecary Lounge

With colourful cocktails and panoramic views of the nearby ByWard Market, Rooftop Ottawa is a must-visit during Ottawa’s summer season.

This sunny rooftop retreat is located above the popular Apothecary Lounge and offers a variety of signature cocktails like the Scarlet Tanager (strawberry gin), Little Blue Heron (blueberry infused Ketel One), and the Puffin (amaretto and maraschino liqueur). You can also ask for the dealer’s choice, which gets you a custom beverage perfectly crafted to meet your palate. Enjoy your drinks with seasonal, globally inspired tapas bites.

Visit Rooftop Ottawa on Mondays to Fridays from 3:00 p.m. to late, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to late.

Location: 54 York Street, Ottawa

Niagara Falls

R5 Patio & Bar at Fallsview Casino

Sink into plush seats and listen to classic songs at the trendy R5 Patio & Bar. It’s located in Fallsview Casino, above the Golden Lotus on Level 2 of the Café Court.

Enjoy local wines, tasty craft beers and Spanish-inspired sangria paired with savoury bites such as crispy calamari, artisan charcuterie, fresh oysters or an assortment of flatbreads. Sit back at one of the Malibu fire tables and enjoy the stunning view of the nearby falls. If you’re looking for live music to entertain you and your guests, a DJ joins the party every Friday and Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

R5 Patio & Bar is open during the summer months on Sundays to Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Reservations can be made over the phone.

Location: 6380 Fallsview Boulevard, Niagara Falls

Upper Patio at the Niagara Brewing Company

Experience bold, sharp flavours inspired by the Niagara region at the Niagara Brewing Company, located on the first floor of the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel.

It’s the perfect place to take a break from exploring the city and enjoy a cold drink. This large, rustic brewpub offers a diverse selection of award-winning craft beers and seasonal-flavoured taps, with past ingredients including maple syrup, lavender and icewine. You’ll also find rich smash burgers and artisanal snacks and sliders to satisfy hunger cravings.

Niagara Brewing Company is open on Mondays to Thursdays from noon to 10:00 p.m., Fridays from noon to 11:00 p.m., Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to midnight and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Location: 4915-A Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

Table Rock Patio

Located on the upper floor of the Table Rock Centre, Table Rock Patio features spectacular close-up views of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

After a full day of sightseeing, sit at the patio and choose from a selection of patio favourites like Ontario pulled pork sandwiches, juicy char-grilled burgers, butter lettuce salad and more. Enjoy your meal with VQA wine made from wineries in the Niagara Region or craft beer from local breweries like Bench Brewing and Collective Arts Brewing. And ask about the daily dessert feature.

Table Rock Patio has varying seasonal hours. Contact the restaurant ahead of time to confirm when they’re open.

Location: 6650 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

The Secret Garden Restaurant

A staple for comfort food favourites, the Secret Garden Restaurant showcases scenic views of the American Falls and the beautiful Oakes Garden Theatre.

Tucked away from the bustling main streets of Niagara Falls, you’ll enjoy a quiet dinner on this family-friendly restaurant’s spacious outdoor patio. Popular dishes on the menu include three-egg omelettes, Greek salad, vegetarian stir-fry, gluten-free burgers, penne pasta and much more. A wide variety of local wines, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

The Secret Garden Restaurant is open during the spring and summer months, every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Call ahead to book a reservation.

Location: 5827 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls

Queen Victoria Place Restaurant

Watch the roaring American and Horseshoe Falls while enjoying an elegant meal at the Queen Victoria Place Restaurant. Located on the top level of Queen Victoria Place, you’ll be seated in a charming outdoor patio with natural, minimalist furnishings.

Dine on pub-style foods like a Caesar salad, grilled chicken pesto sandwich or smoked turkey breast panini. You can pair your dish with local craft beer on tap. This restaurant has been certified by Feast ON, which confirms that it supports growers, producers and craftspeople in Ontario’s food and agriculture industries.

Book a reservation at the Queen Victoria Place Restaurant during the spring and summer months, Thursdays to Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location: 6345 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls