Summertime means patio time is well and truly upon us! These languid long warm days invite us to relax, meet with friends and family and perhaps grab a drink while watching the world go by. We asked Victoria Buzz fans to tell us their favorite Greater Victoria patios, and naturally we had to try them out ourselves! Here are a handful of the amazing restaurants, pubs and cafes with patios to visit this summer!
Canoe Brewpub
Canoe features waterfront patios and the best western exposure along Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Enjoy a vibrant and relaxing environment any time of day from 11:30am. Soak up the afternoon sun, watch the sunset and enjoy the summer nights late into the evening. Canoe has recently installed a new patio bar to help quench your thirst even faster with their handcrafted beers. Open Sun – Wed 11:30am to 11pm; Thu – Sat 11:30am to 12am.
Darcy’s Pub
Since 2003 Darcy’s has been the hotspot every night of the week for live music and nightlife, but during the day is when Darcy’s (and the sun) really shine. With 20 taps of ice-cold beer and cider, fresh inspired in-house made food, the best view of Victoria’s gorgeous inner harbor AND great staff, Darcy’s Pub downtown is the place to be. Located on the waterfront in historic Bastion Square – that boasts a seasonal artisan’s market as well as frequent outdoor live entertainment. All of your bases are covered. Come to The “Darc” Side! Open daily 11am-1am.
Irish Times Pub
The Irish Times Pub patio is one of the best ‘people watching’ spots in the city. The Bastion Square Market attracts many visitors and so there is always something to see. They often have local buskers performing right in front of both patios for added entertainment. There is also live music 7 nights a week which can be heard and enjoyed from both patios. Servers and bartenders all wear traditional Irish kilts to add to the overall experience. The patio is open all year round from 11am until 11:30 pm.
The Rooftop Surfclub
The unique Rooftop Surfclub has a rugged Vancouver Island surf theme that includes two full-sized volleyball courts, delicious West Coast Fare, a signature cocktail menu, and magnificent city views! Rooftop offers an unforgettable patio experience with weekly events and that social summer atmosphere! The 300 seat rooftop patio at the Strathcona Hotel is open daily 11:30am-11:30pm for lunch, dinner and late night parties.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Spinnakers has an array of patio options! There are two southwest-facing family-friendly, waterfront patios on the main level, with a beautiful breeze and lovely morning and afternoon sunshine. Hours for the main level patio are 9am-9pm (closing time depending on reservations and weather), May through the summer.
The newly-renovated upper-level cedar patio (pictured in introduction) features 7 round tables with a glass wind guard and over-head HEATED shelter, to be enjoyed in rain or shine, almost year-round! This patio, as well as the adjacent tap room, is a 19+ area where patrons can enjoy the house made ales. Hours are 11:30am to 11pm which allow for spectacular sunset and twilight views of the harbour.
Both areas offer one-of-a-kind views, as this is the only patio restaurant on this side of the Harbour!
Lido Waterfront Bar & Bistro
Looking for huge patio to enjoy some ice cold drinks and share some amazing fresh pizza and tapas on the Inner Harbour? Try the Lido Deck! Enjoy panoramic views of the Inner Harbour, Parliament Buildings and Historic Old Towne on this 52-seat patio surrounded by water. A large range of local beers on tap, local wines and distilled spirits, and a full bar of all the usual suspects along with many unusual ones. A little tricky to find, located on the water side of the Victoria Regent Hotel down on the harbour level, right on the harbour below Bastion Square. Come on down to the Lido Deck, kick back and relax! Open Thurs- Sat, 11:30 until 10 and often later. Sun-Wed, 11:30 until 9 and often later.
AURA waterfront restaurant + patio
A true gem of the Inner Harbour, AURA waterfront restaurant + patio is a premiere dining destination for Pacific Rim inspired cuisine. Executive Chef Takashi Ito is lauded for his long-standing culinary excellence and meticulously prepared dishes. With seasonal menus, of local and organic foods rather than those from afar. Featuring an eclectic winelist, island microbrews and handcrafted cocktails, enjoy spectacular harbour views from the dining room, bask in the glow of the underlit onyx bar, or relax on the waterfront patio. Open 7am – 9pm.
Jack’s Place and Kuma Sushi
Jack’s Place and Kuma Sushi has a patio that seats over 200 patrons off the second hole of the Bear Mountain Golf Course. Free of charge, customers can play on the beach volleyball court or grab a game of pool in the cabana. Customers can enjoy among sushi, local craft beers, and incredible views of Mount Finlayson. Whether with family or friends, all are sure to have a great time on the Jack’s patio where the sun never stops shining! Open Monday-Sunday from 11am-midnight.
Caffe Fantastico Dockside Green
Overlooking the popular Gorge Waterway and Point Hope Shipyard, Caffe Fantastico at Dockside Green offers a patio unlike any other found in the city. Located at the head of the Galloping Goose cycle network, right next to a stop for the popular harbour ferry, Fantastico Dockside attracts people on foot and bike from far and wide. Open since 2008, it has become a cafe at the heart of the flourishing Dockside and Vic West Community. Fine specialty coffee and espresso beverages pair perfectly with pasties from neighbouring Fol Epi Bakery. The atmosphere is inviting and bustling, with families mingled with groups of cyclists, mingled with working professionals. Open daily 7:30am – 5:30pm.
Bin 4 Burger Lounge
The patio of the Saanich location at Bin 4 Burger Lounge is a great spot to enjoy their gourmet burgers, fresh salads, local beers and handcrafted cocktails. A stone’s throw from Mayfair Mall, the relaxed atmosphere welcomes those who wish to take a break from shopping, unwind after work, catch up with friends, dine out with family, or impress a first date. Enjoy a cold pint from a local craft brewery, savor a glass of vino from the feature wine list or try one of their refreshing cocktails made with fresh squeezed juices and house made syrups. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm; Fri&Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-10pm.
Others:
Belleville’s Watering Hole and Diner
Brentwood Bay Lodge: Brentwood Pub
Penny Farthing Olde English Pub
Did we miss one? Let us know by commenting below.
