Scenic patios with waterfront views in Victoria
Boasting the longest patio season of any Canadian city, Victoria has no shortage of scenic waterfront patios. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, pub grub or a slushy cocktail, there’s an outdoor patio for you. Pick one, pull up a chair and watch the world go by.
Caffe Fantastico Dockside Green
102-398 Harbour Rd, Victoria, BC V9A 0B7Situated along the waterfront in Dockside Green, a burgeoning Vic West complex, Caffe Fantastico’s patio is the perfect spot to unwind with a specialty coffee. Sip their unique nitrogen-infused, hand pulled draught coffee – it’s cold, creamy and sweet – while watching paddlers in the waterway and cyclists peddling on the Galloping Goose Trail below. Its east-facing frontage makes it an ideal patio for your early morning caffeine jolt. This patio is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Lure Restaurant & Bar
100 Harbour Road, Victoria, BC V9A 0G1Lure’s sun-soaked patio overlooking the Inner Harbour is the ultimate in sophistication. Take a seat on one of the large, comfy couches surrounding an ultra-modern rectangular glass fire pit and enjoy the breathtaking waterfront views. There are plenty of heaters to keep you warm if the evening sea breeze turns chilly. The food is equally as stylish as the decor, including charcuterie, local oysters, duck breast and homemade purple potato chips. Located at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Hotel Resort and Spa in Vic West, this patio is worth the trip from downtown.
Lido Waterfront Bistro
1234 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 3H9Grab a waterfront seat on Lido’s patio and share your dining experience with seals, sea gulls, herons and otters, as well as boaters, kayakers, sea planes and harbour ferries. This restaurant even offers the unique opportunity to dock your boat out front. Take in the panoramic views of the Inner Harbour and Parliament Buildings on one of the harbour’s largest outdoor patios, while savouring an Italian-inspire menu of pizza, tapas and seafood. This is La Dolce Vita.
Spinnakers Brewpub & Guest House Restaurant
308 Catherine St, Victoria, BC V9A 3S8Nestled along the waterfront in the quiet neighbourhood of Vic West, Spinnakers plays host to one of the most tranquil seaside patios in the city. With a plum vantage point along the Westsong Walkway, this patio serves up picturesque harbour views, as well a tasty menu that prides itself on the freshest local ingredients. Watch the float planes land in the Inner Harbour as you dine on everything from fish and chips and brick oven pizzas, to hazelnut pâté and mutton burgers.
Milestones
812 Wharf Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3With a prime Inner Harbour vantage point, the patio at Milestones is arguably the most highly sought after by both tourists and locals. Your dockside table will afford you luxury views of the numerous yachts that call the harbour home, the Parliament Buildings and the ivy-wrapped Fairmont Empress Hotel. Sip a signature slushy Bellini and watch an eclectic assortment of buskers entertain the crowds along the bustling causeway – from a man turned to stone to acrobats and jugglers. This is the best seat at Victoria’s tourist mecca.
Aura Waterfront Restaurant + Patio
680 Montreal St, Victoria, BC V8V 1Z8Aura is a treat for the senses, and the al fresco dining experience is not to be missed. This waterfront gem is one of Victoria’s finest restaurants. Savour one of the locally-sourced, Pacific Rim-inspired dishes on a patio that features a postcard view of the Inner Harbour, including the majestic Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings. This is Victoria’s al fresco dining at its best, complete with ambient lighting and heaters to keep you warm well after sunset.
Glo Restaurant & Lounge
104-2940 Jutland Road, Victoria, BC V8T 5K6Glo’s massive wrap-around deck overlooking the Selkirk Waterway makes it a favourite local hangout. Rest a while on the large, cushioned outdoor chairs and watch kayakers paddling the waterway and cyclists crossing the Selkirk Trestle. If the evening breeze turns cool, cozy up with a complimentary blanket and relax long into the evening. The award-winning menu features a wide array of tasty bites, from fancy Parmesan truffle frites and tuna tataki to traditional pub fare, including chicken wings and thin crust pizzas.
Club 9one9
919 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8W 2C2Feel the sand between your toes at one of downtown Victoria’s most unique patios. At ground level, the downtown Strathcona Hotel houses a cricket-themed, British-style sports bar. But, climb several floors and you’ll be amazed to discover a massive rooftop patio, which is home to not one but two full-sized beach volleyball courts. Bring the kids, join in the sandy fun, and enjoy the picturesque views of the Inner Harbour. They also serve lunch and dinner, including Cajun chicken pizza, pulled pork tacos, and seafood chowder.
Canoe Brewpub
450 Swift St, Victoria, BC V8W 1S3Tucked behind Victoria’s Chinatown, you could easily miss this hidden gem if it weren’t for the loud word-of-mouth praise. Canoe’s huge, west-facing waterfront patio makes it a popular spot to soak up the sun. Unwind with one of Canoe’s handcrafted beers and watch the kayakers and boaters float along the water. The power station-turned-brewpub even overlooks its own private marina. Tasty bites include lager-laden mussels, pale ale braised chicken and cider brined pork chops.
