That first patio table at a favourite bar or café is as much a sign of the changing season as any equinox – and about six times as exciting. In Rome, patios are tucked in enclosed piazzas. In Madrid, open-fronted cafés incorporate the passing parade. But here? There’s no one rule defining patio culture. We took a cross-country tour to find Canada’s best al fresco lounges
Victoria
God’s climatological apology to the rest of the country – is natural terrace territory, and if Canadian history had gone somewhat differently, had Victoria been named Isabella or Eugénie, its patio scene would be much different. But it was founded by the British, known for their parasols, safari hats and other machinations to keep them out of the sun, so it’s only in the past decade that patios have started to creep into this lovely town: The only real patio strip is on Cook Street between Southgate and Chapman streets.
Yet, as Victoria discovers patios, it’s going all out. Even a Mac’s Milk (324 Cook St., 250-381-8631) has a five-table patio, where city workers sip their Seattle’s Best and kids hang out with late-night Slurpees. The Beagle Pub (301 Cook St., 250-382-3301, www.beaglepub.com) and Starbucks (320 Cook St., 250-380-7606) are the only large patios on the street (with about 20 and 15 tables respectively). The rest are tiny, including at the 1950s-retro Rosie’s Diner (253 Cook St., 250-384-6090) with a couple of tables, and at Bubby Rose’s Bakery (313 Cook St., 250-360-1811, www.bubbyrosesbakery.com). Pizzeria Prima Strada (230 Cook St., 250-590-8595, pizzeriaprimastrada.com), with three tables, is the newest addition to the village.
Bert Archer
Vancouver
When the sun is shining, Vancouver sparkles – and its patios become the hottest seats in town. Here, it’s all about the view: the waterfront with snow-capped mountains for backdrop. So what if it is a cliché? It’s beautiful. But, though they look great, Vancouver’s best-situated patios are not known for great eats. Keep it simple or stick to drinks and eat up that fabulous vista instead.
The view from The Teahouse, a Second World War garrison at Stanley Park’s elevated Ferguson Point (Stanley Park Drive, 604-669-3281), is unparalleled – hence the relentless stream of wedding parties. Expect everyone including your Granny to be clamouring for a spot: Don’t make the trip without making a reservation.
The Gallery on Jericho Beach.
Right on Jericho Beach, The Galley Patio and Grill (1300 Discovery St., 604-222-1331, www.thegalley.ca) bustles with families, burnished beach bums and salty old sailing dogs chowing down on fish tacos and bison burgers. The deck looks out over Jericho Beach and across Burrard Inlet, with clear blue water to the west and the downtown skyline glittering in the east.
At the Watermark on Kits Beach (Kitsilano Beach, 1305 Arbutus St., 604-738-5487), grab a table, order a bottle of wine and watch Vancouver play as the sun sets – the west-facing view is breathtaking. A pedestrian menu makes this one a good bet for a sundowner. Don’t stay for dinner.
A casual spot popular after work with downtowners, the Mill Marine Bistro (Harbour Green Park, 1199 West Cordova St., 604-687-6455, www.millbistro.ca) sits on the edge of Coal Harbour near the float plane dock and offers a view of the North Shore mountains across the water. Nachos, decent pizza and a pitcher of beer: What more do you need? With a huge expanse of grass and a water park out front, it’s also perfect for families.
The prettiest patio in the city, at L’Altro Buca (1906 Haro St., 604-683-6912, www.altrobuca.ca), may not have a view, but the restaurant more than makes up for that with its excellent pastas and extensive grappa list. It’s your best bet in town for a delicious al fresco dinner that is relaxed but sophisticated.
Fiona Morrow
Calgary
This is not a natural patio city. In fact, 15 years ago, you would have been hard-pressed to find a single one. But then Kensington sparked up, a little bohemian enclave in the middle of Cowtown. These days there are about a dozen patios, including one courtyard version – the treed back of the hippie-ish, singer-songwritery Oolong Tea House (110 10th St. NW, 403-283-0333, www.oolonghouse.com) – and two rooftops, including the good-times spot Julio’s Barrio (101 10th St. NW, 403-203-3066, www.juliosbarrio.com) and fine pub-grubby Jupiter Restaurant and Bar (124 10th St. NW, 403-270-3347).
