NEWFOUNDLAND

From the decks of Greensleeves Pub Lounge & Restaurant‚ (14 George St., 709-579-1070) patrons pass easily to the entrances of adjoining bars, where they feature, in order, a subdued pool playing atmosphere, a live band old-time rock and roll atmosphere and a young, hip dance bar venue.

Classic Café East (73 Duckworth St., 709-726-4444, classiccafeeast.com) is at the foot of Signal Hill. Just off the well-beaten, busy downtown paths of Duckworth, Water and George streets, it’s a little known oasis where you can stop to enjoy breakfast in the sun, a seafood medley by the sea, freshly baked treats or just a refreshing local beer after a hike on Signal Hill.

The Keg (135 Harbour Dr., 709-726-4534) is a chain but this particular waterfront location will leave quite an impression. Enjoy its usual fair with a glass of your favourite scotch, merlot or local brew while overlooking an incredible view of the harbour. Besides its atmosphere of colourful elegance, the deck also has heat lamps and a fireplace to keep you warm and cozy on those chilly summer evenings.

Jungle Jim’s (2 Holdsworth Ct., George St., 709-753-5467, junglejims.ca) has a unique jungle-themed menu and decor, designed for the customer to have fun while they eat. Enjoy a basket of spicy Buffalo wings or a Safari wrap and cool off with a Hurricane – a 46-ounce cocktail with a mixture of fruit juices and three flavours of rum – on the restaurant’s spacious patio on a sunny day.

The Sundance (Corner of George St. and Adelaide St., 709-753-7822, thesundance.ca) is located on happening George Street where the streets are closed 20 hours a day to traffic. Dine on a variety of dishes while drinking a cool pint and enjoying the hustle and bustle of downtown St John's.

HALIFAX

Your Father's Moustache (5686 Spring Garden Rd., 902-423-6766, yourfathersmoustache.ca) is the place to hit if you’re after traditional fish and chips or a seafood brunch on Sunday.

Bitter End Martini Bar & Restaurant (1572 Argyle St., 902-425-3039, bitterend.ca) has a funky setting, casual atmosphere, fantastic tapas and martinis to die for. Voted best martini in Halifax!

Economy Shoe Shop (1661-1663 Argyle St., 902-423-7463, economyshoeshop.ca). Sit outside and watch the in-the-know foot traffic or venture in for a little chaos as you navigate the bar and two adjoining restaurants (its nickname is “Culture Dome”). Great drinks, generous portions and a vibrating, social buzz.

The Argyle Bar & Grill (1575 Argyle St., 902-492-8844, theargyle.ca) boasts two patios. A great place to meet over casual cocktails or enjoy a contemporary meal, the Argyle will definitely have something for everyone.

McKelvie's (1680 Lower Water St., 902-421-6161, mckelvies.ca) is a must if you love seafood! Located across from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic McKelvie's is located in a historical building. Swing by for a fresh seafood meal and enjoy the view of the water.

The Victory Arms Pub (1515 South Park St., 902-423.6331) is located in the Lord Nelson Hotels & Suites. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the quaint Victorian setting is ideal for noshing on english pub-fare while overlooking the Halifax Public Gardens.

MONTREAL
FYI anglophones: It’s “terasse,” not “patio.”

Bar St-Sulpice (1680 Rue Saint-Denis, 514-844-9458) has three floors and three connecting terasses, one of which is a really big backyard patio. On a sunny day every patio along Saint-Denis is busting with people so be sure to catch the parade from one of the terasses, with a reasonably priced beer in hand.

Restaurant Lemeac (1045 Ave. Laurier Ouest, 514-270-0999) is a typical French bistro in the heart of Montreal. The patio attracts a wide range of seasoned gourmands from all walks of life. Offering a cozy ambiance and classical-style decor.

La Croissanterie Figaro (5200 Rue Hutchison, 514-278-6567, lacroissanteriefigaro.com) is a cool coffeehouse with excellent croissants. It’s a place to see and be seen at.

Le Reservoir, (9 Duluth Ave. Est, 514-849-7779) a microbrewery, has an artsy patio upstairs with tables overlooking the Plateau's hottest street – Duluth. There are a selection of beers brewed on site (from stout to pale), and in the evenings there are amazing tapas snacks.

Aix Cuisine du Terroir’s terasse sits atop Hotel Place d'Armes (711 Côte de la Place d’Armes, 514-904-1201, aixcuisine.com) and is a chic retreat for in-the-know urbanites and visiting celebs. Featuring an open kitchen with exterior grill, it offers an ever-changing menu of main courses. In the evenings, the beautiful people have cocktails and dinner on the terrace.

Verses, located on the rooftop of Hotel Nelligan (100 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, 514-788-4000, versesrestaurant.com), is like having a front-row seat to the city's historic architecture. A light lunch menu includes nibbles like burgers, fish and daily specials, while the outdoor grill cooks up beef steaks, grilled shrimp and fresh fish. The white sangria is a showstopper.

Version Laurent Godbout (295 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, 514-871-9135, version-restaurant.com) has a PoMo marvel of a patio out back, with sofas, arches over the terrace and solid furniture. Start your night with a summery cocktail and nibbles. Tip: All decor items are for sale!

Café Santropol (3990 Rue Saint-Urbain, 514-842-3110, santropol.com) is a vegetarian oasis in the middle of the Plateau. With fairy lights and fern leaves everywhere, the patio at Santropol is a great place for a date. Try the large and filling salads or a fresh fruit salad. Sandwiches are huge, and cheap. Note: there is no liquor license, but merriment prevails regardless.

GATINEAU, QUEBEC

The Cafeteria at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (100 Rue Laurier, 819-776-7009, civilization.ca) is right across the river from downtown Ottawa. The Cafeteria is licensed and its family-friendly fare is nice – the draw is what is probably the most spectacular patio view in the region: the Ottawa River, the back of the Parliament Buildings and the downtown Ottawa skyline.

Cafe Aux Quatre Jeudis (44, rue Laval, 819-771-9557, 4jeudis.ca) is a loungy cafe with art by local artists adorning the walls. This local favorite offers great happy hour specials and is perfect for enjoying the warm sunshine on the terrace.

Arôme Seafood and Grill in the Casino du Lac-Leamy (Hilton Lac-Leamy Hotel, Level A, 1, boulevard du Casino, 819-790-6410, casino-du-lac-leamy.com) has a new terrace with a beautiful view overlooking the lake. Whether you're craving sumptuous lobster or a delicious brunch, Arôme is sure to have something for everyone!

OTTAWA

Bistro 115 (110 Murray St., 613-562-7244, bistro115.com) has a gorgeous courtyard patio. It's in the heart of busy Byward Market, but it's so secluded back there, you'd never even guess you were downtown! Very romantic, and very French.

The Courtyard Restaurant (21 George St., 613-241-1516, courtyardrestaurant.com) has one of the prettiest patios in Ottawa. Its traditional feel is due in part to being located in an old cobblestone courtyard in the Byward Market. The chef just won the Chef of the Year award from the local branch of the Canadian Culinary Federation.

The Black Tomato (11 George St., 613-789-8123) has a fusion menu and music listening stations, making it very urban. It’s a hip sort of place, without pretension. People who know about scotch say the selection is good. The patio is small, so if you want a patio seat, go early.

Il Piccolino Ristorante (449 Preston St., 613-236-8158) is a tiny restaurant set in an old house, with a huge following of pasta lovers. The patio is small and fronts right onto Preston Street, but is screened from the traffic and noise by plants festooned with fairy lights. Reservations are essential – this is a very popular "date spot" and there aren't many tables.

Mexicali Rosa's (1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr., 613-234-8156, mexicalirosas.com). This Mexican restaurant’s patio offers a knockout view of Dows Lake and the Rideau Canal, with the Arboretum on one side and the Carleton University campus on the other. Late on weekend nights it can get pretty noisy; it's popular with Carleton University students.

Foundation (18B York St., 613-562-9331, foundationrestaurant.com) boasts a courtyard patio situated in one of the few remaining historial buildings in Ottawa. Come to Foundation to network during the week or to socialize on the weekend!

Black Cat Cafe (93 Murray St., 613-241-2999, blackcatcafe.ca) is located in Byward Market. Have a seat on the small, but cozy patio and dine on nouvelle bistro cuisine (think French cuisine with a Spanish influence) or try a delectable dessert!

Luxe Bistro (47 York St., 613-241-8805, luxebistro.com ) is a hot spot with a fantastic wine list. Situated in busy Byward Market, Luxe Bistro is a great place to sip on a glass of wine, enjoy a fabulous meal and watch the sun set in our nations' capital!

TORONTO

Allen's Bar, Restaurant and Backyard (143 Danforth Ave., 416-463-3086, www.allens.to) is a kid-friendly neighbourhood place. It has a great summer patio with a barbeque, an interesting menu and the best burgers in T.O.

Mildred Pierce (99 Sudbury St., 416-588-5695, mildredpierce.com) has fragrant crawling roses encompassing one of the best summer dining spots, elegantly clad with a chandelier, candlelight and starry, starry nights.

Amber (119 Yorkville Ave., 416-926-9037, amberinyorkville.com) is a happening bar in Yorkville offering spot-on cocktails and a unique Oriental-Mediterranean fusion menu. The South Beach vibe of the patio keeps chic patrons lounging for hours.

Il Gatto Nero (720 College St., 416-536-3132, ilgattonero.ca), located on the Little Italy strip draws a crowd for soccer matches, Sunday brunch, people watching and fab Italian fare with a great selection of drinks.

Ultra Supper Club (314 Queen St. W., 416-263-0330, ultrasupperclub.com) is located in central downtown. The rooftop patio offers an incredible bird’s eye view of the action-packed street below. On the menu are lovely salads, great seafood and the desserts are to die for. The drinks all have kick and the crowd is stylish.

The Black Bull Hotel & Tavern, (298 Queen St. W., 416-593-2766) has cheap beer, a huge patio, and pretty much the best people-watching in the city.

Roof Lounge is a treat located atop Park Hyatt (4 Avenue Rd., 416-925-1234, parktoronto.hyatt.com) offering fabulous skyline views, warmth from an oversized fireplace and a wonderful summer terrace. Renowned for its martinis and intimate setting, enjoy cocktails, a light bar menu or lunch.

Gem Bar & Grill (1159 Davenport Rd., 416-654-1182) is a place locals swear by. Those who stumble upon it find it lives up to its name: a hidden treasure. The affordable menu offers a diverse range of dishes and the plates are huge. Jugs of beer go down fast out on the secluded side patio, sheltered from the street by hedges, flowers, trees and patio lights.

Smokey Joe's Café (4899 Yonge St., 416-229-2262), is perfect for those living north of Bloor in the city. Located right at Yonge and Sheppard it boasts a huge rooftop patio, lots of seating and a relaxing pond. The menu offers lots of choice and is definitely yummy!

Wild Indigo (607 College St., 416-536-8797) is a chic, cozy martini bar located on hip College Street and has a hidden gem of a patio. Adorned with mirrors (outdoors!) and lovely lights, this patio is the perfect spot for a girls night out or a romantic date!

WINNIPEG

Muddy Waters Smokehouse & Blues (15 Forks Market Rd. (The Forks Pavilion), 204-947-6653) offers two patios in Winnipeg’s main tourist attraction, The Forks. The upper patio is great for those who love the heat. The lower patio sits under shady trees and is located closer to the Assiniboine River, so patrons catch cool breezes coming off the water. Blues music heats up both patios, where Peggers like to sip on cool drinks. Share the Smoke Shack Nachos or indulge with the Mop and Sop Chicken Sandwich. Plenty of napkins included.

Saffron's Restaurant (681 Corydon Ave., 204-284-2602) is popular with the younger, single crowd. The patio wraps around the entire restaurant but the best seat in the house is at the front of the restaurant, close to the Little Italy strip. Often talked about as the place to see and be seen, Saffron’s is a great place to share a bottle of wine and a seafood appetizer.

Tavern in the Park (Assiniboine Park Pavilion, 55 Pavilion Cres., 204-896-7275, taverninthepark.ca) is your best bet for a night of sophistication. The patio overlooks Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park, the city’s most beautiful green space. Savour the Grand Marnier Orange Glazed Duck Breast with Slow Roasted Confit of Duck or the Rack of Lamb with Dijon Crust and Red Wine Demi Glaze while taking in the serene setting. Keep your eyes peeled – you may even see a deer or two.

Carlos & Murphy’s (129 Osborne St., 204-284-3510) is one of the best places to finish a workweek. Locals love to dine on its side patio and swing back a beer. This spot captures the spirit of a Mexican casa: wooden deck, refried beans on salty corn chips and Coronas all round. The hotspot also serves up other Mexican fare including taco salads, chimichangas, Carlos’ famous heaping nachos and great iced margaritas.

Finn McCue’s Irish Pub (2nd Floor, Johnston Terminal, 210-25 Forks Market Rd. 204-944-8118) has a spectacular view overlooking The Forks. Drop by for a game of pool or a cool pint while people-watching.

SASKATOON

Spadina Free House (608 Spadina Cres. E., 306-668-1000, thefreehouse.ca) is situated beside South Sask. River. Friendly, great atmosphere and features the work of local artists.

Yard & Flagon Pub (718 Broadway Ave., 306-653-8883) has a rooftop patio and is located in the eclectic Fringe Fest neighourhood. Be sure to try the much-raved-about poutine.

Hose & Hydrant Brew Pub (612 - 11th St. E., 306-477-3473) is housed in an old fire hall (built 1911) and it too is located in the Fringe Fest neighbourhood. Try the Hose’s own award-winning beer as you wander the pub’s three floors, checking out brewing artifacts as you go.

Beily's Pub & Grill (2404 - 8th St. E., 306-374-3344, beilys.ca) is on the east side of town, where you are sure to mix with the University of Saskatchewan crowd. A great place to grab lunch with friends.

Earls Saskatoon (610 2nd Ave. N., 306-664-4060, earls.ca) is located in old McGavin's Bread factory. A highly revered destination.

CALGARY

River Café, (200 Barclay Pde. S.W., 403-261-7670, river-café.com) on Prince’s Island Park, is very romantic and lends a sense of being out of the city. High-end and special, it offers great food and a comprehensive wine list.

The Living Room (514 - 17th Ave. S.W., 403-228-9830, livingroomrestaurant.ca) is chic, trendy and always busy. Good food and up-to-the-minute cocktails.

Melrose Cafe & Bar (730 - 17th Ave. S.W., 403-228-3566, melrosecalgary.com) is at the heart of the Red Mile. With its pub-style food and drink and five-section, multi-level patio it’s always packed. It is the primo spot to hang out and check out the street.

Rouge Restaurant (1240 - 8th Ave. S.E., 403-531-2767, rougecalgary.com) has a lovely garden-style patio with upscale food and drinks. Reservations are recommended as foodies beat a path to this hot spot.

Earls Calgary Tin Palace (2401 - 4th St. S.W., 403-228-4141, earls.ca) has a big stone patio with heaters (necessary for chilly Calgary summer nights). They serve very good reasonably priced food and loads of inexpensive beers and wines. Chef Michael Noble from Catch is Earls’ man now and he has revamped the menu list.

Ship & Anchor Pub (534 -17th Ave. S.W., 403-245-3333, shipandanchor.com), with its live music events, huge menu and numerous Canadian beers on tap, is – for good reason – Calgary’s most popular patio destination.

Good Earth Cafe (1502 11th St. S.W., 403-228-9543, goodearthcafes.com) offers a variety of dishes with emphasis on vegetarian. With several locations throughout the city, Good Earth Cafe is becoming a popular destination! This is the original location and offers a great patio for relaxing on a sunday afternoon.

Joey Tomato's Mediterranean Grill (208 Barclay Parade S.W., 403-263-6336, joeysmedgrill.com) offers something for everyone! With an extensive menu, great aps, and a comfortable atmosphere, Joey Tomato's is perfect for any occasion!

Barley Mill Eau Claire (201 Barclay Parade S.W., 403-290-1500) is definitely an experience! With 25 beers on tap and chef's barbequing right before your eyes, Barley's is a pub everyone should try!

EDMONTON

The Black Dog Freehouse (10425 - 82nd Ave., blackdog.ca) is a classic pub with a second-level, garden setting “Wooftop” patio. Everyone in Edmonton has been there and everyone loves it. Live music on weekends.

The Riverside Bistro at the Courtyard by Marriott (1 Thornton Ct., 99 St. and Jasper Ave., 780-423-9999) has an unobstructed, panoramic view of the river valley, with an open-air bar and a grand barbeque.

The Harvest Room at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (10065 - 100 St., 780-424-5181, fairmont.com/macdonald) has an award-winning menu spotlighting Canadian cuisine and the river valley view from the patio is breathtaking. Excellent drinks and top notch service.

O'Byrne’s Irish Pub (10616 Whyte Ave., 780-414-6766, obyrnes.com) has an unbelievable selection of beer – and live music – on tap. Its patio is a popular perch to people watch from.

Culina (9914 - 89 Ave., 780-437-5588, culinacafe.ca) is the perfect place for a date. Its quiet, cozy patio paired with amazing food and cocktails makes it an obvious choice.

Dante's Bistro (17328 Stony Plain Rd., 780-486-4448, dantesbistro.com) is worth the wait in line. The menu has a wide variety and the atmosphere is great for groups.

Urban Diner (12427 - 102 Ave., 780-488-7274) is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! The Urban Diner lives up to its name and serves yummy comfort food. Enjoy a hearty meal of meatloaf while sitting on the sunny patio.

Café De Ville (10137 124 St., 780-488-9188, cafedeville.com) is the perfect spot for a romantic date or a nice dinner with friends. With an extensive wine list and truly original dishes like cognac Foccaccia pita, Café de Ville is a great dining experience.

The Iron Horse Eatery & Watering Hole Inc (8101 103 st., N.W., 780-438-1907, theironhorse.ca) boasts one of the biggest patios in Old Strathcona. People watching doesn't get any better in this unique neighborhood! Enjoy an ice cold beer and a slice of pizza.

VANCOUVER

The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant (1535 Johnston St., Granville Island, 604-669-9030) has a rooftop patio that is open year round. In the winter they have an outdoor fireplace and put blankets on each chair. Order oysters or squid (sautéed and spicy, not fried, very yummy) and sip on a glass of wine, and gaze at the boats in the harbour.

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House (777 Thurlow St., 604-669-1940, joefortes.ca) is just off Robson Street. This downtown patio is a great place to head for after-work drinks that turn into long dinners.

Bridges (1696 Duranleau St., Granville Island, 604-687-4400, bridgesrestaurant.com) has a vast dock patio and is the place to watch boats weave in and out of False Creek while you snack and drink.

Il Giardino (1382 Horby St., 604-669-2422, umberto.com/ilgiardino) has a gorgeous little downtown patio tucked between vines and other flora behind this exceptional Italian ristorante.

Lift Bar & Grill (333 Menchions Mews, 604-689-5438, liftbarandgrill.com) has an upper deck patio perched almost over the water by Stanley Park, with mountain views and two outdoor fireplaces.

Glowbal Grill & Satay Bar (1079 Mainland St., 604-602-0835, glowbalgrill.com) is perfect for people-watching in the trendy Yaletown district. A great place to go for an affordable brunch with white linen service.

The Ocean Club Restaurant & Lounge (105 - 100 Park Royal, 604-926-2326, theoceanclub.ca) is West Van's newest nightspot boasting an 800-square-foot riverside heated patio.

Arms Reach Bistro (107C - 4390 Gallant Ave., 604-929-7443, armsreachbistro.com), tucked in gorgeous Deep Cove, this patio is literally an arm’s reach to the water.

The Beach House at Dundarave Pier (150 25th St., 604-922-1414, atthebeachhouse.wordpress.com) is a top patio pick because when you sit there, looking out over English Bay into a spectacular sunset, you feel like there is no other city as beautiful in the entire world. Also, a really well-rounded wine list!

CinCin Ristorante & Bar (1154 Robson St., 604-688-7338, cincin.net) has a lush green balcony overlooking Robson Street, which is great for people watching (and car watching; Vancouverites sporting souped-up Escalades with gleaming rims love to drive slowly up and down Robson in the summer, pumping the bass). CinCin's menu is also one of the yummiest in the city.

Malone's Kitsilano (2210 Cornwall St., 604-737-7777, malones.bc.ca) has a giant patio that sidles right up to Kits Beach, which is where all of Vancouver goes to tan and play in the surf. It serves casual food – fries, burgers, beer – so it's great after a day playing in the sun.

Watermark on Kits Beach (1305 Arbutus St., 604-738-5487, watermarkrestaurant.ca) is right on the beach – it was constructed from the old lifeguard station that now shares the space. Warning: it is almost impossible to get a table there on any of the four nights of the Celebration of Light, the international fireworks show that happens every summer in English Bay.

Sophie's Cosmic Café (2095 West 4th Ave., 604-732-6810, sophiescosmiccafe.com) is pretty much a Vancouver landmark. It has the yummiest cuisine and the patio gives a great view of shoppers bustling by. (Then, if you're truly Vancouver, you head down the street and buy yourself a new pair of Lululemons!)

Las Margaritas (1999 West 4th St., 604-734-7117, lasmargaritas.com) serves yummy Mexican treats. There's almost nothing better in the summertime than sitting on this patio sipping a delicious, traditional Margarita, watching the sun set and the people go by.

Earls Broadway (901 West Broadway, 604-734-5995, earls.ca) boasts one of the city's largest patios, and it's always packed in the summer. It has spectacular views of downtown and daily drink specials, as well as a great casual-dining menu with monthly features.

First published in Wish May 2008

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