Hello, Vancouver! We’re finally starting to get the weather that we know and love, so we couldn’t be more excited about this list of waterfront patios for this spring in Vancouver. After all, we have to put up with rain for a serious portion of the year, but the payoff over the next few months makes it all worth it. Plus, we have some amazing places to dine at, as a cherry on top.
Here are 12 great waterfront patios in Vancouver to visit this spring.
Editor’s Note: Due to ongoing issues related to COVID, public health restrictions may change on short notice. Please check with the business before visiting.
Cactus Club English Bay
The Cactus Club on English Bay is maybe the most iconic waterfront patio in the city. It’s with good reason- the unique setting is just a stone’s throw from the beach, and Cactus Club is pretty much synonymous with the Vancouver restaurant scene. You don’t need us telling you, though- chances are you’ve already been invited there this spring.
Where: 1790 Beach Avenue
Instagram: @cactusclubcafe
The Wicklow
A nice little hidden gem, The Wicklow actually earned a spot on our rooftop patios list as well. Overlooking False Creek, this is a great spot for those of you who want a little bit more relaxed of a patio setting. Especially if you can get there in the mid-afternoon.
Where: 610 Stamps Landing
Instagram: @wicklowpub
Tap and Barrel – Olympic Village
This is a sprawling space right beside the walking path in Vancouver Olympic Village offers great views across the water. These guys are known for their great patios around the city, but we like this location the most. Plus, it’s a little different view than the other picks for a nice waterfront patio this spring.
Where: 1 Athletes Way
Instagram: @tapandbarrel
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Provence Marinaside
Just across the water from Tap and Barrel lies Provence Marinaside. A little more upscale, Provence does seafood forward French cuisine, so this is an ideal date night spot. Eat some lobster, then walk around either David Lam or Coopers’ Park. For the best effect, time it with sunset as well.
Where: 1177 Marinaside Crescent
Instagram: @provencemarinaside
Ancora Ambleside
Like Provence Marinaside, Ancora offers food that is so tasty that the (gorgeous) patio almost takes a back seat. They’ve got two locations, but we prefer the Ambleside setting, since it offers a little more of an expansive view of the city and the area. So, more like a co-pilot in our analogy.
Where: 1351 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver
Instagram: @ancoradining
The Galley
This low-key, counter-service spot on Jericho Beach is absolutely a hidden gem in the city. Seriously though, you’re sitting directly on one of the best beaches in Vancouver. Grab a burger, a beer, and enjoy the views. It doesn’t open for another couple of weeks, but when it does we’re there.
Where: 1300 Discovery Street
Facebook: @TheGalleyPatioAndGrill
Dockside
A longtime favourite on Granville Island, Dockside offers some amazing views of False Creek from a supremely comfortable patio. Mix that with some classic West Coast dishes and a great beer/wine list, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a lovely lunch.
Where: 1253 Johnston Street
Instagram: @docksidevancouver
Cardero’s
This one is right smack dab on the water downtown, so it’s kind of hard to beat it when it comes to waterfront patios. That alone makes it worth the trip, but they’ve also got some special features every Sunday, including a few extra brunch dishes and a delicious prime rib meal for dinner.
Where: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay
Instagram: @carderos_van
Lift Bar and Grill
Just down the street from Cardero’s, so it’s also right up there for amazing patio spots in Vancouver. This one focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine, which translates to a happy hour with great deals on oysters and more. If you’re free one afternoon, make sure to swing by.
Where: 333 Menchion Mews
Instagram: @liftbarandgrill
Pier 7
Right at the bottom of the Lonsdale Quay lies Pier 7. The massive patio is worth the trip to North Van alone, but it’s made even better by its proximity to The Polygon Gallery, which is one of our ‘must-do’ activities each month. So, just swing by after to treat yourself a little bit.
Where: 25 Wallace Mews Road
Instagram: @pier7restaurant
Boathouse Kitsilano
For views of Kits Beach, you simply can’t beat Boathouse. The second-story patio offers a sweeping view of the beach and the ocean, and is definitely a bucket list destination for those wanting to enjoy all of Vancouver’s waterfront sights.
Where: 1305 Arbutus Street
Instagram: @boathousebc
The Sandbar
Another Granville Island staple, the Sandbar is a great place to treat yourself after a quick trip to the public market. Like Cardero’s, this spot also has a Sunday night dinner feature, but their version is a delectable seafood boil. We don’t know which to pick! We might just have to do both this summer.
Where: 1535 Johnston Street
Instagram: @the_sandbar
And that’s our roundup of the best waterfront patios to check out this spring in Vancouver! If you’re craving a little waterside snack, make sure to keep this list in mind. Enjoy the spring, folks!
