Ottawa's patio season is short, which is exactly why locals take it seriously. From the Rideau Canal to Westboro's Richmond Road strip to the ByWard Market rooftops, this list was put together by cross-referencing local guides, Google and Tripadvisor reviews, and each business's own site to find ten patios that are actually open and operating right now.
1. Canal Ritz
Area: The Glebe / Dow's Lake · Specialty: Italian dining on the Rideau Canal
Canal Ritz sits directly on the Rideau Canal at 375 Queen Elizabeth Drive, and its patio is one of the largest canal-side seating areas in the city, with plenty of shade and a view of boats and, come winter, skaters gliding past. Reviewers consistently point to the location as the draw, a spot where you can watch the water while working through a pasta menu. It suits anyone who wants a long, relaxed lunch or dinner with a view rather than a fast turnaround.
2. Tavern on the Falls
Area: New Edinburgh, near Rideau Falls · Specialty: Gourmet hot dogs, tacos and bowls · Rating: 4.2 on Google (1,910 reviews)
Tavern on the Falls sits at 1 John Street, close enough to Rideau Falls that the mist reaches the patio on a hot day. It is one of the more talked-about summer patios in Ottawa, with reviewers praising the casual, elevated menu of hot dogs, tacos and salads and calling out friendly, attentive staff. Some reviews note smaller portions for the price and tight street parking nearby, but the view and atmosphere are what keep people coming back. Good for a casual group hang rather than a formal sit-down meal.
3. La Terrasse at Fairmont Château Laurier
Area: Downtown, beside the Rideau Canal locks
La Terrasse, at 1 Rideau Street, looks out over the Rideau Canal locks, the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill from the grounds of the historic Fairmont Château Laurier. It is open seasonally, weather permitting, and reviewers describe warm, attentive service alongside dishes like AAA steak frites. This is the pick for a special-occasion outing or for out-of-town guests who want the postcard version of Ottawa with their drink in hand, rather than a casual weeknight stop.
4. Copper Spirits & Sights
Area: ByWard Market · Specialty: Craft cocktails on Ottawa's highest rooftop · Rating: 3.6 on Tripadvisor
Perched on the 16th floor of the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market at 325 Dalhousie Street, Copper Spirits & Sights is the tallest rooftop patio in the city, with fire pits and panoramic views stretching to the Gatineau Hills. Reviewers repeatedly call out the sunset views and a lively, well-dressed crowd, though opinions are split on the cocktails and the food is generally described as the weaker part of the experience. It suits people going for the view and the scene more than a full dinner.
5. Rooftop Ottawa
Area: ByWard Market, corner of York and William Streets · Specialty: Hand-crafted cocktails and tapas · Rating: 3.4 on Restaurant Guru (38 reviews)
Sitting atop the York on William building, above Starling restaurant, Rooftop Ottawa offers open-air seating with sweeping views over the historic ByWard Market. It runs on a first-come, first-served basis, seasonally from spring through fall, and reviewers mention fast service, good calamari and truffle fries, and a strong music lineup on weekend nights. It fits a group looking for a lively, no-reservations rooftop rather than a quiet dinner.
6. Rabbit Hole
Area: Sparks Street, downtown · Specialty: Tiki-themed rooftop cocktails, wood-fired pizza and oysters · Since: 2018 · Rating: 4.3 on Google (1,300+ reviews)
Rabbit Hole's rooftop, known as the Sneaki Tiki bar, sits above its underground dining room and speakeasy on Sparks Street. It is walk-in only, and reviewers highlight the tropical decor, friendly staff and well-cooked pizzas alongside a strong cocktail list. This one suits people looking for something more distinctive than a standard beer patio, a spot built around atmosphere as much as the menu.
7. Umbrella Bar
Area: Dow's Lake · Specialty: Southern comfort food, tiki cocktails and spritzes · Rating: 4.3 on Google (727 reviews)
Tucked into the Dow's Lake Pavilion at 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Umbrella Bar offers a waterfront patio away from the downtown crowds, with views of canoes and kayaks on the lake. Reviewers point to the hot chicken sandwich, the picturesque setting and consistently professional, hardworking staff as highlights. It is a good fit for anyone wanting a laid-back, scenic patio without the ByWard Market bustle.
8. Churchills
Area: Westboro · Specialty: British pub fare with a rooftop patio · Rating: 4.3 on Google (965 reviews)
On Richmond Road in the heart of Westboro, Churchills is a family-owned pub with a partially covered rooftop patio overlooking the street. Reviewers describe the food as noticeably fresher than typical pub fare, with fish and chips, Reuben egg rolls and tacos frequently mentioned, alongside friendly staff. It works well for a neighbourhood pub night that still feels like a proper patio outing.
9. Clocktower Brew Pub
Area: Westboro · Specialty: House-brewed beer · Rating: 4.0 on Google (1,300+ reviews)
Also on Richmond Road, Clocktower Brew Pub's Westboro location has one of the bigger, dog-friendly patios in the neighbourhood, with water bowls set out for four-legged guests. Reviewers describe a warm, welcoming atmosphere, quick service and reasonably priced food, though street parking around Westboro can be tight on busy evenings. Good for a casual after-work pint or a low-key group patio session.
10. Beyond the Pale Brewing Company
Area: Hintonburg / City Centre Avenue · Specialty: Craft beer and BBQ · Since: 2012 · Rating: 4.8 on Restaurant Guru (1,089 reviews)
Beyond the Pale has been brewing in Ottawa since 2012, and its taproom at 250 City Centre Avenue opens onto one of the largest, most dog-friendly patios in the city. With 16 taps of house beer and BBQ plates like pulled pork and ribs, reviewers consistently praise the beer quality and the relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. It suits a group that wants space to spread out over a few rounds rather than a tight downtown terrace.
How We Built This List
This list was compiled from public web sources, including local guides, Tripadvisor, Google reviews, Restaurant Guru and each business's own website, current as of the time of research. It is not a paid placement, and ottown has not personally tested or visited any of the businesses listed. Last reviewed August 2026.
Sources: Ottawa Tourism's neighbourhood patio guide, The Rooftop Guide's Ottawa rooftop bar rankings, and business listings on Google, Tripadvisor and Restaurant Guru.
