21 of the best rooftop bar Vancouver options & best Vancouver patios

Vancouver BC is surrounded by natural beauty and so it’s perhaps no surprise that you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Vancouver from which to enjoy the scenery with a drink.

I spent 6 years living in Vancouver and spend many a night grabbing a drink with friends while enjoying the scenery that made me fall in love with the city.

Vancouver rooftop bars come with stunning views, delicious cocktails and crisp beers from Vancouver’s huge craft beer scene.

Looking for more things to do in Vancouver and nearby? Check out my Vancouver travel guides which are full of information on the best things to do in Vancouver, the best Vancouver restaurants, and detailed guides for each of the main neighborhoods.

This list of the best rooftop bars in Vancouver features bars with incredible views, delicious cocktails, and crisp beers from Vancouver’s great craft beer scene Whether you’re looking for date ideas in Vancouver, or just catching up with friends, these rooftop bars in Vancouver BC are sure to impress.

While Vancouver doesn’t have many rooftop bars with amazing skyline views, there are plenty of beautiful patios in Vancouver with ocean and mountain views.

Here, I’ll take you on a tour of the best rooftop bars and patios in Vancouver highlighting the features of each one from the view to the drinks and everything in between.

You’ll get all the information you need plus I’ve included some areas where you can enjoy a cheap drink and get a great Vancouver view. You won’t want to miss them!

Only got 1 day in Vancouver? Check out this itinerary

Best Rooftop Bar Vancouver

Looking for a quick answer? Here is my top pick for the best bars, and restaurants with rooftops in Vancouver

• Highest Rooftop Bar: Top of Vancouver Lookout revolving restaurant or Grouse Mountain’s Altitudes depending on whether you want in the city or not.
• Best bar with a view in Vancouver: Cactus Club on English Bay or the Galley at Jericho Sailing Club
• Best rooftop restaurants Vancouver: Joe Fortes or Vij’s on Cambie
• Best restaurants with a view in Vancouver: Seasons in the Park

1. Joe Fortes Patio

Joe Fortes is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Vancouver. The rooftop doesn’t have extensive skyline views, but it does offer a peaceful, garden feel that’s a nice reprieve from the busy Robson Street down below.

The rooftop bar is on the second floor and features an outdoor fireplace, a horseshoe-shaped bar where you can see your cocktails being made and a living green wall. Given the beauty of this Vancouver rooftop bar, it’s not hard to see why it’s a popular location with celebrities in Vancouver BC!

Though it’s more a rooftop restaurant Vancouver than just a bar, they do have a happy hour (4 – 6 pm) where you can get some drinks and appies in this beautiful rooftop bar area.

The menu at Joe Fortes is really good and features steaks, seafood and more. They also have one of the best Vancouver oyster bars which you must try during your trip to Vancouver!

For drinks, you can get some great wines by the glass as well as delicious cocktails and enjoy them from this rooftop garden in Vancouver.

The bar is open year-round and so you can visit this Vancouver rooftop bar no matter the time of year you’re visiting the city. Make sure to reserve a table in advance because it’s a popular location

• Location: 777 Thurlow Street

2. Social on Commercial Drive

Social on Commercial Drive is a popular dining establishment located in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia.

It is known for its casual and lively atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent drinks. It also has great happy hour eats. Their raspberry margarita is my go-to drink order but there are so many great options to choose from.        

At this rooftop bar and patio in Vancouver, you’ll get some stunning sunset views of the North Shore mountains. The views an the restaurant vibe make it one of the best patio restaurants in Vancouver.

In the summer, you’ll often find live music, or a DJ set being played on this rooftop bar in Vancouver making it a super fun place to hang out and catch up with friends.

• Location: 1812 Commercial Drive

3. The rooftop at Black and Blue Vancouver

Another popular choice for rooftop bars in Vancouver BC is Black & Blue Steakhouse. This restaurant, which is known for its delicious stakes, shareable plates, oysters, and more, also has a great rooftop bar!

It’s one of the largest rooftop areas in Vancouver so there is usually some space when you’re looking to visit. The rooftop has fireplaces and beautiful lush, garden-inspired greenery.

There are comfy lounge sofas to sit in and relax while you drink and soak up the atmosphere at one of the best roof top bars Vancouver has.

• Location: 1032 Alberni Street, 3rd floor

4. Craft Beer Market rooftop in the West End

If you’re looking for a patio area with incredible sunset ocean views, then the Craft Beer Market in the West End’s outdoor patio is a great option.

This Craft Beer location has been open for a few years now and has a patio area that can be opened in the summer to give incredible views of English Bay Beach.

It was one of my most visited areas when it came to happy hour drinks with friends.

The menu has your classic Canadian pub fare (nachos, burgers, tacos) and an extensive beer list featuring many locally made and brewed beers. You can also get cocktails and mocktails at this Vancouver rooftop patio.

It gets super busy here so I recommend booking in advance or going just before the happy hour when you can usually snag a table. It’s one of the best Vancouver bars if you like beer, so be prepared to wait for a table.

• Location: 1795 Beach Avenue

5. Cactus Club English Bay

This is one of the hardest places to grab a table in the summer, but it’s much easier in the winter. It’s undoubtedly one of the best patios in Vancouver so it’s worth waiting for!

Cactus Club on English Bay is right on the beachfront and has both an outdoor patio, and an upstairs “rooftop” patio.

The sunsets from this Vancouver patio are absolutely incredible.

Even if you’re not lucky enough to get a patio seat, you can enjoy the views from inside thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire wall looking out to the beach.

You can book tables here and their happy hour deals are usually really good and include both drinks and food. I recommend a frosé in the summer!

• Location: 1790 Beach Avenue

6. Eat Bar & Patio at Haraheri

This Vancouver rooftop restaurant is right in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the rooftop bar and patio at Haraheri is a must-visit.

The restaurant is a Japanese izakaya restaurant and is the perfect place for co-workers, friends, or a date in Vancouver with incredible views.

There’s a spacious terrace here and you’re surrounded by some of the tall buildings that dominate Vancouver’s skyline making it one of the best rooftops in Vancouver.

On this rooftop bar in Vancouver, you’ll get traditional Japanese design mixed with modern. This comes together to create a beautiful terrace area with lush greenery and views of downtown Vancouver.

• Location: 888 Nelson Street

7. Vij’s on Cambie Street

Vij’s is one of the best restaurants in Vancouver and a must-visit for the food alone. There are a couple of locations around Vancouver, but their location on Cambie Street has a hidden rooftop patio.

The patio at Vij’s on Cambie Street has a glass ceiling to protect you from when the weather turns sour. In the evenings, the twinkling lights turn on making this rooftop bar and patio in Vancouver even prettier.

• Location: 3106 Cambie Street

8. Reflections Terrace at the Rosewood Hotel

This was one of my favourite rooftop bars in Vancouver that I visited a while ago with a friend for cocktails. Though the cocktails were expensive, the vibe of the bar was great, and it was such a cool spot to hang out on a summer evening. It’s definitely one of the best rooftop patios in Vancouver.

The rooftop bar at the Rosewood Hotel makes you feel like you’ve been transported to somewhere else. It’s a truly urban rooftop oasis: despite being in the middle of the city, it feels somewhat peaceful up here.

Reflections Terrace is in a raised courtyard area that’s surrounded by the downtown skyscrapers but removed from the noise and traffic below. It’s on the 4^th floor of the beautiful Rosewood Hotel Georgia and it’s a beautiful place for a few drinks and some snacks or a bigger meal.

In the winter, the Reflections Terrace gets super cosy and does warming cocktails that you simply have to try!

• Location: 801 West Georgia Street

9. D6 Bar & Lounge

Parq Casino in Vancouver is home to one of the city’s best rooftop bars: D6 Bar & Lounge.

The bar is luxurious and has some of the best skyline views of Vancouver. There’s both a beautiful rooftop bar and a stylish and upscale interior lounge. Enjoy expertly crafted cocktails and food.

• Location: 39 Smithe Street

10. Top of Vancouver Lookout

The Vancouver Lookout is often considered the best view of Vancouver but what many visitors to Vancouver don’t realise at first is that you can actually eat and drink at the top of the Vancouver Lookout too!  

This is one of the better rooftop restaurants in Vancouver, and it’s the highest restaurant too. You’ll be able to eat great food with one of the best views of the city at this sky bar Vancouver.

The Vancouver Lookout is home to Vancouver’s only revolving restaurant. It’s also a popular attraction in Vancouver with 360-degree views of the city.

The Top of Vancouver Lookout restaurant serves continental award-winning fine dining cuisine at 167 m above sea level. You’ll enjoy unobstructed panoramic, one-of-a-kind views of Vancouver, the coastal mountains and the ocean. And, since the restaurant revolves, you’ll get the chance to see all the views through your meal or drink.

Also, if you dine here you don’t need to pay for the ticket to go up the Lookout. This means you can combine a meal and/or drinks with a visit to one of Vancouver’s top attractions!

• Location: 555 West Hastings Street

11. Seasons in the Park patio at Queen Elizabeth Park

Seasons in the Park is a restaurant located in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, British Columbia. It’s known for its stunning views of the park and its beautiful surroundings, making it a popular destination for special occasions and romantic dinners.

If you’re looking for restaurants in Vancouver with a view, it’s hard to beat this one!

The restaurant is located in a park-like setting and is surrounded by lush gardens and greenery, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for diners.

One of the highlights of Seasons in the Park restaurant is its outdoor patio which has stunning views of the park and its surroundings and out onto downtown Vancouver. This makes it one of the best rooftop bars in Vancouver.

The restaurant is also known for its elegant and sophisticated dining experience, offering an extensive menu that features a variety of fresh, local ingredients and seasonal produce.

• Location: West 33rd Avenue

12. The Shipyards at Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver

Not many people think of The Shipyards in North Vancouver when it comes to the best rooftop bars in Vancouver. That’s likely because it’s not strictly speaking a bar. What it is, however, is a great place to grab a drink with ocean views.

One of my favourite things to do is to grab some beers from one of the nearby North Vancouver breweries such as Streetcar Brewing or North Point Brewing Co and take them down to the Shipyards. Walk to the upper levels of the Shipyards and grab a table and enjoy the views with your beer!

There are plenty of places to grab food nearby too so you can have dinner and a beer for a reasonable price with some incredible views.

• Location: Shipyards North Vancouver

13. Sandbar on Granville Island

The Sandbar is one of the best restaurants on Granville Island and one of the best bars with rooftop patios in Vancouver.

It’s known for its fresh and delicious seafood as well as its stunning views of False Creek and the city skyline. It’s a super popular spot with both tourists and locals.

The patio here is a super cool spot and though it doesn’t have skyline views, you’ll see parts of False Creek and it’s kinda cool how it’s nestled close to Granville Street Bridge.

If you want to eat and drink on the patio at the Sandbar, be sure to reserve a table because it books up quickly and is a very popular spot.

• Location: 1535 Johnston Street

14. Carderos in Coal Harbour

Cardero’s restaurant in Coal Harbour is right on the water overlooking Stanley Park with amazing views of the North Shore Mountains. It’s another of my top picks for restaurants with a view in Vancouver.

With a reputation for being one of the best seafood restaurants in Vancouver, Cardero’s is a popular place to eat and drink. It’s even more popular in the summer thanks to its outdoor patio area which overlooks the Burrard Inlet.

It’s a great place to stop for a drink and some light bites if you’ve been biking Stanley Park or are wandering around the Coal Harbour neighbourhood of Vancouver.

• Location: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay

15. Grouse Mountain Patio

At the top of Grouse Mountain is the rooftop patio as part of the Altitudes Bistro which has arguably one of the best views of the city. Altitudes is located on the upper floor of the Peak Chalet. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

While you’re not in the city itself, you can’t deny that the views looking down over North Vancouver, the forests, the ocean and out towards downtown Vancouver, are hard to beat.

The patio at Grouse Mountain is popular with people who are just visiting Grouse Mountain and its attractions in the summer, as well as those who’ve just completed the Grouse Grind or one of the many other Grouse Mountain hikes.

In the summer, Altitudes Bistro offers patio grill nights where you can sit back and relax on this beautiful deck while enjoying a tasty BBQ menu.

You’ll need an admission ticket for the Grouse Gondola to visit the restaurant unless you plan on hiking the Grouse Grind. Hiking the Grouse Grind is free and you can return down via the BCMC, or by paying $20 for a download trip on the gondola.

• Location: Top of Grouse Mountain

16. The Galley at Jericho Sailing Club

I think this is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets! It’s easily one of the best things to do in Kitsilano too.

The Jericho Sailing club is home to one of the best-located rooftop patios in Vancouver: The Galley.

At this rooftop bar in Vancouver, you can look out onto the ocean with a mountain backdrop and views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver.

The bar itself isn’t very fancy or stylish, but the drinks are cheap and the views are incredible. You can watch people sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking or swimming in the ocean from up on the patio and the sunsets here are incredible.

• Location: 1300 Discovery Street

17. The Keg Yaletown

The Keg is a classic Canadian dining experience, and its restaurants are found all over the country. It’s a steakhouse that does decent food and is pretty reliable when it comes to taste and quality.

The Yaletown Keg restaurant has something that helps it stand out from other restaurants in Yaletown and that’s the rooftop patio. In fact, it’s one of the few rooftop patios at any of The Keg restaurants in Canada!

From the 3rd-floor patio at The Keg restaurant in Yaletown, you can sit above the hustle and bustle of Yaletown and do some people-watching or see the mountains too.

The Keg has a great wine list and some creative cocktails and craft beers too. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor seeking a unique dining experience in Vancouver, the rooftop bar at The Keg Yaletown is definitely worth a visit.

• Location: 1011 Mainland Street

18. Cypress Pop-up village

Just as you leave the highway and start to drive up the hill towards Cypress Ski Mountain, there’s a pop-up village which offers gorgeous open-air patio-style views of downtown Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean.

The pop-up village has a bar that offers a range of drinks light bites and snacks.

It’s become a popular place for people to visit post-ski, mountain bike or trail run, and you’ll soon understand why!

If you’re in the area, be sure to check out the new boardwalk a little further up the mountain which is another spot offering great views of Vancouver.

• Location: 3757 Cypress Bowl Road

19. Wicklow Pub

The Wicklow Pub in Stamps Landing towards the Olympic Village neighbourhood in Vancouver is a great spot to watch the sunset with a drink from a beautiful patio in Vancouver.

This waterfront patio in Vancouver is actually on the upper level of the pub and so offers even better views than some of the nearby patios at other establishments.

• Location: 310 Stamps Landing

20. LIFT Bar Grill

Another popular patio for outdoor drinks in Vancouver in Coal Harbour is LIFT Bar & Grill. At LIFT you’ll get incredible waterfront views while enjoying your drink.

This is one of the fancier dining options in Vancouver, so you’ll want to dress up a little bit and leave the running gear at home for this one!

Make sure to book in advance to grab a spot here as it’s a popular place, especially on summer weekends and evenings.

The menu is excellent and includes a mix of seafood dishes, fusion cuisine, and steaks. LIFT also has some delicious seasonal cocktails that you simply must try.

• Location: 333 Menchion Mews

21. Darby’s Public House

Over in Kitsilano, Darby’s Public House is the place to go if you’re looking for a rooftop bar where you can enjoy great beer and delicious food.

Darby’s is a classic pub with a laid-back atmosphere and fun vibes. They have a great craft beer list and it’s an ideal location for hanging out with friends.

It’s one of the few local and independent establishments in Vancouver that offer a rooftop patio area. The pub has been going for around 40 years so go and check it out and make sure it stays supported!

• Location: 2001 Macdonald Street

Final thoughts on the best rooftop bars Vancouver has to offer

From rooftop patio Vancouver bars and rooftop restaurants Vancouver has to offer, this guide to the best patios and rooftop Vancouver restaurants has scoured the city to give you the best views while you drink and dine.

My favourite roof top bar Vancouver has is definitely the Cypress pop-up village. While it’s nothing fancy, it does have one of the bst views out over downtown Vancouver, and it’s the perfect place to stop after I’ve been out hiking around the trails near Cypress Mountain ski area.

If you’ve enjoyed this list of rooftop patios Vancouver has to offer, be sure to check out my other food and drink guides to Vancouver including where to find the best croissant in Vancouver, where to eat in the West End, and the best Gastown restaurants.

Last Updated on September 7, 2023 by Hannah