Calgary is known for its bustling patios, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy food, drinks, and fresh air in the sunniest city in Canada. One might even find a number of patios open on the odd warm winter day if a Chinook blows in – that’s how die-hard we are here. Whether you want to catch city views from a rooftop or be transported to another place in a “hidden” courtyard, Calgary is sure to have a patio for you. If you’d rather spend a day in the sunshine people-watching while sipping on a local brew or go bar-hopping with your pup, you’ll find the perfect spot within the city’s patio scene.

Best Rooftop Patios in Calgary

CRAFT Beer Market Calgary Downtown

Located in the heart of the city, CRAFT Beer Market boasts Canada’s largest selection of draught beer, along with a wide array of delicious food items, cocktails, and wine. The downtown Calgary location recently added a rooftop patio, which is home to an adorable VW bus, lawn games such as cornhole and bocce, and of course, incredible city views. CRAFT’s happy hour runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close -  Monday through Saturday and all day on Sundays, with eats and drinks starting at just $4!

Location: 345 10 Ave SW

Rooftop Bar @ Simmons

Catch river views from Rooftop Bar @ Simmons in one of Calgary’s trendiest up-and-coming neighbourhoods. Overlooking the Bow River and the RiverWalk in East Village, the Simmons Building was a former warehouse factory for a mattress manufacturer, and is now home to three of Calgary’s favourite purveyors of food and drink. Up at Rooftop Bar, you’ll find buckets of beer, delicious cocktails, and food from Connie and John’s Pizza, all paired with an amazing view. Afterwards, walk your meal off with a stroll through the recently revitalized St. Patrick’s Island Park.

Location: 618 Confluence Way SE

National

National is a restaurant group with several locations across the city, and all of them have something unique to offer. National on 8th and National on 10th both boast rooftop patios, but you’ll find a different vibe at each. The 8th Avenue location features a massive space with picnic tables and games that’ll make patrons feel as if they’re hanging out in someone’s backyard. National on 10th offers a more laid-back and intimate setting, tucked away above 10th Avenue. No matter which National you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Location: #360 225 8 Ave SW and 341 10 Ave SW

The Wilde on 27

Elevate your patio experience to new heights at The Wilde on 27! This rooftop patio sits on the 27th floor of The Dorian Hotel and features views of Calgary's Downtown like nowhere else. Indulge in upscale culinary creations made from local organic ingredients, signature cocktails, and an extensive list of fine wines. The dramatic elements of the décor and views, mixed with a vibrant social scene, leaves all guests feeling like a main character.

Location: 525 5th Ave SW

Dog Friendly Patios in Calgary

Cold Garden

With budget-friendly pint prices, tasty craft beer, an eclectic, relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of outdoor seating, Cold Garden is a great place for anyone to enjoy a drink, especially for dog lovers. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are pup-friendly, so owners can bring their four-legged friends with them regardless of the weather. The brewery’s patio includes fire pits and an astroturf, making guests (and their pets) feel instantly at home.

Location: 1100 11 St SE

Vin Room West

Vin Room West offers an extensive wine list, small plates, and, best of all, a dog friendly patio. There’s even a “Fur-baby Fare” option on the menu, with three courses of treats for your pup. Patrons are encouraged to try Vin Room’s large selection of wine, with samples available by the ounce or the glass, so that you can explore options before committing to one. There’s also a daily happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., so if you’re patio-hopping on a budget, this is the perfect place for you and your furry friend.

Location: 8561 8A Ave SW

Bottlescrew Bill’s Pub

This local watering hole is a Calgary staple, made even better by the fact that your dog can come hang out on the patio with you. Diners will find pub favourites like chicken wings, nachos, and fish and chips, alongside a massive selection of brews. If you’re up for the challenge, try the Around-the-World-in-80-Beers Passport, which gives you one year to complete and get your name displayed prominently in the pub. Plus, Bottlescrew Bill’s recently started brewing its own beer, making this spot a can’t-miss for both locals and visitors.

Location: 140 10 Ave SW

Breweries with Patios in Calgary

Annex Ale Project

Annex Ale Project is a microbrewery situated in Calgary’s Barley Belt, known for its high-quality, hand-crafted beers and sodas. The brewery’s patio is surrounded by twinkly lights, where you’ll find a number of core beers along with rotating taps. Grab a pint, sample a few beers with a flight, or opt to try one of Annex’s flavourful sodas. There’s even a food counter operated by Lil’ Empire, so you can pair a tasty bite with your beverage.

Location: 4323 1 St SE

Ol’ Beautiful Brewing Co.

Located in the historic community of Inglewood, Ol’ Beautiful’s expansive outdoor seating area feels more like a garden party than a traditional patio. In addition to having both its core beers and seasonal brews available, the brewery offers Mexican fare from A1 Burrito inside, so you can pop in and pick up some eats when you start feeling hungry. As an added bonus, this space is dog friendly too.

Location: 1103 12 St SE

Trolley 5 Brewpub

A 17th Avenue hotspot, Trolley 5 was named after an area called “No.5 Trolley Line” in Calgary’s early days, which is now known as the Beltline. Craft beer lovers can sample one of Trolley 5’s brews, or choose from a selection of other beverages. The food is not to be missed either, with a wide variety of dishes to choose from that are sure to satisfy every palate. Whether you want to catch up with friends, take a break from the hustle and bustle of 17th Ave, catch the game, or just enjoy some awesome local beer and food, this brewpub is the place to see and be seen on 17th Ave.

Location: 728 17 Ave

“Hidden” Patios in Calgary

Poolside by Freestyle Social Club

Removed from the noise of downtown Calgary, Poolside by Freestyle Social Club is located right in the middle of Hotel Arts in the Beltline, making visitors feel like they’re at a tropical resort. The pool area is covered during the cooler months, so patrons can enjoy the space year-round. From the turquoise water of the pool to the many seating options (there’s everything from lounge furniture to traditional tables and chairs), this spot is the perfect hangout – whether you’re on vacation or just want to feel like you are. The only thing that’s missing is a swim-up bar!

Location: 119 12 Ave SW

Last Best Brewing & Distilling

Enjoy Last Best’s house-brewed beers and distilled spirits while tucked away at the venue’s interior patio. Catch views of the sky above while remaining removed from the pace of the city with walls on all four sides of this patio. You’ll find a fire pit, cold beverages, and an extended happy hour at Last Best, making this patio a perfect getaway, right in Calgary. Plus, there’s a menu of upscale pub fare, homegrown Alberta dishes, and globally inspired eats that’s sure to impress.

Location: 607 11 Ave SW

Palomino Smokehouse

The Palomino is situated adjacent to the CTrain line running along 7th Avenue, but you’d never know it while you’re sitting on this lively patio. With picnic table seating, signs decorating its concrete walls, and tin roof overhang, you won’t even notice you’re in downtown Calgary. Pair this with the establishment’s drool-worthy barbecue eats, and you’ll almost feel as if you’re in Texas. The Palomino is well-known for its live music scene, and you might just discover your new favourite band here.

Location: 109 7 Ave SW

Bonterra Trattoria

The inner courtyard of Bonterra Trattoria will have patrons thinking they’re dining in Italy. The eatery’s incredible menu doesn’t hurt either. Here, diners will find contemporary Italian food made with simple, fresh ingredients, and the menu spans antipasti, pasta, meat and vegetable dishes, and traditional desserts such as tiramisu. The secluded patio is filled with lush greenery, and it even has a fireplace for those chilly evenings. With a visit to Bonterra, you’ll be transported to Tuscany without needing to get on a plane.

Location: 1016 8 St SW

Best Patios for People Watching in Calgary

National on 17th

Whether you’re looking for a mid-afternoon beverage, a dinner with that special someone, or a night out with friends, National on 17th has got you covered. Located right on the corner of 17th Avenue and 5th Street SW, the patio allows for some ideal people watching. While you’re there, enjoy eats such as the cheese empanadas or hot smoked bacon burger, and choose from a selection of beverages, including local craft beers and creative cocktails like the papaya mojito. National on 17th also makes a great spot for bar hopping, with Ricardo’s Hideaway just behind it if you’re in the mood for a tiki drink, or the Ship & Anchor next door for more people watching opportunities.

Location: 550 17 Ave SW

CENTRAL Taps + Food

Good food, good drinks, and maybe a bit of good trouble too, CENTRAL Taps + Food is a neighbourhood gathering place perfect for an afternoon cocktail, dinner with friends, or late-night celebration. Pull up a spot on the large patio in Victoria Park, order a crushable cocktail, like the Aperol Spritz, a pretty drink, like the classic central mule, and an order of tableside dressed truffle fries, as you watch the people go by on a hot summer day.

Location: 224 12 Ave SW #110

The Guild

Situated centrally on Stephen Avenue, The Guild’s massive outdoor seating area is a great place to catch all the action of the historic street, take a break from shopping, or fuel up before a night out. Its name was inspired by guildhalls of the past, where artists and merchants held secret society meetings. The restaurant’s menu offers Alberta staples such as the chuck burger, maple glazed short rib, and a 32 ounce 28-day dry-aged Tomahawk steak. The Guild also features a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., so be sure to stop here for a mid-afternoon refreshment.

Location: 200 8 Ave SW

Murrieta’s West Coast Bar & Grill

Perched above Stephen Avenue on the second floor of the former Alberta Hotel building, the Murrieta’s balcony is the perfect place for people watching while remaining above it all (literally!). The restaurant opened in Calgary in 2001, and got its name from Joaquin Murrieta, the famous “gentleman outlaw” of California. This west coast bar and grill serves up some of the best seafood you’ll find in our landlocked city, but if seafood isn’t your thing, Murrieta’s is also known for its steak and pasta dishes.

Location: #200 808 1 St SW

The Ship & Anchor Pub

The Ship & Anchor features two spacious patios, picnic table seating, friendly service, and fun events. From your spot on the patio, you can catch all the action on 17th Ave while enjoying an ice cold beer or a meal from the pub’s vast menu. Spend a sunny afternoon with friends at the Ship, check out its brunch offerings, or head here in the evening for punk rock bingo, live music, or to watch the game on its many TVs.

Location: 534 17 Ave SW