Best Patios in Ottawa

Ottawa's patio season runs from May to October, and the city makes the most of it. With the Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, and Parliament Hill as backdrops, the outdoor dining options here rival any Canadian city. From 16th-floor rooftops to hidden backyard terraces, these are the patios worth planning your summer around.

Best Rooftops

Copper Spirits & Sights

Copper Spirits & Sights on the 16th floor of the Andaz Hyatt is Ottawa's highest rooftop bar. The outdoor terrace has fire pits and panoramic views of Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, and the Gatineau Hills. Signature cocktails and small plates — this is a drinks-and-views spot, not a full dinner destination.

Vibe: Sleek rooftop, sunset cocktails
Best for: Impressing a date, drinks with a view
Hours: Mon–Wed & Sun 5–10 PM, Thu–Sat 5–11 PM
Address: 325 Dalhousie St, 16th Floor

Rabbit Hole

Rabbit Hole on Sparks Street is two venues in one — a cave-like underground dining room and a tiki-themed rooftop patio upstairs. The rooftop is walk-in only (no reservations), with wood-fire pizza, oysters, and cocktails. Themed nights Tuesday through Thursday.

Vibe: Tiki rooftop, casual and fun
Best for: Walk-in drinks, pizza on the roof
Hours: Closed Sunday. Themed nights Mon–Thu
Address: 208 Sparks Street

Best Waterfront

Canal Ritz

Canal Ritz has one of Ottawa's most iconic patios — right on the Rideau Canal. Italian food, cold drinks, and boats gliding past your table. It's been a summer institution for decades.

Vibe: Classic canal-side, relaxed
Best for: Sunny afternoon lunch, groups
Address: 375 Queen Elizabeth Drive

Umbrella Bar

Umbrella Bar at Dow's Lake is a waterfront cocktail bar with views across the lake. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink during tulip season or a summer evening.

Vibe: Lakeside cocktails
Best for: Drinks at Dow's Lake, tulip season
Address: Dow's Lake Pavilion

Tavern on the Island

Tavern on the Island on Bate Island sits on the Ottawa River with views of the rapids and Gatineau Hills. One of the most unique patio settings in the city — you're literally on an island.

Vibe: Island escape, river views
Best for: Weekend afternoon, nature lovers
Address: Bate Island

Best for a Special Occasion

La Terrasse at Chateau Laurier

La Terrasse at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is Ottawa's most iconic terrace. Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal locks, and the Ottawa River — all visible from your table. Red parasols, shareable plates, cocktails, and sangria. Seasonal from mid-May to October.

Vibe: Grand hotel terrace, iconic views
Best for: Tourists, special occasions, visiting family
Season: Mid-May to October
Address: 1 Rideau Street

1 Elgin

1 Elgin at the National Arts Centre has a patio directly overlooking the Rideau Canal with a retractable canopy — open-air when it's sunny, covered when it rains. Contemporary Canadian cuisine with local seasonal ingredients. Great pre-show dinner spot.

Vibe: Elegant, canal-side, all-weather
Best for: Pre-show dinner, rain-proof patio
Hours: Tue–Fri lunch & dinner, Sat dinner only
Address: 1 Elgin Street

Best Hidden Gems

Bar Lupulus

Bar Lupulus has a hidden backyard patio that feels like a secret garden. Natural wine, craft beer, and elevated bar food in a space you'd never know existed from the street. One of Ottawa's best-kept patio secrets.

Vibe: Secret garden, natural wine
Best for: Wine lovers, quiet evening
Address: 520 Rochester Street

Comparison

Patio	Type	Views	Price	Best For
Copper Spirits	Rooftop (16F)	Parliament panorama	$$$$	Sunset cocktails
Rabbit Hole	Rooftop (tiki)	Sparks Street	$$	Walk-in pizza & drinks
Canal Ritz	Waterfront	Rideau Canal	$$–$$$	Classic canal lunch
Kelly's Landing	Waterfront	Rideau River sunset	$$	Weekend drive
Umbrella Bar	Waterfront	Dow's Lake	$$–$$$	Lakeside drinks
Tavern on the Island	Waterfront	Ottawa River rapids	$$	Island escape
La Terrasse	Hotel terrace	Parliament + Canal	$$$	Iconic views
1 Elgin	Canal-side	Rideau Canal	$$$	Rain-proof elegance
Bar Lupulus	Hidden backyard	—	$$–$$$	Secret garden vibes

Tips for Patio Season in Ottawa

Book ahead for waterfront: Canal Ritz, La Terrasse, and 1 Elgin fill up fast on sunny weekends. Reserve or go on a weekday
Copper is walk-in friendly: The rooftop bar doesn't take reservations for the terrace — arrive before 6 PM on weekends to snag a fire pit seat
Check the weather: Ottawa patios are weather-dependent. Have a backup plan or choose 1 Elgin (retractable roof) for guaranteed outdoor dining
Sunset timing: For the best golden hour at Kelly's Landing or Tavern on the Island, arrive 1.5 hours before sunset
Patio season: Most patios open mid-May and close by mid-October. La Terrasse and Kelly's Landing are seasonal only
Dog-friendly options: See our dog-friendly patios guide → for spots that welcome pets

FAQ

What is the best rooftop patio in Ottawa?

Copper Spirits & Sights on the 16th floor of the Andaz Hyatt hotel at 325 Dalhousie Street is Ottawa's highest rooftop bar, with panoramic views of Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, and the Gatineau Hills. Rabbit Hole on Sparks Street also has a tiki-themed rooftop patio.

What are the best waterfront patios in Ottawa?

Canal Ritz on the Rideau Canal is the classic choice. Umbrella Bar at Dow's Lake, Tavern on the Island on Bate Island, and Kelly's Landing on the Rideau River in Manotick also offer excellent waterfront dining.

When does patio season start in Ottawa?

Most Ottawa patios open in mid-May and close by mid-October. La Terrasse at Chateau Laurier and Kelly's Landing are seasonal only. Year-round rooftop bars like Copper Spirits operate their outdoor terrace weather-permitting from spring through fall.

Which Ottawa patios have the best views of Parliament Hill?

Copper Spirits & Sights (16th floor rooftop) has a panoramic Parliament view. La Terrasse at the Chateau Laurier looks directly at Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal locks. 1 Elgin at the National Arts Centre overlooks the Rideau Canal with Parliament nearby.

Are there rain-proof patios in Ottawa?

1 Elgin at the National Arts Centre has a retractable canopy that covers the patio when it rains while staying open-air in good weather. It's the best option for guaranteed outdoor dining regardless of weather.