The rain won't last forever (even if it feels never-ending) and when the sunshine finally returns, these rooftop patios are the perfect place to wile away the hours with cocktails and snacks.
Rooftops have the outdoor appeal of ground-level patios without the potential for traffic noise or nosy pedestrians. A few of these picks are still good candidates for people-watching and come with sweeping views of Vancouver while others are enclosed on all sides for a more cozy and intimate feeling, like a secret escape high above the rest of the world.
The Parker Rooftop
Vancouver's newest rooftop hangout isn't actually officially open yet but is set to be ready by June. The Parker Rooftop, located in the Howe Street hotel of the same name will be a 4,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor space on the ninth floor with floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace overlooking the city and featuring a caviar, cocktails, and canapes-style menu.
Reflections Terrace
The old seasonal favourite is back for another year. The secret garden-esque Reflections Terrace inside the Rosewood Hotel Georgia reopened April 17 and is set to operate until September with seasonal cocktails and tapas-inspired dishes. Though it is not on the roof of the entire hotel, it is elevated atop a lower bank of levels and definitely gives those urban rooftop vibes.
The Roof at Black and Blue
This year-round rooftop is adorned with cascading flowers and fires making it suitable for date night in all weather conditions (so great for Juneuary in Vancouver). The intimate patio is located above the Glowbal Restaurant Group steakhouse, Black and Blue, on Alberni Street. People can expect an indulgent evening of surf and turf with premier cuts of beef or a killer happy hour with Smoked Wagyu Brisket or Steak House Carpaccio.
D/6 Bar and Lounge
D/6 Bar and Lounge is located inside the Parq Hotel, aka the Vegas of Vancouver. Not only does D/6 have a secret lounge hidden behind a bookcase but, in the summer, it also has a fabulous rooftop patio tucked just beneath the eaves of the BC Place dome. Depending on the day, the patio may be a relaxing place to hang out or it may resemble a dance party with a live DJ, check the bar's Instagram to match its vibe to yours.
Joe Fortes
Right now, the Joe Fortes patio (a Vancouver classic) is operating on spring hours from noon to 6 p.m., weather permitting. The rooftop garden, bursting with greenery, officially opened for business last week and is a great place to enjoy the sunshine. The restaurant, named for a famed lifeguard and known for its seafood, promises to announce its extended hours closer to summer so stay tuned.
Lift Bar and Grill
The waterfront Lift Bar and Grill has perhaps one of the best views of any entry on this list, overlooking the harbour, Stanley Park, and North Shore Mountains. The Coal Harbour rooftop is enclosed and has fire pits for the transitional spring weather and is open for brunch, lunch, cocktails, and dinner with an emphasis on West Coast cuisine and (you guessed it) seafood.
