Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
The historic house at Bow Valley Ranche was built by William Roper Hull in 1896 and is fitted with a gorgeous wraparound veranda. Sitting at the front or the side of the house not only reveals a picturesque view of Fish Creek Provincial Park but also lets visitors get a temporary escape from the city as they envision how Hull or Senator Patrick Burns (the second owner of the house) would have relaxed back in the day.
15979 Bow Bottom Tr. S.E., 403-476-1310, bvrrestaurant.com
King Eddy
View this post on Instagram
Surrounded by iconic Calgary architecture like the Scotiabank Saddledome, Platform Calgary and Studio Bell, King Eddy’s rooftop patio immerses you in the sights and sounds of the city. Plus, this summer, King Eddy has launched a BBQ Party series on Sunday afternoons (2 p.m. to 6 p.m.) until September 10. There’s no better way to fight the Sunday scaries than with music, backyard games like corn hole and Jenga, tasty eats and more on a rooftop patio.
438 9 Ave. S.E., 403-829-6016, kingeddy.ca
Modern Steak
View this post on Instagram
Modern Steak’s Stephen Avenue location pairs its expertly made steak dishes with a rooftop patio that boasts great views of the downtown skyline and the iconic Calgary Tower. The view is complemented by string lights that add a magical touch to the ambiance.
100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-244-3600, modernsteak.ca
Rooftop Bar @ Simmons
With a clear view of the Bow River, the hilly communities on its north bank, St. Patrick’s Island and downtown, the Rooftop Bar @ Simmons is upstairs from Charbar and like no other. Outfitted with greenery and heaters for cooler nights, Charbar’s patio seating is available for both reservations and walk-ins, so make sure to call or get there early.
618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-452-3115, rtbsimmons.ca
River Café
View this post on Instagram
River Café is one of Calgary’s most sublime settings to dine at any time of year, but there’s something extra-special about the warmer months when guests get to sip wine and eat locally sourced, regionally inspired food while gazing out at the greenery of Prince’s Island Park and the adjacent lagoon.
25 Prince’s Island Park, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com
The Wilde on 27
Head to the 27th floor of the Dorian Hotel and you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Calgary skyline at The Wilde. While you can enjoy these views from inside, try to snag a seat on the patio (which has heaters to keep things comfortable on cooler nights) to take it all in through seven-foot glass walls. It’s a stunning view to accompany your plate of Black Apron Farms tenderloin at dinner or Atlantic lobster tagliatelle at lunch.
27th floor, 525 5 Ave. S.W., 403-300-6633, thewilderooftop.com
[Note: This story was updated on July 20, 2023.]