The Bison
The Bison already creates some of the most stunning, locally sourced food in Banff, so why not pair it with an equally stunning, locally sourced view? The covered rooftop patio has heaters in case it gets chilly (which can happen quickly in the mountains), as well as intimate lighting for a cozy night of dining out under the stars.
213, 211 Bear St., 403-762-5550, thebison.ca
Chuck’s Steakhouse
Located near the end of Banff Avenue, the rooftop patio at Chuck’s Steakhouse is a great spot to enjoy some of the best locally sourced meats in Banff. The patio, which is covered in umbrellas for shade from the sun, creates a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy the Alberta beef that Chuck’s serves — including Wagyu, Angus and grass-fed varieties — alongside classic steakhouse sides.
101 Banff Ave., 403-762-4825, chuckssteakhouse.ca
The Elk & Oarsmen
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Walk up the stairs at this local watering hole and you’ll find an expansive rooftop patio with panoramic views of the Rockies. Spending time on this patio is just like hanging out at your friend’s place, if your friend’s place was a sports bar with incredible views. On the menu, you’ll find a good mix of drinks ranging from domestic and local beers to tasty cocktails, as well as a selection of burgers, flatbreads and other tasty fare.
119 Banff Ave., 403-762-4616, elkandoarsmen.com
Juniper Bistro
Located outside of the hustle and bustle of Banff proper, Juniper Bistro’s patio is quiet, secluded and offers some unparalleled views of the mountains. The combination of the wild, outdoorsy surroundings and the Canadian fine-dining menu makes this one of the more magical spots in Banff to enjoy a summer patio visit.
Unit 2, 1 Juniper Way, Banff, 403-763-6219, thejuniper.com/dine
Magpie & Stump’s El Patio
This Mexican restaurant has a festive and colourful rooftop patio that is a great spot to soak up the summer. Tacos, nachos and margaritas are perfect patio fare, so it should come as no surprise that this patio is a popular summer destination. At El Patio, as it’s known, you can try any of the restaurant’s eight taco varieties or the build-your-own nachos, all while sipping on one of the many types of margaritas or other tequila-based cocktails on offer.
203 Caribou St., 403-762-4067, magpieandstump.ca
Park Distillery
With a bevy of distilled-in-house craft spirits and a menu full of campfire-inspired dishes to chow down on, Park Distillery’s patio is a great spot to soak in the special energy of this mountain town. Spend your visit people watching along Banff Avenue, sipping tasty creations like the Sawback cocktail (a spicy and tropical drink named after the Sawback mountain range near the distillery) and snacking on the restaurant’s rotisserie chicken and ribs.
219 Banff Ave., 403-762-5114, parkdistillery.com
Peak Patio
This patio is located at the top of Sulphur Mountain, which means you’ll have to ride the gondola (or brave the ever-winding hike up to the summit) to get here. But once you get there, you’ll be greeted with some of the best views in Banff. Grab a glass of wine, a local beer or an Eau Claire Distillery cocktail and take in the breathtaking vistas at the top.
Located in Banff Gondola Upper Terminal, Mountain Ave., banffjaspercollection.com
Rose & Crown
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Rose & Crown opened in 1985, making it one of the oldest pubs in Banff, and it has lasted that long for a reason. This friendly and casual eatery has a rooftop patio above Banff Avenue with plenty of seating, including along the rooftop bar. And with food and drink specials available every day of the week, it’s a great place to relax and hang with friends after a day exploring Banff.
202 Banff Ave., 403-762-2121, roseandcrown.ca
Rundle Bar
If you’re staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs (lucky you), your visit isn’t complete without a stop at Rundle Bar’s mountainside patio. With views of the cocktail bar’s namesake Mount Rundle on one side and the equally beautiful hotel on the other, this patio offers a relaxed vibe while still maintaining that Banff Springs magic. Be sure to check out the special patio cocktail menu of fun, tropical summer drinks like margaritas and mojitos and the selection of shareable bar snacks and sandwiches.
405 Spray Ave., 403-762-6860, banff-springs-hotel.com
Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant
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This brewery and restaurant has a few options for all your alfresco dining needs. In addition to a dining room with doors that open to the street, Three Bears’ second-floor dining area features a retractable roof that essentially turns the space into one giant patio. Three Bears serves its made-in-house beers, as well as a food menu featuring eclectic pub fare. Each dish is made to pair well with the beers — try one of the pizzas (the dough takes three days to make) or the fun shareables like crab and shrimp doughnuts or lamb ribs.
205 Bear St., 403-985-8038, threebearsbanff.com