Rooftop bars in Toronto are one of the best ways to take in the city’s ever-changing skyline, with new skyscrapers popping up faster than you can count. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to impress your date, grab dinner, or just try somewhere new, there’s no shortage of sky-high destinations.
Here are some of our favorite Toronto rooftop bars where you can unwind and enjoy a cold beer, wine or cocktail with a magnificent skyline view.
1. Valerie
Spanning three floors at the top of Hotel X, Valerie boasts one of the best views of the city skyline and lake with its panoramic rooftop views. Each floor has a different vibe, whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner setting, casual bite to eat poolside, or a party complete with live music or DJ’s.
Where: 111 Princes’ Blvd 28th floor, Toronto
2. KŌST
Experience a California summer in Toronto all year round at Kōst. Sit back and relax in the coastal-inspired lounge or take a dip in the world-famous infinity pool that offers sensational views of the city’s never-ending skyline. Located on the 44th floor of the Bisha hotel, the rooftop is surrounded by enormous floor to ceiling windows so you can keep warm and still get the perfect unobstructed shot for Instagram no matter the weather.
Where: Bisha Hotel 44th Floor, 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
3. Terroni Price
One of Toronto’s favourite Italian restaurants also has an epic rooftop patio at their Price Street location in the heart of the city’s Rosedale neighbourhood. Sip on a summery cocktail while indulging in one of their signature uncut pizzas or freshly-made pastas on the lush outdoor space surrounded by greenery.
Where: 1095 Yonge St, Toronto
4. Aera
Newly-opened steak and sushi restaurant Aera sits on the 38th floor of The Well, featuring breathtaking views high above the city skyline in a luxuriously-designed space. There’s several seating options to choose from, including the sushi counter, bar, lounge area, and luxe dining room. Aera serves lunch and dinner daily, as well as brunch on weekends.
Where: 8 Spadina Ave. #3800, Toronto
5. The Chase
Found in the heart of the Financial District, The Chase is a go-to for swanky business lunches or somewhere to impress a client. Focusing on excellently-prepared seafood dishes, wines, and cocktails, you can also stop by on a Monday for a sampling of their best dishes with their prix fixe menu.
Where: 10 Temperance St, Floor 5, Toronto
5. Evangeline
On the rooftop of the Ace Hotel, Evangeline is an all-season bar featuring a stunning wrap-around terrace 14 stories up. Overlooking the west side of Toronto, you can hang out til the wee hours sipping on one of their many inventive cocktails, like the Punch Lafitte made with rhum agricole, white rum, absinthe, brandy, gunpowder tea, coconut milk, and lime.
Where: 51 Camden St, Toronto
6. The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel
Open year-round, the patio atop The Broadview Hotel looks out over the Leslieville strip and the Don River. While they have a small menu of shareable plates, the rooftop is known best for their whimsical drinks, beer, and wine offerings.
Where: 106 Broadview Ave, Toronto
7. Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel
In addition to their street-side café, The Sky Yard at The Drake Hotel is the go-to spot for hip Torontonians hoping to keep it cool with an icy sangria or a brown butter–maple Old Fashioned. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the bar offers a selection of nibbles to keep those rumbling bellies appeased. Try their scrumptious Argentinian shrimp and mouth-watering steak tartare before washing them down with a heavenly cocktail of your choice. When those chilly nights start creeping in, guests can cozy on up around an outdoor fire pit to toast marshmallows and watch a movie under the twinkling Toronto sky.
Where: 1150 Queen St W, Toronto
8. Lavelle
Perched 16 stories above the city, Lavelle offers out-of-this-world views of Toronto’s stunning skyline. Grab your swimsuit and sunscreen and head to one of the bar’s three rooftop pools or retreat into a one of the private cabanas with a tasty cocktail in hand. You’ll have to pay a daily fee of $25 to use the pool facilities, but it’s definitely worth it for the incredible 360° views of the city and the towel service is an added bonus. Come nightfall, the pool area transforms into a snazzy lounge area so you may want to dress up a little.
Where: 627 King St W, Toronto
9. Hemingway’s
Enjoy a taste of New Zealand at Hemingway’s in the trendy neighborhood of Yorkville. Traditional pub grub, a friendly atmosphere and refreshing craft beers imported all the way from New Zealand make this rooftop a Kiwi inspired go-to spot for a drink and a bite to eat. The bar is open 365 days a year, so celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a craft beer in hand on Hemingway’s heated rooftop patio (just make sure you book well in advance).
Where: 142 Cumberland St, Toronto
10. Harriet’s Rooftop
When it comes to Toronto rooftop bars with a view, few beat Harriet’s Rooftop. Located on top of 1 Hotel Toronto, this all-season rooftop bar lets visitors take in the panoramic views of the city no matter how cold it gets. If you’re feeling a little hungry, don’t miss out on the delectable Japanese delights made before your very eyes at the lounge’s small sushi bar. From Wednesday to Saturday, guests can enjoy the relaxing house beats from a live DJ set as the sun sets behind the city’s magnificent skyline. Visitors come for the party and stay for the view at this luxury rooftop bar.
Where: 550 Wellington St W, Toronto
11. AP Restaurant
Formerly known as The One Eighty, this rooftop spot has since become the new chapter of the 51st floor. Still 51 floors up, AP Restaurant is an elevated and elegant dining experience featuring new lunch exclusive dishes. Take in TO’s skyline while dining on sushi, maki, and Japanese bowls with delicious, fresh ingredients. And don’t forget to try one of their specialty cocktails like their Hana Spritz (perfect for summer) with Asian pear sake, St-Germain, hibiscus, and prosecco.
Where: 55 Bloor St. W. 51st Floor, Toronto
12. SKYLIGHT
Patio season is here and Skylight is ready. Skylight got its hype last July when it first opened and has been a favorite ever since. Situated on top of the W Hotel, the lush and elevated spot has a private elevator to get to the top and dedicated its menu to Middle Eastern flavors found in both their food and drinks.
Where: 90 Bloor Street E 9th Floor, Toronto