Patio season is in full swing!
Grabbing a bit to eat or a beverage on a patio in the sunshine is a Victoria tradition. A cheeky pint at the pub doesn’t have to be an experience just for people, though!
Restaurants and pubs in Victoria understand that wherever we go, our furry friends are coming with us. Many of them have made space at the table for our extra family members, and we love them for it.
We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite pet-friendly patios in and around the city to enjoy a pint or some food, so happy hour can truly make everyone happy.
Here are nine pet-friendly restaurant and pub patios in and around Victoria:
The Fernwood Inn
The Fernwood Inn makes another one of our lists!
With an adorable patio and picnic tables that extend onto Gladstone Avenue, there are many dogs that call the Fernwood Inn a second home, just like their owners.
The music isn’t too loud outside and there is plenty of people- and dog-watching to do in the Fernwood neighbourhood, so it makes a great spot for a social hour.
For hotter days, there is even a patio section that is more protected in case the pooch gets a little too much sun.
- Where: 1302 Gladstone Avenue
Bistro L’Stage
Just across the street from the Fernwood Inn is L’Stage.
With a lengthy wine menu and an outdoor patio that feels very European, it’s a bit of a different vibe than their neighbourhood pub counterpart across the street.
Both patios are extremely friendly, and people and dogs alike wave and chat to each other from one side to the other.
Everyone is a friend in Fernwood!
- Where: 1307 Gladstone Avenue
Boomtown
Boomtown is serious about patio culture.
With most of the establishment outside, there are several layers to this downtown patio that face the street, making it ideal for an afternoon of people watching and hanging out.
They’re also one of the premier places in the city to catch the World Cup, so this is the perfect place to bring the pooch and relax while cheering on your favourite team.
- Where: 950 Yates Street
Lido’s Waterfront Bistro
As the name suggests, Lido’s is right on the waterfront, making for a scenic afternoon admiring the legislature and watching water taxis cruise around the Inner Harbour.
Because it’s right on the water, it can get a little breezy on a windy day, but Lido’s does have blankets available to keep yourself and your pup warm.
- Where: Harbour Level, 1234 Wharf Street
Whistle Buoy
In the heart of downtown, Whistle Buoy Brewing Company is a staple of the Market Square businesses.
If you’re grabbing a beverage or a bite to eat while shopping or wandering in downtown Victoria, Whistle Buoy is the place to be.
Market Square in the summer always has a friendly and energetic atmosphere to it, and even more so because it’s now hosting the largest World Cup viewing parties in the city.
Whistle Buoy also hosts their own parties throughout the summer and can be quite the busy spot, so it’s best to make sure the pup can handle a bit of a crowd.
- Where: Market Square, Lower Courtyard, #63, 560 Johnson Street
The Drake Eatery
The Drake is also in Market Square, though a little more tucked away on one of the upper balconies.
While they’ve got a stunning interior in one of Victoria’s oldest buildings, their outside section is also a highlight.
While you’re there, make sure to grab a bite to eat. The Drake proudly supports local businesses in the area with their delicious food options, and they say where they get their ingredients right on the menu!
It’s also become a great spot for World Cup action, with a screen showing the games outside.
Be sure to get there early if you’re going for a match!
- Where: 517 Pandora Street
Small Gods Brewing
For those out in Sidney, Small Gods Brewing is a must-try.
They’ve been serving up some of the best beer in town for a few years now, and have a great patio vibe to boot.
An afternoon walk with pup around the waterfront in Sidney followed by a break and a treat at Small Gods is simply a quintessential Vancouver Island summer day.
There’s small bites on the menu too — the pretzel with beer mustard is to die for.
- Where: 9835 Third Street
Riva Sidney
For another Sidney favourite, Riva pairs great food with stunning views.
Located right on the waterfront, this restaurant is the perfect example of the kind of ambience that Sidney is capable of. They even have a menu for the dogs!
And the best part? The team at Riva loves furry friends. Bring yours down and say hi!
- Where: 2537 Beacon Avenue
Category 12 Brewing
The Category 12 Brewing patio pops up every summer, serving up some of the best beer you’ll find on Vancouver Island.
With wing night on Wednesdays and live acoustic sessions on Sunday nights, the patio vibes are immaculate.
Just make sure to bring some treats for Fido if you go on a Wednesday, wing night will leave anyone drooling.
- Where: 2200 Keating Cross Road
Loghouse Pub
Of course, we have to show Langford a little bit of love.
The Loghouse Pub’s patio is stunning. The wood aesthetic really does encapsulate Langford’s energy to a tee, and their permanent patio extends that aesthetic into the open air.
String lights, good music and delicious food will have you and pup feeling like you’re camping under the stars for an hour or two.
- Where: 2323 Millstream Road
Know of a dog-friendly patio in Greater Victoria that you want to give a shoutout to? Let us know in the comment section below!
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