Looking to catch the fireworks this Labour Day weekend? With stellar rooftop views or a front-row seat to the Lakeshore, these summer-prime patios are perfect for people watching, cityscapes, or epic explosions in the sky. Here are the patios with the best views in #theSix and where you should head to catch this year’s Labour Day fireworks.[Image credit: iStock.com/quangpraha]
Aside from being one of the most spacious patios in the city, the Williams Landing second-floor patio in Liberty Village is pure buzz. Think: after-work drinks and an evening breeze that makes it easy to take in the area’s historic buildings sitting amongst the modern condos where many of the city’s young professionals reside.
There’s no patio that spells Toronto more than the Drake SkyYard. Here, it’s all about the people – and they come ready to mingle. The charm of this patio is its peek-a-boo view of the CN Tower, which almost whispers, “welcome home.” It’s intimate and quintessentially Toronto, with a locals-only vibe.
Undoubtedly one of the most captivating views of the city, the Thompson Hotel’s rooftop patio showcases the grandeur of Toronto. I’d recommend going after sunset, when the patio is both romantic and airy. If the glitter of a million city lights doesn’t give you a sense of pride, the Thompson’s so-chic outdoor pool and upscale vibes certainly will.
Situated along the Harbourfront, the Amsterdam Brewhouse has a patio with everything you need on a hot summer’s day. The splish-splash of Lake Ontario waters hums in the background as sunglasses-clad Torontonians get lost in conversation. In a concrete jungle, the view of water transports city slickers to better days at the lake.
The Entertainment District doesn’t disappoint, especially when it comes to patios. If you like people watching, this one is for you. Perched atop the TIFF Bell Lightbox on King Street West, Luma’s view encompasses the CN Tower, the Royal Alexandra Theatre and David Pecaut Square. It’s the one of the liveliest areas of the city, so don’t blink, you might miss something.
When out-of-towners come to The 6, take them to America, situated on the 31st floor of the Trump Hotel. The patio seating is turned outward, and the only barrier is clear glass. Feel like you’re floating in the midst of Toronto’s tallest buildings? Well, that’s certainly the aim. The sight, the feeling, the city – this patio demands that you revel in it.
Lakeshore patio game gets a mean addition with this outdoor-only watering hole attached to the Harbourfront Centre. There’s plenty of communal seating (picnic-table style) at 2016-newcomer The Slip, which boasts a stellar view out to Lake Ontario. Good for a bucket o’ beers or some specialty cocktails, it’s a great stop in for a day drink, weekday happy hour, or rowdy night with pals.