Cast your mind back to the weird, bad old days of the beginning of the Covid pandemic. Restaurants became take-out only. Ghost kitchens proliferated. And, in a bid to make dining-in safer, eventually eateries pivoted to setting up outdoor seating areas in whatever margins of space they could find. 

In the years since, patios have become an ingrained part of Vancouver’s city scenery. And now, the promise of warmer weather is heralding the opening of more pop-up patios around the city for patrons who want to enjoy their orders al fresco. That’s right, baby: it’s patio season.

“As we kick off another patio season in Vancouver, we celebrate not only the warmer weather and the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful city outdoors,” says Mayor Ken Sim in a press release, “but also the economic benefits that patios bring to our local businesses.”

Vancouver’s summer patio season runs from April 1 to October 31, meaning you’ve got plenty of time to enjoy the extra outdoor space.

According to the City, 375 patios are open in Vancouver year-round. During the summer, that grows by another 200, as curbsides and sidewalks turn into jaunty little seating areas. 

The existing patio program is under review, with an eye towards permit fees, accessibility guidelines, and design. Any changes will likely be implemented in 2025, but won’t affect this year’s patio applications or renewals.

“Patios are an integral part of the Vancouver we are working to build: a vibrant, livable city that supports local entrepreneurs and encourages community connection,” Sim adds. “I’m excited to see another summer of Vancouver’s thriving patio culture, and the many ways it enhances both our local economy and quality of life." 

So if you love local businesses, local entrepreneurs, the local economy, or just drinking sangria on a bench outdoors—’tis the season.