It’s officially summer in Vancouver when the temperature reaches 20 degrees and the UV index is higher than 5. The urge to soak in the sunshine, getting as close as possible to that blue sky, is never stronger for those of us who spend most of the year under a cover of muted grey. Here are four rooftop locales from which to experience city summertime in style

Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions

Celebrating community in the Mount Pleasant area, this one-of-a-kind bar and grill is disguised as a vintage storefront (which itself is disguised as an A-frame house)! Downstairs you’ll find items for sale, and vintage furniture to relax on. A multi-level space, the upstairs floor features indoor and outdoor cocktail lounge areas.

Open from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am every day of the week, they play underground hip hop, grill up burgers and dogs, and create craft cocktails. A 2025 regional honoree for Spirited Awards’ Top Ten Best Restaurant Bars in Canada, quality and taste come first here. With a full menu of delicious dishes, murals and art all around, and weekly special events and guests, the atmosphere is always lively and social.

Check out their Instagram @mountpleasantvintage to find out about Morning Discos, new food and drink items, merch, classes, pop-ups, and more. Walk in or reserve a spot on Open Table or their website.

Spa by JW Vancouver Aqua Lounge

The JW Marriott Parq hotel, located next to BC Place, offers a spa experience like none other in Vancouver. It includes access to a hydrotherapy tub on the roof– some 17 stories and 59 meters (194 feet) off the ground. From this vantage point, you can see all across the city. At night, Science World illuminates the waters of False Creek and reflects colourful lights off of the glass buildings that make up the skyline. 

How to access this scenic and tranquil experience? “The Aqua Lounge is open for Spa by JW and hotel guests, as well as for locals who purchase a spa day pass. Please note: Day passes are based on availability and cannot be booked in advance. Please contact the spa the day of your request to confirm availability”. The hydrotherapy tub is open 7 days a week, from 9 am to 9 pm, so there’s plenty of time to drop in and claim your rooftop time. For more information and contact details, visit Spa by JW.

The Vancouver Public Library’s Rooftop Garden

Planners of the Vancouver Public Libary’s downtown Central Branch incorporated the feedback and vision of citizens and designers in producing the architectural beauty that this building is today. As a hub for community, culture, and learning, one feature of the Central Library that was most pushed for is its rooftop garden, opened to the public in 2018.

Featuring Japanese maple trees, flowering bushes and shrubs, soft grasses, paved walkways and comfortable seating, the garden is well-used by library patrons. Food and drinks are permitted, and reflection and creativity encouraged. This spot makes for an amazing place to study or get work done if you’re seeking that rooftop time, but have things to get done. A serene and beautiful viewpoint, you’ll want to start making plans to meet friends or get your tan on up here.

Darby’s Public House, on the seasonal terrace

At Darby’s, a Kitsilano pub and liquor store since 1981, you can catch a view of the North Shore Mountains and a cool glass of beer on tap from their open-air patio in the spring and summer. Offering live music, karaoke, trivia, and watch parties for sports games, this classic bar and restaurant will fill you with that sense of summer nostalgia when you leave for the night.

Looking for local and craft brews? A fun event to attend with friends? A spot under the glow of an orange Aperol umbrella? Look no further than Darby’s. Check them out on Instagram @darbys_kits, where they announce tasting events, happy hours, and special offerings.