Where to dine
with your dog.
Every patio in this guide has been tested by our Chief Canines, Ziggy and Sahara. We look for shade, water bowls, welcoming staff, and enough room for your dog to settle in comfortably.
Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
Victoria West
The gold standard for dog-friendly patios in Victoria. Spinnakers offers a spacious waterfront patio overlooking the Gorge Waterway with direct views of the Selkirk Trestle. Their menu features locally sourced pub fare and house-brewed beers. Water bowls are standard, and the staff are genuinely happy to see your dog.
The Fernwood Inn
Fernwood
A neighbourhood pub with a charming, shaded patio that welcomes dogs. The Fernwood Inn is known for its community vibe, comfort food, and regular live music. Water bowls and the occasional pet treat make this a reliable pick for dog owners in the Fernwood area.
10 Acres Bistro
Downtown
A farm-to-table bistro with a welcoming patio that accommodates well-behaved dogs. Their menu features ingredients sourced from their own farm on the Saanich Peninsula. A step up from a typical dog-friendly patio — ideal for a special meal.
Glo Restaurant
Downtown
A stylish restaurant on Discovery Street with a dog-friendly sidewalk patio. Known for cocktails and contemporary Canadian cuisine. The patio is compact but well-maintained, and the staff are accommodating with water bowls.
The Beagle Pub
Fernwood
A welcoming neighbourhood pub with a heated and covered patio that goes above and beyond for dogs. The Beagle provides dog beds so your pup can settle in comfort while you enjoy a pint and a meal. A genuine standout for dog-friendly hospitality.
Boomtown
Victoria
A fun, pet-friendly spot in Victoria that welcomes dogs with open arms. Boomtown has built a reputation as a laid-back, community-minded venue where your dog is part of the experience — not an afterthought.
Deer and Dough
Fisgard
A charming bakery on Fisgard Street with a warm, dog-friendly vibe. Perfect for grabbing a fresh pastry or baked treat while out on a walk with your pup. A lovely addition to any dog-friendly stroll through Chinatown and the downtown core.
Driftwood Brewery
Victoria
A beloved local craft brewery with a heated outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Driftwood is known for its creative, well-crafted beers and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The heated patio means your pup stays comfortable even on cooler Victoria days — perfect for a year-round visit.
McRae's Restaurant
McRae Avenue
A beloved neighbourhood bistro, bar, and pub on McRae Avenue with a welcoming dog-friendly patio. McRae's serves an eclectic, globally inspired menu that ranges from comfort food and gourmet burgers to fresh pub fare. It is the kind of spot where regulars bring their dogs and the staff remember your name. A reliable pick for breakfast, lunch, or dinner with your pup settled in beside you.
5th Street Bar & Grill
Hillside
A beloved neighbourhood spot on Hillside Avenue with two patios equipped with gas fireplaces, giving the whole place a warm, European-style feel. The menu is built around their wood-fired rotisserie — think rotisserie-smoked meats, wood-fired pizzas, and hearty pub fare. It is a place that genuinely welcomes dogs, and our Chief Canines Sahara and Ziggy are regular fans. The staff are always friendly, the patios are spacious, and the fireplaces keep things comfortable even on cooler evenings.
Brass Monkey Taproom
Bay Street
A locally focused craft brewery, distillery, and gastropub on Bay Street that welcomes dogs on its outdoor patio. Brass Monkey is known for its commitment to local sourcing, including malt from their own Field Five Farms, and a rotating selection of craft beers brewed on-site. The menu features hearty gastropub fare, and the taproom regularly hosts live music and trivia nights. A real standout: Brass Monkey offers a dedicated dog menu so your pup can order their own meal alongside yours.
Patio etiquette for dogs.
Bring a Mat
A small travel mat gives your dog a defined place to settle. It makes the meal more enjoyable for everyone and keeps your dog comfortable on hard patio surfaces.
Ask for Water Early
Even if the restaurant provides water bowls, bring your own collapsible bowl and fresh water. Your dog may be thirstier than the menu implies.
Off-Peak Hours
Weekday lunch is often the most dog-friendly time — fewer crowds, more patio space, and staff with more bandwidth to accommodate your pet.
Call Ahead
Patio policies change with seasons and ownership. A quick call before you go saves you an awkward walk back to the car. Most places are happy to confirm.