Québec’s winter patios: 11 dining destinations to discover

Winter enthusiasts aren’t easily deterred by a few snowflakes! So, dress warmly and head out onto a heated patio and raise your glass to winter, or book a table in the magical ambiance of an outdoor dome. Here are some of our favourite spots (very Insta-worthy!) for embracing winter in a different way, dressed in your finest woolies.

Montréal

1. Auberge Saint-Gabriel

This historic institution well-known for its delicious Swiss fondue, offers guests the magical experience of dining in one of its domes installed on the patio. You can relax right under the stars in the picturesque neighbourhood of Old Montréal.

2. Belvu Hors-Piste

Dress in layers and enjoy a one-of-a-kind Happy Hour with an après-ski vibe... right in the heart of the city! This rooftop terrace gives you a new take on winter! Cozy up to the fire and enjoy scrumptious alpine-style cuisine.

3. Refuges du Bivouac

In addition to its bistro, which is well worth the visit, Bivouac also has small outdoor ‘refuges’—translucent domes offering fabulous views of the Quartier des spectacles. Here you can sample boreal delicacies and warm your soul sipping hot chocolate while looking out at the incredible cityscape.

4. Frosted domes at the quays of the Old Port

Looking for a romantic outing that will captivate your partner? Venture into a private dome installed at the quays of the Old Port of Montréal, right on the water. You will be treated like royalty by the Bateau Mouche culinary team in this most romantic setting on the St. Lawrence River.

5. Terrasse William Gray 

Its reputation speaks for itself! Chic and welcoming, this gathering place stands out during the summer season for its exceptional views of the cityscape. So there’s no question of closing this popular venue when temperatures drop. Settle into one of its domes for dinner or weekend brunch with a bird’s-eye view of Place Jacques-Cartier.

City of Québec

6. Ophelia

Ophelia is a pioneer of dining under seasonal domes in Old Québec. Guests can cozily enjoy a deliciously crafted blend of surf and turf while looking out at the action on Grande-Allée, one of the busiest and most popular streets for its nightlife.

7. MORA Pasta e Prosecco 

This Italian restaurant nestled in an old heritage building serves up food during the day and evening in its elegant dining room, then later transforms into a lively venue where the fun carries on into the wee hours. It’s no secret that Mora—whose owners also own Ophelia—took inspiration from its big sister to install cozy and welcoming domes.

8. Ice Hotel restaurant

While not a patio per se, this venue’s architecture entitles us to add it to this list. It’s well worth bundling up warmly to experience a memorable gourmet meal courtesy of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, inside the walls of ice at the Ice Hotel's ephemeral restaurant. It’s incredible!

Eastern Townships

9. Kóz Bistro

The popular concept of heated domes has made its way to the beautiful tourist region of the Eastern Townships. Book a table in the stunning white décor of Bistro Kóz, set on the shores of icy Lac Memphrémagog, and enjoy the energetic vibe of Magog while savouring Mediterranean cuisine.

Laurentides

10. Terrasse Après-Ski

What could be better than capping off a day on the slopes with some après-ski fun right at the foot of the mountain? That’s precisely what awaits you at Fairmont Tremblant’s Terrasse Après-ski, open every weekend during winter. In a lively musical atmosphere hosted by guest DJs, you can order a bite to eat along with a glass of mulled wine and kick back by the fire, inside a dome or in a converted gondola car.

Montérégie

11. Cidrerie Michel Jodoin

Head to the Cidrerie Michel Jodoin for a drink of cider with friends in the heart of a peaceful, dormant orchard. In one of their four cozy winter domes (French only) equipped with space heaters, crack open a bottle of sparkling cider and enjoy a cheese fondue or a serving of cheeses and cold cuts. Isn’t life beautiful?