After-hours event at the Distillery District
When you think of Canada—and the country’s biggest city—images of snow and skating might come to mind. But, with mild and warm temperatures here three-quarters of the year, plus venues that accommodate those chilly winter months (think: restaurants with outdoor heaters), planning a business event under the open sky in Toronto is possible any time of year.
Toronto’s culinary scene features countless restaurants with outdoor spaces, regardless of the weather and time of year. One popular spot, Hemingway's, located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood, is a New Zealand-inspired pub which boasts a spacious year-round heated rooftop patio. Finger foods (think: pizza, nachos and chicken wings) and an expansive draft beer list fuel conversation, while flexible seating accommodates groups of varying sizes. The rooftop patio has standing room for up to 60, but the whole venue has capacity for over 250.
This fine-dining Mexican restaurant, located in Toronto’s trendy Distillery District, is a local favourite. Not only is the menu award-winning, thanks to dishes like tableside guacamole, chicken sopes and tuna tostadas, they have one of the largest outdoor spaces in the city—perfect for big groups—plus plenty of heaters and fire pits for when the temperatures drop. Their Bodega accommodates 40 and a full restaurant buyout holds 200 guests. Special dining experiences are available for events like signature margarita flights or a guided tequila tasting.
From networking events in the glass-enclosed courtyard to starlit soirées on the patio, the Aga Khan Museum offers outdoor and indoor spaces for every event. This venue wows with award-winning architecture, vibrant landscapes and exquisite Islamic art. Catering by celebrity chef Mark McEwan adds the final touch for an unforgettable event of any size. The atrium and courtyard hold 400 people, but a full museum buyout accommodates thousands more.
Beyond its 3,000-plus animals and 10 kilometres of trails, the Toronto Zoo can play host to unforgettable events. For example, the Wildlife Marquee, a fully-enclosed event tent with moveable side panels that you can open or close depending on the weather, is drenched in natural light and a short walk to everything the zoo has to offer. The main space welcomes up to 275 for presentations, dinners or receptions, and there are 10 other spaces available depending on your group’s size. Catering options range from casual eats like burgers and potato salad to more upscale fare such as falafel bowls, Greek quinoa salad, butter chicken and more.
Housed inside a historic former brick factory along the Don River, this multi-purpose venue available for private events, offers ample indoor and outdoor space, and is used year-round for farmers’ markets, ice skating, and environmental education programs. The environmentally conscious venue can accommodate groups big and small, ranging in capacity from 12 to 2,000 people. As for catering? The venue partners with food vendors across the city that are environmentally, socially and ethically conscious. It’s certainly a unique venue that’ll impress guests.
For an intimate neighbourhood backyard setting, head to Bloor and Dufferin. Bar Neon is a charming Greek restaurant with a large back patio and outdoor seating (which is heated for those chillier months!). The capacity is 150 standing and 90 seated for the outdoor space, plus an additional 55 standing or 32 seated if you add the indoor area, too. Both the menu (think: spanakopita, souvlaki, olives and grilled oysters) and drink selection will cater to all tastes. Dining alfresco in Toronto is popular, especially in peak season, so book in advance.
North America’s largest shipping container market is a flexible venue for creative corporate gatherings. The space features indoor and outdoor areas, including a large courtyard that can be transformed for corporate events and parties. And in the winter, outdoor fire pits and cozy warming huts keep everyone mingling. The venue can host groups of up to 3,000 people with a full buyout, and thanks to the on-site modular kitchen spaces, food and drink service is speedy, and can range from food truck pop-ups to plated dinners.
Event at RendezViews in Toronto
Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, RendezViews is Toronto’s largest outdoor patio—a capacity of 1,200!—and a lively option for corporate events. When temperatures drop, the venue’s heated areas and covered spaces help extend patio season further. Outdoor space, colourful murals, big-screen entertainment and expansive food and drink menus (think: tacos, Jamaican patties and chicken sandwiches) make this space ideal for large client events.
The Broadview Hotel, in the city’s east end, is known for its sweeping skyline views, historic charm and elegant design. The rooftop terrace is a standout, featuring panoramic views of downtown Toronto and a retractable glass enclosure that allows guests to enjoy the space in cooler months, too. The space can accommodate up to 200 guests and the on-site restaurant keeps bellies fed, from yellowfin tuna tataki and fried chicken bao to kimchi fries and more.
Set along the city’s waterfront, the Quay at the Toronto Region Board of Trade is a versatile venue that combines indoor and outdoor spaces with sweeping views of Lake Ontario. The 22,000-square-foot outdoor terrace is equipped for 400 guests and has outdoor heaters and a retractable canvas roof to help extend the space into the cooler months. Want both indoor and outdoor spaces? A full venue buyout is available for 725 guests. The catering is coordinated by Oliver and Bonacini, known for running restaurants in Toronto like Canoe and Maison Selby.
For a business event with a view, take the meeting, celebration or team outing onto the water with City Cruises Toronto. This floating venue offers a unique way to experience the city skyline, with climate-controlled interiors and open-air decks that make cruising possible throughout the year. The fleet includes vessels of varying sizes, including boats that can accommodate more than 500 guests. Guests can enjoy chef-prepared menus, full bar service, entertainment options like live music, magicians, DJ and dancing, plus panoramic views of the Toronto harbour—all while creating an unforgettable event experience.
This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in 2025.
