The Best Lakeside Restaurants in Canada: A Roundup of Unforgettable Tables by the Water
Canada’s vast and diverse landscapes are home to extraordinary lakeside dining destinations where impeccable cuisine is paired with stunning water views. From the rugged beauty of British Columbia to the serene waters of Ontario’s Muskoka region, here are the country’s top lakefront dining experiences.
Ontario: Sophisticated Dining in Muskoka and Beyond
The Rosseau at Windermere House, Lake Rosseau
📍2508 Windermere Rd, Windermere, ON P0B 1P0
Nestled in Muskoka’s heart, this historic resort offers upscale dining that perfectly complements the serene beauty of Lake Rosseau. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a grand verandah frame the views, while the menu features refined dishes like Ontario lamb and freshly caught trout. Guests can also enjoy an exclusive fire pit experience by the water, perfect for cozying up with a post-dinner drink while stargazing.
Water’s Edge at the Lake Joe Club, Lake Joseph
📍1072 Elgin House Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
Perched on Lake Joseph’s shore, Water’s Edge is synonymous with elegance. The menu boasts contemporary Canadian dishes and an impressive wine list. Diners enjoy meals with panoramic views, particularly captivating during sunset. For a unique touch, the restaurant offers a private dock where guests can arrange pre-dinner boat rides, adding a special charm to their experience.
Spencer’s At The Waterfront, Burlington, Lake Ontario
📍1340 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7S 1B1
This chic venue combines waterfront charm with a market-fresh seafood menu. Situated on Lake Ontario, Spencer’s features sleek interiors and outdoor seating that accentuates its lakeside appeal. The restaurant also has a secret chef’s garden on-site, where fresh herbs are picked daily to enhance the flavors of their dishes.
Vintages Dining Room at Sherwood Inn, Lake Joseph
📍1090 Sherwood Rd, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0
Known for its timeless appeal since 1939, this Muskoka institution emphasizes local flavors in a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. Highlights include regionally sourced produce paired with an extensive wine list. Guests can also request a private tour of the inn’s wine cellar, which boasts a rare collection of wines dating back several decades.
Quebec: French Flair by the Lake
Restaurant La Quintessence, Mont-Tremblant
📍3004 Chemin de la Chapelle, Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1E1
Located at Hotel Quintessence, this fine dining establishment offers exceptional French cuisine paired with views of Lake Tremblant. Known for dishes like foie gras and duck confit, this spot is a must-visit for gourmands. The restaurant also features a cozy outdoor terrace where guests can dine while enjoying live acoustic music during the summer months, adding an intimate charm to the experience.
Auberge du Lac Taureau, Lake Taureau
📍1200 Chemin de la Baie du Milieu, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, QC J0K 3B0
Rustic yet luxurious, this lakeside restaurant emphasizes Quebecois heritage with dishes featuring wild game, local fish, and foraged ingredients. The expansive windows offer unobstructed views of Lake Taureau’s pristine waters. Guests can also take advantage of the restaurant’s canoe rentals for a pre-dinner paddle on the lake, making the experience even more memorable.
British Columbia: Coastal Vistas and Refined Palates
The Great Room, Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino
📍1441 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0
Overlooking Tofino’s wild coastline, this restaurant serves innovative West Coast cuisine. Enjoy dishes like cedar-planked salmon while gazing at the Pacific and mountain backdrops. The Great Room also offers an exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where guests can enjoy a personalized menu while interacting with the chef, making for an intimate and educational culinary experience.
Terrace Restaurant at Mission Hill Family Estate, Lake Okanagan
📍1730 Mission Hill Rd, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2E4
Elevated above Lake Okanagan, this sophisticated dining venue offers spectacular vineyard-to-lake views. The menu celebrates seasonal, local ingredients, perfectly complemented by the estate’s award-winning wines. Guests can also book a vineyard tour before their meal, enhancing their appreciation of the estate’s wine and the region’s natural beauty.
Alberta: Dining Amid the Rockies
Fairview Restaurant & Bar, Fairmont Chateau, Lake Louise
📍111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0
This iconic restaurant combines Rocky Mountain elegance with jaw-dropping views of Lake Louise’s turquoise waters. Signature dishes include bison short ribs and wild mushroom risotto, showcasing the best of Alberta. Guests can also enjoy an après-dinner walk along the lakeside trails, taking in the stunning scenery that makes Lake Louise so famous
The Lakehouse, Lake Bonavista
📍747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE, Calgary, AB T2J 0N2
In Calgary, this refined venue delivers a memorable rustic-modern dining experience. Featuring local ingredients and expansive lake views, it’s ideal for special occasions or relaxed elegance. Guests can also enjoy live jazz music on select evenings, adding a sophisticated yet laid-back vibe to the experience.
Why These Spots Shine
Canada’s lakeside restaurants offer more than a meal—they’re an immersive experience where nature and culinary excellence merge. Imagine savoring fresh, locally inspired dishes while surrounded by the serene beauty of pristine waters. Whether you’re indulging in seasonal fare on a sunny patio or enjoying the sunset through expansive windows, every detail elevates the dining moment. With options that cater to boaters, wine enthusiasts, and foodies alike, these destinations transform simple meals into cherished memories. From Kelowna’s vibrant vineyards to Muskoka’s tranquil shores, lakeside dining in Canada is a feast for all the senses.
