Patio season in Toronto is about to expand with the launch of a celebrated program.
CaféTO, for those unfamiliar, had its genesis during the pandemic era in 2020, as the City of Toronto provided special permits for curb-side patios for restaurants in the city — a key advantage during bans on indoor dining.
In the time since, the program has continued to be a major boon for bars and restaurants in Toronto, as they expand seating capacity and offer streetside vibes on hot summer days year after year.
Major junctions that see an increase in expansions during the CaféTO incentive include Ossington Ave, Dundas West St, Queen West St, and Danforth Ave, just to name a few.
Applications for the program launched in January of this year, as city officials wanted to plan ahead of major festivals, sporting events, and more, boosting foot traffic in Toronto throughout the summer.
“In 2026, a year expected to bring increased activity and visitors to Toronto, CaféTO will play an important role in showcasing the city’s diverse local food scene while supporting restaurants, workers and neighbourhood economies,” states the official page for the citywide incentive.
Based on last year’s data, CaféTO supported 1,500 outdoor dining spaces, including 285 curb lane cafés, 579 sidewalk cafés, and 703 private patio endorsements.
According to the City of Toronto, the 2026 season for the program is set to launch this month, on May 18, in time for the long weekend.
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