With our long, cold Canadian winters, it can be hard to look at your backyard as an extension of your home—but it is. With a little love and care, outdoor living spaces can feel like part of your home. Think of them as extra space; as a second living room in your backyard.
Getting the most out of your backyard is a great way to make your house feel brand new again, so I’ve picked out five of the best outdoor fireplaces and fire pits in Canada for transforming your space. They’ll help you create that perfect, cozy space you can’t wait to get out into.
1. Outdoor fireplace for modern homes
Modern fireplaces come in a lot of different shapes and styles. If you have a very modern home and you’re looking for an outdoor fireplace that’ll fit right in, I recommend opting for a minimalist design. By that, I don’t just mean “bare-bones”—I mean intentional, well-crafted, thoughtful minimalism.
Minimalist fireplaces are sleek, low-maintenance, and stylish. They’re easy to wipe down before every use, and they look gorgeous in backyards with a lot of well-manicured, natural elements. If you want a really polished look, I recommend finding an outdoor fireplace that’s finished in a matte black. However: If you love a bit of proper brutalism and minimalism, I think you’ll love a brown- or rust-coloured metal fireplace. It’ll age gorgeously over time, looking more and more organic and intentional as the years pass.
Modern minimalism
This sleek, low-profile fireplace by vidaXL is a great choice for Canadian backyards. Designed with a built-in firewood rack and a flat top that’s great for drinks and plates, it’s a multi-purpose fireplace that brings a high-end feel to your patio setup.
2. Stone or brick backyard fireplace
Creating a backyard with a rustic vibe? Don’t sleep on the stone fireplace. These cozy, more traditional designs (often available in rough stone or smoother brick) create a perfect focal point in the backyards of rustic and cottage-style settings. They’re also one of the top outdoor fireplaces for ranch houses, contemporary homes, and craftsman builds.
Wood-burning backyard fireplaces with a traditional twist
Freestanding fireplaces like this stone one are great at creating a focal point in the middle of your yard. They’re easy to place and set up, allowing you to shape your backyard paths exactly the way you imagined them.
3. Fire pit table for Canadian backyards
Fire pit table are an awesome choice for cozy Canadian backyards. They’re one of, if not the most popular choice when it comes to backyard heating.
Fire pit tables are nice because they’re multifunctional. Part outdoor patio heater, part decor piece, and part functional furniture, they’re an easy way to create a natural gathering space in your yard. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, fitting into everything from modern to rustic backyards. They save money, time, and space with their multi-purpose design and flexible footprint.
These handy furniture pieces are ideal for entertaining, and they’re a great option if you’re choosing between propane vs gas vs electric outdoor fireplaces, as there are so many different variations of the fire pit table.
Entertain around the fire
This 42″ terrazzo fire pit table is easy to use and store thanks to its built-in, hidden propane fuel tank. It’s simple but eye-catching, and low enough to the ground that it’s still easy to have a conversation over.
4. Portable fire pit for parties and campfires
Are you a big entertainer, but you’re not always in the same space? Check out your options for portable fire pits. These small, lightweight designs are easy to toss into the back of your car for long nights and quick weekends away.
Whether you’re looking forward to fall cookouts at a local park (at your pre-booked, fire-friendly space, of course) or a cabin getaway, portable fire pits are an excellent option to turn to. Look for larger, freestanding designs for larger groups. Or, opt for tabletop fire pits to set up at dinner, wine night, and more.
Portable fire pits are also great for people whose living spaces aren’t permanent. (Think renters, condo owners, and people whose backyards are in a constant state of flux as the seasons change.) They make rearranging your backyard easy, and they’re a breeze to pack up for your next move, too.
Cozy, portable, and modern: A fire pit for the wanderer
You don’t have to sacrifice style or quality when you opt for a portable fire pit over a built-in fireplace. Designs like this one, which sits independently on hairpin legs, are easy to move—but still look absolutely stunning. They’re great for smaller spaces, temporary venues, and secondary fires in a large space.
5. Freestanding outdoor fireplace for Canadian winters
If you’re looking to design your backyard around one single, impressive focal point, a freestanding outdoor fireplace is a great place to start. These units can be set up wherever they’re needed, but they make a great (and gorgeous) main fixture. Warm, inviting, and at times a bit imposing, they offer a massive amount of ambiance for how easy they are to install.
Outdoor fireplaces are available in a wide variety of different designs to fit every home’s aesthetic. If you’re looking for some new backyard outdoor fireplace ideas to design around, try starting with your fireplace and then working outwards. First, the fireplace. Then, the rug, tables, and fireplace accessories to match its aesthetic. Next, move on to your seating (like a patio couch or chaise longue), pillows, and quilts. You’ll be done before you know it, and your backyard will be cozier (and warmer) than ever.
Make a statement with modern brick
I really love fireplaces like this one from Sunjoy because they so easily become the focal point of a backyard. They draw you in with their warmth and height, giving you and your guests a natural place to convene around. Even when not in use, freestanding fireplaces with built-in firewood racks and mantles subtly cue your brain to know where to sit, lounge, and linger.
How to pick the best outdoor fireplace for your backyard
If you’re looking for the best outdoor fireplace for your backyard, these five top picks are a great place to start. They may not be your final destination, but they represent five different styles of backyard fireplaces that can offer you some inspiration.
Need a little more guidance? Make sure to check out my outdoor fireplace buying guide on fire pits vs fire pit tables, too.
Shop the best outdoor fireplaces in Canada online at Best Buy today to find your home’s perfect match.
