Entertainment & Nightlife
Ottawa by night? The question is how to choose. From quiet and intimate to busy and happening, there's something for everyone, with lots of options for evening entertainment.
The heart of the action is the ByWard Market. You can sample fine dining at such trendy restaurants as the Empire Grill, have a drink at the Hard Rock Café, or enjoy the duelling pianos at Fat Tuesday's. There's also lots of action along Elgin Street, with its pubs and restaurants. And in Gatineau, explore the area around La Promenade du Portage—the live performances at Le Petit Chicago, or the Café aux 4 jeudis, with its outdoor cinema in the summer.
Ottawa nightlife has something for everyone. The Casino du Lac-Leamy has gambling, dinner and shows. If you're looking for young and edgy in the music scene, try Zaphod Beeblebrox in the ByWard Market or Barrymore's Music Hall on Bank Street. Or you might venture out to The Blacksheep Inn in nearby Wakefield, Québec, a self-described “juke joint divebar cabaret.” If opera is what you're after, our local opera company, Opera Lyra, has a regular round of performances.
The Capital’s premier performing arts venue, the National Arts Centre, presents a full lineup of music, dance and theatre, plus popular touring acts and shows. Ottawa also has a thriving local theatre scene, including the Great Canadian Theatre Company, Ottawa Little Theatre, and the Gladstone. And there’s always something new on the bill at Scotiabank Place.
Casino du Lac-Leamy
Casino du Lac-Leamy has numerous unique architectural features as well as gaming, fine dining, two bars offering live music, and an art gallery.
National Arts Centre
Located in the heart of downtown next to the Rideau Canal, the NAC is Canada's premier showcase of the performing arts.
Chateau Lafayette
Better known as The Laff: a comfortable pub and tavern in the heart of Ottawa's Byward Market.
Scotiabank Place
The NHL's Ottawa Senators Hockey Club takes to the ice every hockey season from September to April for 41 regular-season home games at Scotiabank Place. Tickets are available for season-ticket packages, groups and individual games.
Ottawa Little Theatre
Canada's oldest community theatre has been presenting comedies, mysteries, and dramas for over 90 years.
OLG Slots @ Rideau Carleton Raceway
Gaming facility offers 1,250 slot machines, ranging from pennies to $5.
