Canadian Tire Centre
Home to the Ottawa Senators, this large arena hosts concerts, family shows, and other sporting events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Canadian Tire Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the Ottawa Senators, this large arena hosts concerts, family shows, and other sporting events.
"Decent arena, showing its age. Quite a distance outside the city, reasonable parking price."
🚗 Plan Your Drive
Expect traffic on game nights; leave early from downtown Ottawa. Consider ride-sharing or public transit.
💰 Concession Costs
Food and drinks are pricey. Budget accordingly or consider eating before you arrive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ottawa Senators Game
Ice Rink
Experience the electric atmosphere of an NHL game with the Ottawa Senators. Go Sens Go!
Live Concerts
Main Arena
Catch major touring artists and bands in this large-scale concert venue. A top spot for live music.
Family Fun Nights
Various Sections
From Marvel Superhero Night to Destination: Canada Night, enjoy themed events with special activities.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating to the Canadian Tire Centre
Concessions and Bag Policy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Plan Your Drive
Expect traffic on game nights; leave early from downtown Ottawa. Consider ride-sharing or public transit.
💰 Concession Costs
Food and drinks are pricey. Budget accordingly or consider eating before you arrive.
🎒 Bag Policy Check
Website may say no bags, but some are allowed. Verify dimensions before you go.
📍 Find Your Food
Signage for concessions can be unclear. Ask staff for directions to specific food vendors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Plan Your Drive
Expect traffic on game nights; leave early from downtown Ottawa. Consider ride-sharing or public transit.
💰 Concession Costs
Food and drinks are pricey. Budget accordingly or consider eating before you arrive.
🎒 Bag Policy Check
Website may say no bags, but some are allowed. Verify dimensions before you go.
📍 Find Your Food
Signage for concessions can be unclear. Ask staff for directions to specific food vendors.
🎟️ Ticket Deals
Look for great seats at fantastic prices, especially for preseason games.
⛸️ Unique Ice Experiences
Occasionally, you might see special events like sledge hockey on the ice.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Canadian Tire Centre is a well-established arena that hosts a variety of events, from Ottawa Senators games to major concerts. While many praise its friendly staff, good security, and overall well-managed facilities, some visitors note that the venue is showing its age and that concession prices are quite high. Traffic and egress can also be challenging on busy event nights.
"Decent arena, showing its age. Quite a distance outside the city, reasonable parking price. Security is better than many arenas in the league. There is a discrepancy between what the website says in regards to bags (website says no bags at all) but in practice, bags seemed to be allowed within certain dimensions. Signage for food could be improved. Various foods were advertised around the concourse without any indication as to where these foods could be found (what sections these concessions were at). I was with my hangry girlfriend who wanted one of these foods and we walked around half the arena trying to find this particular food that was advertised and we couldn’t find it. Food and beer line ups were reasonable and quick. The egress after the game was a bit of a pain and took a lot of time. Traffic management could be improved for getting out."
James F
"Excellent arena ... over the years, I must have been there 20 to 30 times for hockey games, conerts and other shows. This time it was Cirque de Soleil and their OVO spectacle, and every part of that experience was excellent.
The parking was easy, the event was well staffed and the food/drinks were exceptional. The facility is well managed and maintained. The process of hosting visitors is well organized, and the staff are friendly and helpful.
I remember when this place first opened as The Palladium in 1996, then as the name changed, how the letters on the sign were auctioned off. Living in Kanata, this stadium is both practical and sufficient, plus it's the home of our Ottawa Sens."
Sam Jaroudi
"Canadian Tire Centre is decent place to watch a game. Came to see Sydney Crosby play here and the place was full so the atmosphere was good. The Drive to the arena is very tough.. tons of traffic so plan way ahead. Its loud as it was vs Pens but I ve been here vs other teams where its fairly quiet. The lines for food and drinks are also quite long."
Topher Ellis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Canadian Tire Centre is located in Kanata, west of downtown Ottawa. Driving is a common option, but expect significant traffic congestion on event nights. Public transit is available via OC Transpo buses, though travel times can be longer.
Plan your route and parking in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.
Ample parking is available at the Canadian Tire Centre, with fees typically charged per vehicle. Prices can vary depending on the event.
Arriving early is recommended to secure a good spot and avoid delays.
Yes, OC Transpo operates bus routes that serve the Canadian Tire Centre. Check the OC Transpo schedule for routes and times that align with your event.
Be aware that bus travel may take longer than driving, especially during peak hours.
Without traffic, the drive from downtown Ottawa to the Canadian Tire Centre typically takes around 20-30 minutes. However, during major events like Ottawa Senators games or concerts, this can increase significantly due to congestion.
It's advisable to allow at least 45-60 minutes for travel on event days.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular options for getting to and from the Canadian Tire Centre. Taxis are also available.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, exploring OC Transpo bus routes is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at the Canadian Tire Centre can be purchased through official ticketing partners, such as Ticketmaster, and directly from the arena's website.
The bag policy can be confusing; while the website may state no bags, certain dimensions are often permitted. It's best to check the most current policy on the official Canadian Tire Centre website or contact them directly before your visit to avoid any issues at security.
Yes, the Canadian Tire Centre offers a variety of seating options, from lower bowl seats with great views to more affordable upper-level seats. Premium seating and suites are also available for a more exclusive experience.
The operating hours for the Canadian Tire Centre vary depending on the event schedule. Doors typically open 60-90 minutes before the start of hockey games and concerts.
It's always best to check the specific event details for exact opening times.
It is often possible to purchase tickets on the day of the event, especially for Ottawa Senators games, though availability and pricing may vary. For popular concerts or special events, it's advisable to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The atmosphere at an Ottawa Senators game can be electric, especially when the team is playing well or against a rival. The arena can get loud, contributing to an exciting fan experience.
The energy is palpable, making it a fun outing for hockey enthusiasts.
The Canadian Tire Centre offers a variety of food and drink options, but be prepared for high prices. While lines can be reasonable and quick, some attendees find the cost excessive.
Signage for concessions could be improved to help locate specific vendors.
Beyond Ottawa Senators hockey games, the Canadian Tire Centre hosts a wide range of events, including major concerts by touring artists, family shows like Cirque du Soleil, and other sporting events. It's a versatile venue for entertainment.
The Canadian Tire Centre is generally accessible, with designated seating areas and facilities for guests with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the venue in advance to discuss specific accessibility needs.
Egress after an event can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, with traffic management being an area for improvement. It may take some time to exit the parking lot and get back on the road.
Patience is key during these times.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal cameras are allowed for non-professional use at the Canadian Tire Centre. However, professional camera equipment, including cameras with detachable lenses, is typically prohibited.
Always check the specific event's photography policy, as it can vary.
For iconic shots, capture the ice during an Ottawa Senators game or the stage setup during a concert. The unique seating arrangements, like the three sections across from the normal seats, offer interesting perspectives.
The concourse areas can also provide good vantage points for capturing the arena's scale.
Using your phone to take photos and videos is generally permitted for personal use. However, flash photography may be discouraged or prohibited during performances to avoid distracting artists or players.
Popular social media content often features game-day action, crowd shots, and unique architectural details of the arena.
Yes, the exterior of the Canadian Tire Centre is generally open for photography. It's a recognizable landmark in the Kanata area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the high cost of concessions, so consider packing snacks if allowed or budgeting generously for food and drinks.
🚗 Budget Travelers
Utilizing public transit via OC Transpo can also be a more economical way to reach the venue compared to driving and paying for parking, though it may require more travel time.
🎶 Concert Goers
+1 When purchasing tickets, be aware of the venue's bag policy and arrive early to navigate security and find your seats without rush. Concession prices can be steep, so factor that into your budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of the Canadian Tire Centre
The auctioning off of the arena's original sign letters was a notable event during its early days. Today, it stands as a significant entertainment hub in the Ottawa region, capable of hosting over 18,500 fans for hockey games and even more for concerts.
Its construction cost $170 million dollars, making it a substantial investment in the community's recreational and cultural infrastructure. The arena has been a consistent home for the Ottawa Senators, providing a dedicated space for the team and its passionate fanbase.
Fan Experience and Amenities
Attendees often highlight the convenience of parking and the smooth entry process.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall atmosphere, especially during an Ottawa Senators game, is often described as good and loud, contributing to an exciting outing.
Beyond Hockey: A Versatile Venue
Major international music artists and bands frequently grace its stage, drawing large crowds eager for live performances. Beyond music, the venue hosts various family-friendly entertainment, including spectacular shows like Cirque du Soleil's OVO.
Additionally, the Canadian Tire Centre has been utilized for other sporting events and large gatherings, such as RV sales expos.
This adaptability ensures that the arena remains a dynamic hub for entertainment and community events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests beyond just hockey. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit