Shaw Centre Ottawa
Ottawa's premier convention and event centre, boasting modern architecture, stunning city views, and versatile spaces for large gatherings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Check their schedule for concerts, conferences, and fairs.
Shaw Centre Ottawa
Best Time
Check their schedule for concerts, conferences, and fairs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ottawa's premier convention and event centre, boasting modern architecture, stunning city views, and versatile spaces for large gatherings.
"An excellent facility for conventions, conferences, or any large-scale event where space and comfort are key."
🚗 Parking Made Simple
Use the Blue Parking lot at Rideau Centre; it's adjacent to the Shaw Centre entrance. :parking:
💰 Food & Beverage Costs
Expect high prices for food and drinks, plus 18% service fee and HST. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Event Spaces
Various Ballrooms and Halls
Spacious, modern interiors with floor-to-ceiling glass walls offering stunning city views. Ideal for large gatherings.
Exceptional Catering
On-site Catering Services
Praised for delicious food, the Shaw Centre's catering is a highlight for many event attendees.
City Views from the Dome
Glass Dome Structure
Gaze outwards from the glass dome for panoramic views of Ottawa, adding a unique architectural element to events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Event Planning & Booking
Navigating the Venue
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Made Simple
Use the Blue Parking lot at Rideau Centre; it's adjacent to the Shaw Centre entrance. :parking:
💰 Food & Beverage Costs
Expect high prices for food and drinks, plus 18% service fee and HST. :moneywithwings:
🌡️ Temperature Check
First-floor rooms can be hot in summer, while upper floors might be cold. Dress in layers. :snowflake:
📅 Book in Advance
For events, especially large conferences, book your dates well in advance. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Made Simple
Use the Blue Parking lot at Rideau Centre; it's adjacent to the Shaw Centre entrance. :parking:
💰 Food & Beverage Costs
Expect high prices for food and drinks, plus 18% service fee and HST. :moneywithwings:
🌡️ Temperature Check
First-floor rooms can be hot in summer, while upper floors might be cold. Dress in layers. :snowflake:
📅 Book in Advance
For events, especially large conferences, book your dates well in advance. :calendar:
🍽️ Taste for Hope
Consider attending the annual Taste for Hope foodie fundraiser for a great cause. :forkandknife:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Shaw Centre is highly regarded as an excellent venue for large-scale events, praised for its spaciousness, modern design, and impressive city views. Attendees consistently commend the quality of catering and the professionalism of the staff. However, some visitors note that food and beverage prices can be steep, and temperature control within the venue can be inconsistent.
"Excellent facility for conventions, conferences, receptions or any other large scale event where you need a lot of space to comfortably accomodate hundreds of people, without it looking packed or them feeling crowded.
I attended a two-day conference at this facility, and I was impressed by the beauty of the structure (inside and out), as well as the amount of natural light coming in from the floor-to-wall glass walls that also give way to wonderful views of our city, as you gaze from inside that glass dome outwards.
I have to also praise them for their catering, the sound & visuals and temperature control. Everything was exceptional, and the staff very friendly and helpful.
One thing I found very confusing was the parking situation, because it's not explained well online ... but it turned to be very simple. Just go to the Blue Parking lot in the Rideau Centre and exit (on foot) from where you entered, because that's adjacent to the entrance of the Rogers Centre."
Sam Jaroudi
"I’m adding this review for people interested in organizing events in here.
The venue price is good but keep in mind that the food and beverage price is steep. You need to expect 18% fee + %13 HST on top of super expensive food and beverage costs.
Very professional staff and they do their best to accommodate your needs.
Something to note about having your event in the summer time is that first level rooms are very hot and 3rd and 4th floor rooms are very cold. I think the HVAC system could be better.
Overall, I would still give 5 star give the management team cares about your satisfaction."
Arman
"This place was where uottawa graduates had their ceremony. There were amazing aesthetics such red light within brown rail-liking architecture and many spacious floors. However, the graduate ceremony does not have floors where guest and graduates are seated like an auditorium. It is all in one floor level which sucks to see from distance for the stage views."
Mihilan Sriranjan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shaw Centre is centrally located in Ottawa. For parking, use the Blue Parking lot at Rideau Centre, which is adjacent to the venue's entrance. Public transportation options are also available, with many bus routes serving the downtown core near the centre.
Yes, there is parking available. The most convenient option is the Blue Parking lot at Rideau Centre, which is directly connected to the Shaw Centre.
The Shaw Centre is easily accessible by OC Transpo buses. Many routes stop in the downtown area, a short walk from the venue. Check the OC Transpo website for specific route information.
Yes, the Shaw Centre is within walking distance of many downtown Ottawa attractions, including Parliament Hill and the National Gallery of Canada.
The Shaw Centre is designed to be accessible. It offers elevators and facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities. It's always a good idea to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can find out about upcoming events by visiting the official Shaw Centre website, which lists their schedule of conferences, concerts, and other public gatherings. 
For most public events like concerts or special fairs, advance ticket purchase is recommended, especially if an event is popular. For conferences or private events, entry is usually managed by the organizer.
The Shaw Centre itself is a venue; admission policies are determined by the specific event organizer. Check the event details for information on tickets, age restrictions, and entry requirements.
Yes, the Shaw Centre hosts various events, including fundraisers like the annual 'Taste for Hope' for Shepherds of Good Hope.
Absolutely! The Shaw Centre frequently hosts career fairs, such as those organized by Jobscanadafair and Dentalcorp.ca.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The Shaw Centre hosts a wide range of events, including large-scale conventions, conferences, trade shows, receptions, concerts, and ceremonies like university graduations.
The Shaw Centre features spacious halls, modern interiors, and impressive floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer great views of the city. It's known for its aesthetic appeal and capacity to comfortably accommodate hundreds of people.
Yes, it's an excellent facility for large-scale events, conferences, and conventions, offering ample space without feeling crowded.
Temperature control can vary. Some guests have noted that first-floor rooms can be hot in summer, while third and fourth-floor rooms might be cold.
Yes, the floor-to-ceiling glass walls and the glass dome structure provide wonderful views of Ottawa.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Shaw Centre offers catering services, which are generally praised for their quality. However, be aware that food and beverage prices can be steep, with additional service fees and HST.
While the main catering can be expensive, some events might offer more budget-friendly options. It's always worth checking the specific event details for any 'dugout deals' or similar promotions, though these are more commonly associated with sports venues like the Rogers Centre.
Many reviews highlight the catering as exceptional, with guests praising the taste and quality of the food served at events.
The Shaw Centre primarily focuses on event catering. While there might not be traditional public restaurants, they offer extensive menu options for events.
Menus can vary widely depending on the event. Recent showcases have included items like Chinook Salmon with Beetroot Risotto and Paris-Ottawa choux pastry.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed at events. However, professional photography or videography may require special permission from the venue or event organizer.
The floor-to-ceiling glass walls and the glass dome offer excellent opportunities for photos with city backdrops. The modern architecture itself is also quite photogenic.
Yes, 360 photo booth services are available for events held at the Shaw Centre, providing a fun way to capture memories.
Some events, particularly concerts or performances, may have restrictions on flash photography or professional equipment. Always check the specific event's guidelines.
The venue boasts modern aesthetics with ample natural light, making it suitable for a variety of event photography styles, from corporate to social.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2For family-friendly outings, it's best to check the Shaw Centre's event calendar for specific family-oriented programming. If attending a graduation ceremony, be aware that seating arrangements might not offer ideal views for all guests from a distance.
💼 Business & Conference Attendees
For those traveling for business, the convenient parking at the adjacent Rideau Centre and the venue's central location are significant advantages.
🎉 Event Organizers
When budgeting, factor in the catering costs, which are known to be on the higher side, plus service fees and HST.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hosting Your Event at the Shaw Centre
When planning an event, it's important to consider the catering costs, which can be substantial, including service fees and HST.
For those looking to add a unique touch, services like 360 photo booths are available to enhance the guest experience.
The Shaw Centre's central location and accessibility also make it a convenient choice for attendees traveling within Ottawa or from out of town.Attending Events: What to Expect
When attending, be mindful of the parking situation. While the adjacent Blue Parking lot at Rideau Centre is the recommended option, some visitors have found the online explanations confusing.
Food and beverage options are available, often through event-specific catering. While the quality is frequently commended, prices can be on the higher side.
The Shaw Centre's Architectural Appeal
Inside, the venue offers a clean, modern aesthetic with spacious halls and multiple levels. The design prioritizes functionality for large gatherings while maintaining an elegant feel. The panoramic views of the city visible from within the glass-enclosed areas add a unique dimension to any event held there, making it more than just a venue but an experience.
This focus on light and space makes the Shaw Centre a popular choice for events where ambiance and visual appeal are important. It's a venue that aims to impress, combining practical event hosting capabilities with a distinct architectural statement.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit