Ottawa

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Concert Venues

Sections

1. Large-Scale Concert Venues

These venues host major international artists, large-scale performances, and festivals.

Canadian Tire Centre

  • Type: Multi-purpose arena
  • Location: 1000 Palladium Drive, Kanata (West Ottawa)
  • Events: Major concerts, sports events (home of the NHLโ€™s Ottawa Senators), and large-scale performances.
  • Ticket Costs: Prices vary widely depending on the artist and seating, typically ranging from CAD $50 to $300+.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, the venueโ€™s official website, or authorized resellers.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators, accessible seating, and parking. Assistance for persons with disabilities is available upon request.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre: A large shopping and dining area nearby.
    • Wesley Clover Parks: A green space for outdoor activities and equestrian events.

TD Place Arena and Stadium

  • Type: Indoor arena and outdoor stadium
  • Location: Lansdowne Park, 1015 Bank Street
  • Events: Concerts, sports events, and festivals.
  • Ticket Costs: Typically CAD $40 to $200, depending on the event.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets are available through Ticketmaster or the TD Place website.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible seating. Accessible parking is available.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Lansdowne Park: A vibrant area with shops, restaurants, and a farmerโ€™s market.
    • Rideau Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a scenic walk or skate (in winter).

2. Mid-Sized Concert Venues

These venues are ideal for smaller touring acts, local artists, and community events.

National Arts Centre (NAC)

  • Type: Performing arts centre
  • Location: 1 Elgin Street, Downtown Ottawa
  • Events: Classical music, jazz, contemporary concerts, and theatrical performances.
  • Ticket Costs: CAD $25 to $150, depending on the performance.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets can be purchased on the NAC website or at the box office.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with elevators, accessible seating, and assistive listening devices. Wheelchair-accessible parking is available.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Parliament Hill: A short walk away, offering free guided tours and stunning architecture.
    • ByWard Market: A lively area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.

Bronson Centre Music Theatre

  • Type: Mid-sized concert hall
  • Location: 211 Bronson Avenue, Downtown Ottawa
  • Events: Indie, rock, and alternative music performances.
  • Ticket Costs: CAD $30 to $100, depending on the artist.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets are available through the venueโ€™s website or third-party platforms like Eventbrite.
  • Accessibility: Limited accessibility; contact the venue in advance for specific accommodations.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Canadian Museum of Nature: A family-friendly museum showcasing natural history exhibits.
    • Little Italy: A nearby neighborhood with excellent dining options.

3. Intimate and Unique Venues

These venues are perfect for smaller audiences and offer a more personal experience.

The Rainbow Bistro

  • Type: Live music bar
  • Location: 76 Murray Street, ByWard Market
  • Events: Blues, jazz, and local bands.
  • Ticket Costs: CAD $10 to $30, often available at the door.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets are typically sold at the door or through the venueโ€™s website.
  • Accessibility: Limited accessibility; stairs are involved, so it may not be suitable for all visitors.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • ByWard Market Square: A bustling area with shops, cafes, and street performers.
    • Majorโ€™s Hill Park: A beautiful park with views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.

Live! on Elgin

  • Type: Small performance venue
  • Location: 220 Elgin Street, Downtown Ottawa
  • Events: Local bands, comedy shows, and open mic nights.
  • Ticket Costs: CAD $10 to $25, depending on the event.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets are available on the venueโ€™s website or at the door.
  • Accessibility: Limited accessibility; contact the venue for details.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Elgin Street: Known for its restaurants, bars, and vibrant nightlife.
    • Confederation Park: A peaceful green space nearby.

4. Outdoor Concert Venues

These venues are seasonal and host events during Ottawaโ€™s warmer months.

LeBreton Flats Park

  • Type: Outdoor park and festival venue
  • Location: Near the Canadian War Museum, Downtown Ottawa
  • Events: Large outdoor concerts and festivals, including Bluesfest (one of Canadaโ€™s largest music festivals).
  • Ticket Costs: Festival passes range from CAD $100 to $400, while single-day tickets are typically CAD $50 to $100.
  • Booking Procedures: Tickets are available through festival websites or authorized sellers.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with designated viewing areas and facilities.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Canadian War Museum: A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
    • Ottawa River Pathway: Perfect for a scenic walk or bike ride.

Majorโ€™s Hill Park

  • Type: Outdoor park
  • Location: Near Parliament Hill and the Chรขteau Laurier
  • Events: Seasonal concerts, Canada Day celebrations, and cultural festivals.
  • Ticket Costs: Often free or low-cost.
  • Booking Procedures: No booking required for most events; check event-specific details.
  • Accessibility: Fully accessible with paved pathways.
  • Nearby Attractions:
    • Chรขteau Laurier: A historic luxury hotel with stunning architecture.
    • National Gallery of Canada: A world-class art museum nearby.

5. Special Considerations for Visitors

  • Language: Ottawa is bilingual (English and French), so most venues and staff can assist in either language.
  • Transportation: Ottawaโ€™s public transit system (OC Transpo) is reliable, with buses and the O-Train light rail serving most venues. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are also widely available.
  • Weather: If attending outdoor venues, dress appropriately for the season. Summers can be warm, while winters are cold and snowy.
  • Local Etiquette: Arrive on time for performances, and be respectful of others during shows. Tipping is not expected at venues but is appreciated for bar staff.

Sample Day Itinerary

  1. Morning: Start with a visit to Parliament Hill for a guided tour.
  2. Lunch: Head to ByWard Market for a meal at one of the many local restaurants.
  3. Afternoon: Explore the National Gallery of Canada or the Canadian Museum of History.
  4. Evening: Attend a concert at the National Arts Centre or The Rainbow Bistro.
  5. Night: Enjoy a late-night snack or drink on Elgin Street or in the ByWard Market area.

Ottawaโ€™s concert venues offer something for everyone, from large-scale productions to intimate performances. With this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to enjoy the cityโ€™s vibrant music scene while exploring its rich cultural and historical attractions.