Canadian Tire Centre Ottawa: Parking, Seating & Event Guide

Canadian Tire Centre is Ottawa's premier arena and the heart of hockey in the nation's capital. Home to the NHL's Ottawa Senators since 1996, this arena of just over 17,000 hockey seats also hosts major concerts, family shows, and special events throughout the year—making it one of the busiest entertainment venues in Eastern Ontario. While downtown visitors flock to ByWard Market for dining and Parliament Hill for sightseeing, sports and music fans make the pilgrimage to Kanata for the CTC experience.

Whether you're catching a Senators game, attending a major concert, or experiencing your first event at CTC, the sections below cover the parking lots and their posted rates, the seating map, the arena's strict bag rule, OC Transpo's event buses and what to eat inside and nearby. If you're visiting from out of town, consider combining your CTC trip with exploring Kanata's surrounding amenities or venturing to other Ottawa neighbourhoods like The Glebe or Westboro.

Key Highlights

TL;DR: Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata hosts Ottawa Senators NHL games, major concerts, and family shows. The pay-by-phone lots were posted at $21 for NHL games and $26 for concerts for 2025-26, only a clutch-size bag (under 4" x 6" x 1.5") gets through the door, the arena is cashless, and OC Transpo's 400-series event routes run from Tunney's Pasture, Orléans and Barrhaven at regular fare.

About Canadian Tire Centre

Canadian Tire Centre is Ottawa's largest indoor arena

Canadian Tire Centre (CTC) opened on January 15, 1996 with a Bryan Adams concert, under the name the Palladium; it became the Corel Centre a month later and Scotiabank Place in 2006. Located in Kanata, in Ottawa's west end beside the Queensway, the arena replaced the aging Ottawa Civic Centre as the home of the Ottawa Senators. The move to Kanata gave the Senators a state-of-the-art facility that could compete with the best arenas in the NHL.

Arena History & Evolution

Notable Events Hosted

Sporting Events:

Major Concerts (Selected):

Arena By The Numbers

Teams & Regular Events

Ticket prices for every event change with demand, so check the CTC events page or Ticketmaster for the current price. The Ottawa Black Bears, the National Lacrosse League team that played at CTC in 2024-25 and 2025-26, are gone: the league announced on September 10, 2026 that the franchise would cease operations.

Comparing Ottawa's Venues

If you want live hockey for less money and closer to downtown, the Ottawa 67's at TD Place play OHL junior hockey at Lansdowne, a short walk from Bank Street bus routes.

Seating Guide

Understanding CTC seating helps you get the best value

Canadian Tire Centre has three seating rings: the 100 level closest to the ice, the 200 level above the main concourse, and the 300 level up top. The section numbers below come from the arena's own seat map. Ticket prices change with the opponent, the night and demand, so the tables leave them out; check Ticketmaster for the price of a given seat.

Seating Levels Detailed

Lower Bowl (100 Level), Sections 101–120

Features:

• Closest to the ice or stage
• The 100-level seats were replaced before the 2025-26 season
• Club Bell premium seating sits in the upper rows of the west-end sections (109–113)

200 Level, Sections 201–228

200 Level Features:

• Sits just above the main concourse, where most food stands and Guest Services are
• Guest Services and first aid are behind Section 201
• The Molson Fan Deck between sections 214 and 216 sells VIP seats and bar-top loges for Senators games on Ticketmaster

Upper Bowl (300 Level), Sections 301–328

Upper Level Features:

• Usually the most affordable tickets
• Good views from an elevated position, with a steeper seating angle
• In September 2026 the Senators announced a new Fan Deck in the upper rows between sections 328 and 301 at the east end, holding 350 fans with bar service and food stations, open to anyone in the building with a ticket; general admission standing-room tickets go on sale for select games
• The Ledge, on the 400 level at the west end (elevators at Gate 2), sells tickets that include a reserved seat and a meal

Best Seats for Different Events

Seating Tips by Budget

Tips for Ticket Buying:

1. Ticketmaster is the official seller for Senators single-game tickets and every CTC event; the box office at Gate 1 also sells tickets on event days
2. Opponent and night matter: prices move with demand, so compare a few games before you pick one
3. Resale: compare the resale listings on Ticketmaster before paying above face value elsewhere
4. Tickets are mobile only: every CTC ticket is delivered digitally and scanned from your phone

Accessible Seating

Accessible seats are sold through Ticketmaster: open the event page, choose "Filters" and switch on "Show accessible tickets" to see the accessible sections highlighted on the map. They can be bought singly or in pairs up to four, so a support person can sit with you. For events with accessible seating on the floor, the seats are not on a riser and views may be blocked; portable chairs are provided for guests who do not use a wheelchair.

Accessibility Services:

• Wheelchair escorts from every gate, and wheelchairs to get to and from your seat
• Every washroom in the building is accessible, and private unisex washrooms are on the 300 level
• Free KultureCity sensory bags (noise-reducing earmuffs, sunglasses, fidget toys) at Guest Services, behind Section 201
• Quiet areas at Gate 2, Gate 3 and behind the Guest Services booth
• Service animals are welcome with proper documentation
• Questions: Guest Services at 613-599-0122 or accessibility@ottawasenators.ca; the arena's accessibility guide has the full policy

Parking Guide

Arriving early ensures stress-free parking

Parking at CTC is one of the most important logistics to master. Unlike downtown venues like TD Place, CTC is surrounded by surface lots, but they are split between season passholders, pay-by-phone general lots and pre-sold lots, and the rate depends on the event. Indigo runs the parking, and the arena posts its lot map and rates on its Directions & Parking page.

Parking Lots Detailed

Posted rates on the arena's parking page for the 2025-26 season (check the page before you go, since rates can change between seasons):

The arena notes that Lots 1, 4 and valet have a limited number of spaces.

Parking Map Strategy

How to pay:

• The Slap Shot lots (5, 6, 7 and 9) are paid on arrival, or up to four hours before the event, in the Indigo Neo app or on Indigo's website: pull in, park, register your plate and pay. Pay stations are also inside Gate 1.
• Other lots can be pre-purchased on Ticketmaster; the arena says attendants do not take payment on site, to keep traffic moving.

For Fastest Entry:

• Lots 5 and 6 fill up about 30 minutes before the event starts; Lots 7 and 9 do not, so they are the fallback for late arrivals
• Lot 9 can be reached from Cyclone Taylor Blvd. off either Huntmar Drive or Palladium Drive
• Follow the traffic directors; lanes change before and after events

For Accessible Parking:

• Lot A, at the southeast corner of the building, is first come, first served; show a valid government-issued accessible parking permit to the Lot 3 attendant, then buy a regular pass or show one you bought in advance

Arrival Strategy

Exit Strategy

Exit Routes

Pre-Purchase Parking

For Senators games and major concerts, buying parking ahead of time is the only way to be sure of a space:

Tips:

• Save the parking pass to your phone before you leave home
• Bus and RV parking is sold on Ticketmaster ($75 full size, $60 half size on the arena's page)
• Drop-offs and pick-ups use Frank Finnigan Way, in front of Gate 1

Getting There

Driving Routes by Origin

Allow extra time on event nights, when thousands of cars head for the same lots; a map app with live traffic gives the best estimate.

By Car - Detailed Directions

From Downtown Ottawa:

1. Take Highway 417 (Queensway) West
2. Exit at Palladium Drive; from the east, take the northbound ramp (right)
3. Follow the interchange and turn left onto Cyclone Taylor Blvd., or continue to your lot
4. Traffic control guides you on event nights
5. For Lots 6 and 9, the arena recommends the Terry Fox Drive exit instead, then Palladium Drive to Cyclone Taylor Blvd.

From the South (Barrhaven, Riverside South):

1. Take Highway 416 North
2. Merge onto Highway 417 West
3. Exit at Palladium Drive or Terry Fox Drive, as above

From the East (Orléans, Gatineau):

1. Take Highway 174 West, or cross from Gatineau into Ottawa
2. Merge onto Highway 417 West through downtown
3. Continue on 417 West past downtown
4. Exit at Palladium Drive or Terry Fox Drive

From the West (Arnprior, Renfrew):

1. Take Highway 417 East
2. Exit at Palladium Drive, take the southbound ramp (right) and follow the interchange to Huntmar Drive
3. Turn left onto Huntmar Drive, then right onto Cyclone Taylor Blvd.

By Transit (OC Transpo)

OC Transpo runs 400-series event routes to CTC for major events, including Senators games. Service depends on the size and time of the event, so check the schedule for your date through the arena's public transportation page, which links to OC Transpo:

400-Series Event Routes

Service Details:

• Event routes run only for major events and charge the regular OC Transpo fare; it is not included in a Senators or concert ticket
• Return trips leave about 15 minutes after the event ends and serve the same stations; return schedules are not posted online
• Look for the bus stops marked with the Connexion 400 logo at the arena
• About an hour before major events, regular Routes 62 and 162 are detoured away from CTC and stop on Huntmar Road and Palladium Drive instead

Transit Tips:

• O-Train Line 1 riders can transfer to Route 404 at Tunney's Pasture
• Return buses can be crowded right after the final whistle
• Para Transpo drop-off and pick-up is at Gate 3 (reservations 613-244-7272)
• From the Outaouais, check with STO for service to the arena

Park & Ride to the Event Routes

The 400-series routes connect stations and Park & Ride lots directly to CTC, which is the way to skip the arena lots altogether:

Why Use Park & Ride:

• Arena parking was posted at $21 to $40 for NHL games in 2025-26, against a regular transit fare each way
• Avoids the post-event queue out of the arena lots
• Drops you at the arena

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and Taxis

Food & Drink at CTC

CTC offers diverse food options throughout the arena

Arena food has evolved significantly, and CTC now offers much more than traditional hot dogs and popcorn. Aramark runs the concessions, and the arena lists every stand by section on its concessions page; not every stand opens for every event. Menu prices are not published, so expect arena pricing.

Concession Options by Type

Classic Arena Food:

Local & Premium Options:

Bars & Lounges

Drinks Selection

You must be 19 or older with valid government photo ID to buy alcohol, and limits per transaction may apply.

Dining Tips

Payment Options:

• Canadian Tire Centre is a cash-free venue: debit and credit cards only, including contactless payment
• There is nowhere to pay cash inside, so bring a card

Nearby Restaurants

For pre-game or post-event dining, Kanata has plenty of sit-down restaurants a short drive from CTC. Eating beforehand is often faster, cheaper, and offers more variety than arena concessions.

Restaurant Overview by Area

Chain Restaurants Near the Arena

Recommended Pre-Game Spots

Post-Event Dining

Kitchen hours vary by night and season, so check a restaurant's hours before planning a late meal after the game:

For more dining variety, consider heading to Westboro or The Glebe after downtown-bound events, or explore Ottawa's nightlife scene after the game.

Ottawa Senators Game Day

Experience the atmosphere of a Senators home game

Attending an Ottawa Senators game at Canadian Tire Centre is a quintessential Ottawa experience. The arena comes alive with a full house of about 17,000 fans dressed in red and black, and the energy during rivalry games against Toronto or Montreal is electric.

Game Day Timeline

Ticket Guide

Ticket Tips:

• Prices move with demand, so the same seat can cost very different amounts from one game to the next
• Most events do not need a ticket for a child under two who sits on a lap, but the rule varies by event
• Every ticket is mobile: charge your phone and add the ticket to your phone's wallet before you leave

Fan Experience

Game Night Traditions

What to Wear

Rivalry Games

Family Game Day

Concerts at CTC

Canadian Tire Centre is the largest indoor arena in Ottawa, so the biggest arena tours that stop in the city play here, from rock and pop to country. Past headliners include Metallica, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran and Garth Brooks; the events page has what is coming up.

Concert Capacity & Setups

Capacity depends on the setup; Wikipedia's listing for the arena gives roughly 12,000 to 17,000 for concerts.

Seating for Concerts

Concert prices are set by each promoter and change with demand; check Ticketmaster for the show you want.

Concert Tips

Concert Essentials Checklist

Genre-Specific Tips

Finding Concerts

For more live entertainment options in Ottawa, see Ottawa's nightlife guide or check what's playing at TD Place.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Plan ahead for the best CTC experience

Visiting Canadian Tire Centre for the first time can be overwhelming—it's a big building with more than 17,000 seats and five gates. These tips will help you navigate like a pro and make the most of your experience.

Essential First-Visit Tips

Pre-Event Checklist

What to Bring

Prohibited Items Detailed

Navigation Tips

Common First-Timer Mistakes

Accessibility

Canadian Tire Centre is committed to accessibility and provides comprehensive services for guests with disabilities.

Accessible Features Overview

Accessible Seating by Level

The arena does not publish a fixed list of accessible sections; the Ticketmaster filter highlights them on the map for each event. On the arena's seat map, wheelchair symbols mark platforms at the top of the 300 level on the Gate 2 and Gate 3 sides and near sections 203 and 219 on the 200 level. Accessible floor seating at concerts is not on a riser.

Accessible Parking

How to Arrange Accessibility Services

Accessibility Tips

• Call ahead for specific arrangements: Guest Services 613-599-0122
• Arrive early for Lot A, which is first come, first served
• Book Para Transpo at 613-244-7272 and use Gate 3
• Visit Guest Services behind Section 201 for any special needs
• Read the full accessibility guide

Arena Amenities

Services Available

Technology & Connectivity

Phone Tips:

• Charge your phone before you leave; your ticket lives on it
• Add the ticket to your wallet app at home rather than in the lot

Other Events at CTC

Beyond Senators games and major concerts, Canadian Tire Centre hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year.

Family Shows

Line-ups change every season, so check the events page for what is booked and for ticket prices.

Family Show Tips:

• Book lower 300-level for good views and value
• Avoid floor seats for kids (blocked views)
• Arrive early for merchandise
• Bring ear protection for loud shows such as monster trucks

Sports Events

Special Events

Seasonal Events

Ottawa Black Bears (2024–2026)

The Ottawa Black Bears brought National Lacrosse League games to CTC for two seasons, 2024-25 and 2025-26, after the franchise moved from New York, where it played as the Riptide. In June 2026 ticket holders were told the team would not play the coming season at CTC, and on September 10, 2026 the NLL announced that the Black Bears would cease operations along with the Philadelphia Wings. There is no pro lacrosse at the arena for now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is Canadian Tire Centre located?

Canadian Tire Centre is located at 1000 Palladium Drive in Kanata, in Ottawa's west end, right beside Highway 417 (the Queensway). Two Queensway exits lead to it, Palladium Drive and Terry Fox Drive, and on event nights traffic staff direct cars to the lots. Fans coming from Orléans in the east or from Barrhaven can also take OC Transpo's event routes.

Q: How much is parking at Canadian Tire Centre?

The arena's posted 2025-26 rates for NHL games were $21 in the pay-by-phone lots 5 and 9, $35 in Lot 4 and $40 in Lot 1. For concerts, lots 5, 6, 7 and 9 and Lot 4 were $26 and lots 1 and 3 were $40. Pay-by-phone lots use the Indigo Neo app; other lots are pre-sold on Ticketmaster.

Q: How early should I arrive for a Senators game?

Arrive at least 90 minutes before puck drop for stress-free parking and arena entry. Doors open 90 minutes to two hours before Senators games (the arena's guide gives both times), and warm-ups are the only time flash photos are allowed. Lots 5 and 6 fill about 30 minutes before the start, so later arrivals end up in Lots 7 and 9.

Q: Can I take public transit to Canadian Tire Centre?

Yes. On major event days OC Transpo runs Route 404 from Tunney's Pasture via Terry Fox Station, Route 405 from Orléans (Trim and Place d'Orléans) and Route 406 from Barrhaven. They charge the regular fare, which is not included in event tickets, and return trips leave about 15 minutes after the event ends.

Q: What can I bring into Canadian Tire Centre?

Only clutch or wallet-style bags smaller than 4" x 6" x 1.5" are allowed, with exceptions for medical and diaper bags after screening. Backpacks, hard-sided bags, outside food and drink, umbrellas, noisemakers, video recording and still cameras with detachable lenses are not allowed. Empty refillable water bottles are fine, and there is no coat or bag check.

Q: What are the best seats for hockey at CTC?

For hockey, the best sightlines are at centre ice in the 100 level: sections 105–107 on the players' bench side and 115–117 on the penalty box side. For an elevated view at a lower price, the 200-level centre sections (207–209, 221–223) and 300-level centre sections (307–309, 321–323) see the whole ice. The Senators shoot twice at the west end, sections 109–113.

Q: Is there food at Canadian Tire Centre?

Yes. Aramark runs more than 30 named stands and bars, including Smoke's Poutinerie (sections 206 and 225), Gabriel Pizza, Golden Palace Egg Rolls, Bytown Grill burgers and the Lone Star Cantina, plus Tim Hortons. The Coors Light Taphouse and Ice Level Bar serve drinks, and the whole building is cashless, so bring a debit or credit card.

Q: How do I get to Canadian Tire Centre from downtown Ottawa?

Take Highway 417 (Queensway) West and exit at Palladium Drive, taking the northbound ramp, then follow the interchange to Cyclone Taylor Boulevard; for Lots 6 and 9 the arena suggests the Terry Fox Drive exit. Traffic control guides cars on event nights. Without a car, take O-Train Line 1 to Tunney's Pasture and transfer to event Route 404.

Q: Does Canadian Tire Centre have accessible seating?

Yes. Accessible seats are sold on Ticketmaster using the "Show accessible tickets" filter, singly or in pairs up to four. Every washroom is accessible, wheelchair escorts are available from all gates, sensory bags are free at Guest Services, and accessible parking is in Lot A with a government permit. Guest Services is at 613-599-0122.

Q: What time do doors open at CTC?

Doors open 90 minutes to two hours before Senators games; the arena's guide lists both times, so check your ticket. Unless otherwise stated, doors open 60 minutes before other events. There is no re-entry: once you leave the building, you cannot come back in, even to smoke.

Q: Can I buy tickets at the arena?

Yes. The box office is on the east side of the building at Gate 1, the main entrance. It opens two hours before hockey games and concerts and is closed on non-event days. Ticketmaster is the official online seller for the Senators and every CTC event, and all tickets are delivered to your phone.

Q: How long does it take to exit after an event?

It depends on the crowd and your lot, since thousands of cars leave at once. The arena's tips: Lot 1 can exit straight onto the eastbound Queensway after Senators games and select concerts, the north loop of the Palladium interchange is often lighter, and drivers from Lot 4 can take Huntmar Drive north to the Campeau Drive roundabout.

Q: Is Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa or Kanata?

Technically, CTC is in Kanata, which is part of the City of Ottawa. Kanata was amalgamated into Ottawa in 2001, so the address is Ottawa, ON. The arena is in Ottawa's west end, beside the Queensway at Palladium Drive.

Q: What's the best way to avoid post-event traffic?

Three strategies: (1) from Lot 4, drive north on Huntmar Drive over the Queensway to the Campeau Drive roundabout instead of waiting to turn onto Palladium Drive, (2) wait a few minutes after the event ends to let traffic clear, (3) take an OC Transpo event route and skip the lots entirely.

Q: Can I bring kids to a Senators game?

Absolutely. Spartacat roams the arena for photos, Sparty's Faves at Section 210 sells soft serve and cotton candy, and diaper bags are allowed after screening. Guest Services lends free KultureCity sensory bags and can point you to quiet areas. Most events do not need a ticket for a child under two sitting on a lap, but check when you buy.

Q: Is there a dress code at Canadian Tire Centre?

There's no formal dress code beyond the arena's rule that shirts and shoes be worn at all times, and casual attire is the norm. Signs or garments with offensive or protest messages are not allowed. For Senators games, wearing team jerseys and red/black is encouraged and adds to the atmosphere. For concerts, dress according to the artist and your comfort. The arena can be cold, so layers are recommended.

Q: How does Canadian Tire Centre compare to TD Place?

CTC is Ottawa's largest indoor arena (just over 17,000 seats for hockey) primarily for hockey and major concerts, located in Kanata with large surface parking lots. TD Place is a downtown stadium/arena complex (up to 24,000 outdoors) for football, soccer, and smaller events, with limited parking but excellent transit access. Both venues offer great Ottawa experiences.

Related Ottawa Guides

Venue & Entertainment Guides

Neighbourhood Guides Near CTC

Food Guides

Winter Activities

Final Summary

Why Canadian Tire Centre Matters

Canadian Tire Centre is more than just an arena—it's where Ottawa comes together for sports, music, and entertainment. From the electric atmosphere of a Senators playoff game to world-class concert experiences, CTC delivers memorable events year-round. For nearly three decades, this venue has been the heart of Ottawa's entertainment scene.

CTC By The Numbers

Planning Checklist

First-Timer's Advice

Looking Ahead

Canadian Tire Centre continues to evolve while remaining Ottawa's premier entertainment venue. The 100-level seats were replaced before the 2025-26 season, and in September 2026 the Senators announced a 350-person Fan Deck in the upper rows of the east-end 300 level. Further out, the team's development company and the National Capital Commission signed a land sale agreement in August 2025 for a future downtown arena at LeBreton Flats; until that arena is built, CTC remains the Senators' home. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a season ticket holder, CTC rewards those who plan ahead and embrace the experience.

Final Thoughts

Success at CTC starts with planning: arrive early, leave the backpack at home, consider an OC Transpo event route, know your parking lot strategy, and give yourself time to enjoy the pre-event atmosphere. Whether you're cheering on the Senators, singing along to your favourite artist, or taking the family to a show, Canadian Tire Centre delivers on Ottawa's entertainment needs.

Planning Your CTC Visit:

• Senators Games: Arrive 90 min early, wear red and black, Go Sens Go!
• Concerts: Check stage setup, bring earplugs, know your exit route
• Family Shows: Pick up a sensory bag at Guest Services if you need one, bring a card, arrive early

See you at the game—Go Sens Go!

For more Ottawa entertainment and activities, explore our guides to ByWard Market, Westboro, The Glebe, and Ottawa's nightlife.

Sources: Canadian Tire Centre: Directions & Parking, Know Before You Go & A-Z Guide, Arena Concessions, Arena Map, Ottawa Senators: new Fan Deck on the 300 level, OC Transpo