Last Updated: October 12, 2026
From free bus and O-Train rides two days a week to cheaper swims and weekly store discount days, Ottawa seniors can save real money by knowing which discounts exist and how to claim them.
The biggest senior discounts in Ottawa in 2026 are on transit and recreation. Riders 65 and older travel free on OC Transpo every Wednesday and Sunday with a PRESTO card set to the senior discount, pay $3.28 a ride on other days, or buy a $59.75 senior monthly pass. The City of Ottawa charges seniors 65+ reduced drop-in rates, such as $3.89 for a swim or skate, and takes 10% off program registration. Among retailers, Shoppers Drug Mart runs Seniors' Day with 20% off on Thursdays, and Value Village gives 30% off to shoppers 60 and older every Tuesday. The sections below explain how to set each one up, plus museum, entertainment and dining savings.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa seniors 65+ ride OC Transpo free on Wednesdays and Sundays with a senior PRESTO card, and the senior monthly pass is $59.75 against $138.50 for adults. City recreation drop-ins cost $3.89 to $8.15 a visit for seniors. Shoppers Drug Mart takes 20% off on Thursdays and Value Village 30% off for 60+ on Tuesdays. Government benefits such as OAS, GIS and the Ontario Drug Benefit add to the savings.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚌 Free Transit Days | Wednesdays and Sundays (senior PRESTO card) |
| 💰 Monthly Transit Pass | $59.75 (65+) vs $138.50 adult |
| 🏊 City Drop-In | $3.89 Basic, $6.86 Plus, $8.15 Super (65+) |
| 🛒 Store Days | Shoppers 20% off Thursdays; Value Village 30% off Tuesdays (60+) |
| 📝 Program Fees | 10% off City of Ottawa registration for 65+ |
| 📅 Age Requirement | Most discounts start at 65+; some at 50, 55 or 60 |
OC Transpo Senior Transit Discounts
Free Wednesday and Sunday Rides
One of Ottawa's most valuable senior perks is free transit two days a week. Every Wednesday and Sunday, riders aged 65 and older travel free on OC Transpo buses and the O-Train. The catch is the card: you need a PRESTO card set with the Senior discount, because that is what opens the fare gates at O-Train stations, and the card simply is not charged on the free days. You can tap the same card every day of the week, and drivers or fare inspectors may ask for proof of age. The free days do not apply to Para Transpo.
For a complete guide to navigating the transit system, see our OC Transpo guide.
Regular Senior Fares
On the other five days, seniors pay reduced fares, but only with a senior PRESTO card: OC Transpo does not offer senior fares for cash, debit or credit. These are the 2026 prices, which took effect on January 1:
| Fare Type | Senior Rate (65+) | Adult Rate | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ride (PRESTO) | $3.28 | $4.10 | $0.82 |
| Monthly Pass | $59.75 | $138.50 | $78.75 |
How to Get Senior Fares: Set the Senior discount on a PRESTO card at the Rideau Customer Service Centre or at a participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws or Real Canadian Superstore, and bring ID that shows your date of birth. A new card costs $4.00, and adding the discount to a card you already own is free. Monthly passes go on sale 14 days before the month starts, cover that calendar month only, and switch on the first time you tap for a trip that month. Details are on OC Transpo's senior fares page.
Para Transpo for Seniors
Since January 1, 2026, Para Transpo customers aged 65 and older get four free trips a month when they pay per trip with a registered PRESTO card. The four trips are refunded as a PRESTO credit the following month, and the credit cannot be used toward a monthly pass. Para Transpo seniors pay the regular fare on Wednesdays and Sundays, since the free-day program does not cover it. Registration and booking details are on OC Transpo's Para Transpo fares page.
Government Benefits for Ottawa Seniors
Federal Benefits
Old Age Security (OAS) Canada's largest pension program for seniors 65+. Maximum monthly payments for October to December 2026 are $762.50 at ages 65 to 74 and $838.75 at 75 and older. Amounts are adjusted every quarter for inflation, and people with fewer than 40 years in Canada after age 18 receive a partial pension.
OAS payments are income-tested through the OAS clawback (recovery tax) once net income passes a threshold that is updated each year.
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Additional monthly income for low-income OAS recipients: up to $1,138.90 a month for a single, widowed or divorced senior in October to December 2026, with lower maximums for couples. GIS is recalculated each July from the previous year's income.
To Apply:
- Online: Service Canada website (service.canada.gc.ca)
- Phone: 1-800-277-9914
- In Person: Service Canada Centre, 110 O'Connor Street, Ottawa
Ontario Provincial Benefits
Ontario GAINS (Guaranteed Annual Income System) Provincial supplement for low-income seniors receiving OAS/GIS: up to $92 a month for a single senior and $184 for a couple in the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year. If you already receive OAS and GIS, you do not have to apply separately.
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Prescription drug coverage for all Ontario residents 65+:
- Annual Deductible: $100 (if income over $22,200)
- Co-Payment: $6.11 per prescription (higher income) or $2.00 (lower income)
- Coverage: Over 5,000 drug products covered
Seniors Co-Payment Program Reduces prescription costs for eligible low-income seniors:
- Eliminates the $100 annual deductible
- Reduces co-payment to $2.00 per prescription
To Enroll:
- ODB coverage is automatic at age 65 for Ontario residents with valid OHIP
- Apply for Seniors Co-Payment through Service Ontario
City of Ottawa Recreation Discounts
Drop-In Rates and Active Ottawa Memberships
Since December 1, 2025, City of Ottawa drop-ins and memberships are sorted into three tiers, Basic, Plus and Super, that work across more than 50 City facilities. For recreation pricing, the City treats you as a senior from age 65. Basic covers swimming, including lane and public swims, skating and gym sports; Plus adds the weight and cardio room, ice sports, squash and racquetball; Super adds group fitness, aquafitness, wave swims and rock-wall climbing. Senior prices in 2026 (City pages differ on whether HST is included, so the amount at the desk may vary slightly):
| Tier | Senior single visit (65+) | Senior 10-visit pass |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3.89 | $35.01 |
| Plus | $6.86 | $61.74 |
| Super | $8.15 | $73.35 |
Ten-visit passes expire one year after purchase. If you swim or work out several times a week, an annual senior membership can work out cheaper: the City lists about $196.17 a year for Basic and $410.50 for Super. Ottawa Public Library cardholders also get 20% off annual Basic, Plus and Super memberships (not one-, three- or six-month ones) by showing the library card and photo ID at a City recreation facility. Check the City's drop-in pricing page before you buy, because a few older City pages still show 2025 prices.
For details on swimming facilities, see our Swimming Pools Ottawa guide.
Program Registration and Seniors' Centres
Residents 65 and older get 10% off City of Ottawa program registration fees, such as swimming lessons or fitness courses, as long as their date of birth is on their recreation account. The separate Seniors' Centre pass starts at age 50, costs $29.18 a year (plus tax) or $2.20 per visit, and covers older-adult drop-in activities at City-run seniors' centres. If cost is a barrier, ask any recreation facility or City of Ottawa Client Service Centre for a Hand in Hand recreation fee subsidy form.
Outdoor Skating
During winter, Ottawa's outdoor skating rinks offer free public skating for all ages. The Rideau Canal Skateway is also free to use whenever the NCC has it open.
For a complete list of outdoor rinks, see our Ottawa Outdoor Skating Rinks guide.
Senior-Specific Programs
Many recreation centres run programs aimed at older adults, from gentle aquafitness and chair yoga to tai chi, pickleball and social dance. What runs where changes each season, so search the City's recreation and leisure for older adults listings, or call 3-1-1 to register by phone.
Retail Senior Discounts
Store senior days change more often than transit fares, and many chains leave the details to each store. Only two of the weekly offers below are spelled out on the retailers' own websites in October 2026; for the rest, ask at the till before you pay and carry photo ID with your date of birth.
| Store | Senior day | Discount | Age | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoppers Drug Mart | Every Thursday (in store) | 20% off most regular-priced items with a PC Optimum card | Set by the store; ask | Shoppers Seniors' Day page |
| Value Village | Every Tuesday | 30% off; excludes new (red tag) merchandise | 60+ | Value Village Ottawa store pages |
Pharmacy Discounts
Shoppers Drug Mart Seniors' Day is one of the most useful discounts in the city because there are Shoppers locations in nearly every neighbourhood. The company's Seniors' Day page advertises 20% off almost all regular-priced merchandise every Thursday when you scan your PC Optimum card in store. Exclusions apply, and age thresholds have varied between stores over the years, so ask your local branch whether it starts at 55 or 65. Shoppers also runs occasional Seniors' Bonus Days with extra PC Optimum offers, which show up in the weekly flyer.
Rexall has long advertised a Tuesday discount for Be Well members aged 55 and older, and Jean Coutu stores on the Gatineau side have offered senior discounts too, but neither company publishes current terms that we could confirm, so check with the pharmacy before planning a shopping trip around them.
Grocery and Bulk Stores
Bulk Barn has promoted 15% off for seniors 65 and older on Wednesdays, which pairs well with a free Wednesday bus ride. Giant Tiger, the Ottawa-founded discount chain, has been reported to give shoppers 60 and older 10% off on the first Monday of the month. We could not confirm either offer on the companies' own sites in October 2026, so confirm at the till first.
Pet Supply Stores
Pet Valu and Global Pet Foods stores have both run monthly senior days in the past, typically around 10% to 15% off for customers 60 and older. Neither chain posts a current national schedule, and many locations are independently owned, so ask your local store which day, if any, it honours.
Hardware and Home Improvement
Home Hardware and Canadian Tire stores are run by local dealers, so any senior day is set store by store rather than by the chain. Ask at the service desk or check the store's own flyer before you go.
Thrift Stores
Value Village has the most generous senior day we could confirm: every Tuesday is Senior Tuesday, with 30% off for shoppers 60 and older, excluding new merchandise with red tags. The offer is printed on the chain's Ottawa store pages, including the Barrhaven store page, and "some restrictions may apply". It makes Tuesday a good day for clothing, housewares and small furniture.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
National Museums
Ottawa's world-class museums offer senior admission discounts:
| Museum | Senior Admission | Adult Admission | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian War Museum | $18.00 | $23.00 | $5.00 |
| Canadian Museum of Nature | $19.00 | $24.00 | $5.00 |
| Canadian Museum of History | $20.00 | $25.00 | $5.00 |
| National Gallery of Canada | $16.00 | $20.00 | $4.00 |
| Canada Science and Technology Museum | $17.00 | $21.00 | $4.00 |
| Canada Aviation and Space Museum | $17.00 | $21.00 | $4.00 |
Free Admission Hours
Several museums offer free admission during specific hours:
Thursday Evening Free Admission (4-8 PM)
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Canada Science and Technology Museum
- Canada Aviation and Space Museum
For a complete list of free museum opportunities, see our Free Museum Hours Ottawa guide.
Local Galleries and Attractions
Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum
- Location: Carp (3929 Carp Road)
- Senior admission available
- Fascinating Cold War history experience
Bytown Museum
- Senior rates available
- Located beside the Rideau Canal locks
Entertainment Discounts
Movie Theatres
Cineplex
- Senior Admission: $13.95 (varies by location)
- Adult Admission: $14.95-$16.95
- Age: 65+
- Tip: Tuesday discount days offer even better savings for all ages
Landmark Cinemas
- Senior Admission: Typically $2-3 less than adult
- Age: 65+
- Locations: Kanata, Orleans
Live Theatre
National Arts Centre
- Senior discounts on select performances
- Rush tickets often available
- Phone: 613-947-7000
Great Canadian Theatre Company (GCTC)
- Pay-What-You-Can performances
- Senior subscription packages available
- Location: 1233 Wellington Street West
Gladstone Theatre
- Affordable community theatre pricing
- Occasional senior matinee discounts
Sports Events
Ottawa Senators
- No official senior discount, but upper-level seats start at reasonable prices
- Watch for promotional nights
Ottawa 67's (OHL Hockey)
- Senior tickets available at reduced rates
- Affordable family entertainment at TD Place
Dining Discounts
Chain Restaurants
Mandarin Restaurant
- Discount: 20% off buffet
- Age: 65+
- Days: All week (verify with location)
- Ottawa Location: 2910 Carling Avenue
Mandarin's generous 20% discount makes their expansive buffet even more attractive for senior diners. This applies to the individual meal, not group bills.
Golden Griddle
- Discount: 10% off total bill
- Age: 55+
- Days: All week
- Ottawa Location: 1385 Woodroffe Avenue
Denny's
- Discount: 15% off (AARP members)
- Age: 55+
- Note: Limited Ottawa locations
Local Dining Tips
Many local Ottawa restaurants offer informal senior discounts or smaller portion sizes at reduced prices. Always ask about senior specials when dining:
- Breakfast spots often have senior menus
- Some pubs offer weekday lunch specials appealing to seniors
- Early bird dinner specials (typically 4-6 PM) provide savings
ByWard Market restaurants occasionally offer senior weekday lunch discounts. Check with individual establishments.
Senior Centres and Community Resources
Good Companions Seniors' Centre
Address: 670 Albert Street, Ottawa Phone: 613-236-0428 Website: goodcompanions.ca
Membership: $40/year
One of Ottawa's most established senior centres, Good Companions offers:
- Daily hot lunch program ($10-12)
- Fitness classes and exercise programs
- Arts and crafts workshops
- Computer classes
- Social events and day trips
- Billiards, cards, and games
- Health clinics and information sessions
The centre is centrally located near LeBreton Flats, accessible by OC Transpo routes serving Albert Street.
Olde Forge Community Resource Centre
Address: 2730 Carling Avenue, Ottawa Phone: 613-829-9777 Website: oldeforge.ca
Membership: FREE
Olde Forge serves the west Ottawa community (Westboro to Kanata) with:
- Seniors Active Living programs
- Transportation assistance
- Meals on Wheels
- Home support services
- Social activities
- Tax clinics (seasonal)
- Friendly visiting programs
Kanata Seniors Centre
Address: 2500 Campeau Drive, Kanata Phone: 613-580-2580
Operated by the City of Ottawa, the Kanata Seniors Centre provides:
- Drop-in activities
- Fitness programs
- Art classes
- Social gatherings
- Information and referral services
Additional Senior Resources
Council on Aging of Ottawa
- Advocacy and information
- Senior housing resources
- Age-friendly city initiatives
- Phone: 613-789-3577
Elder Abuse Ottawa
- Support and resources
- Confidential helpline
- Phone: 613-789-8619
Ottawa Public Library
- Free membership
- Large print books
- Audiobooks and digital resources
- Computer access and technology help
- Home delivery service for mobility-limited seniors
How to Maximize Your Senior Savings
Create a Weekly Schedule
Organize your activities around discount days:
| Day | Best Activities |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Value Village Senior Tuesday (30% off, 60+) |
| Wednesday | Free OC Transpo for 65+; ask Bulk Barn about its senior Wednesday |
| Thursday | Shoppers Drug Mart Seniors' Day (20% off with PC Optimum); free evening hours at some museums |
| Sunday | Free OC Transpo for 65+ |
| Any day | City recreation drop-ins at senior rates |
Annual Savings Calculation
Transit is where the savings are easiest to measure. If you ride most days, the $59.75 senior monthly pass instead of the $138.50 adult pass saves $78.75 a month, or $945 over a year. If you travel only two or three days a week, plan those trips for Wednesdays and Sundays and pay $3.28 a ride on the other days; that is often cheaper than a pass. At the pool, a senior Basic drop-in at $3.89 instead of the adult rate saves a little on every swim, and the 10-visit pass brings it down to about $3.50 a visit. Store discounts depend entirely on what you buy, so treat them as a bonus rather than a plan.
Essential Cards to Carry
Always have these cards when seeking senior discounts:
- Government-issued photo ID with birthdate
- PRESTO card loaded with senior fares
- PC Optimum card (for Shoppers Drug Mart)
- Ontario Health Card (for ODB benefits)
- Senior centre membership cards
FAQ
Q: At what age do OC Transpo senior discounts begin?
Senior transit discounts begin at age 65. Bring ID showing your date of birth when you set the Senior discount on your PRESTO card. Free rides on Wednesdays and Sundays need that senior PRESTO card, and you may be asked for proof of age on board.
Q: How do I get a senior PRESTO card?
Go to the Rideau Customer Service Centre or a participating Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws or Real Canadian Superstore with ID showing your birthdate. Staff can add the Senior discount to a card you already own at no charge, or sell you a new card for $4.00.
Q: Are senior discounts available at all Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Ottawa?
Shoppers advertises Seniors' Day as 20% off most regular-priced merchandise every Thursday, in store, with a PC Optimum card. Exclusions apply, and the starting age has differed between stores, so ask your local Shoppers whether it is 55 or 65 before you shop.
Q: Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to receive OAS benefits?
No, but you must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after age 18 to receive partial OAS. For full OAS, you need 40 years of Canadian residence after age 18. Legal status as a permanent resident or citizen is required.
Q: What documentation do I need to apply for Ontario Drug Benefit?
ODB coverage is automatic at age 65 for Ontario residents with valid OHIP. You don't need to apply separately. Your OHIP card serves as proof of coverage when filling prescriptions.
Q: Are senior recreation passes valid at all City of Ottawa facilities?
Active Ottawa memberships and 10-visit passes work across more than 50 City of Ottawa facilities, but what you can do depends on the tier: Basic covers swimming, skating and gym sports, Plus adds the weight room, and Super adds group fitness and aquafitness. Seniors' Centre passes are separate and cover City-run seniors' centres.
Q: Do restaurants require proof of age for senior discounts?
Most chain restaurants request proof of age for senior discounts. Carry government-issued ID when dining out. Local restaurants may be less formal but having ID ready ensures you receive applicable discounts.
Q: Can I use senior discounts in Gatineau as well?
Some discounts (like Shoppers Drug Mart) work at all locations. However, Quebec senior benefits and transit discounts have different rules. STO (Societe de transport de l'Outaouais) offers its own senior programs separate from OC Transpo.
Q: Is there a senior discount for the Rideau Canal Skateway?
The Rideau Canal Skateway is completely free for all ages when open during winter. There's no admission charge, though you'll pay for skate rentals if needed. It's one of Ottawa's best free winter activities for seniors.
Q: How do I register for Para Transpo services?
Registration and eligibility rules are on OC Transpo's Para Transpo pages. Once registered, seniors 65+ who pay per trip with a registered PRESTO card get four free trips a month, refunded as a PRESTO credit the following month.
Q: Do Value Village seniors discount stack with other sales?
Value Village's store pages say the Tuesday 30% senior discount excludes new merchandise (red tags) and that "some restrictions may apply", but they do not say whether it combines with colour-tag sales. Ask at the till before you load up the cart.
Q: What's the best day for seniors to shop in Ottawa?
Thursday and Tuesday have the two senior days we could confirm: Shoppers Drug Mart's 20% Seniors' Day on Thursdays and Value Village's 30% Senior Tuesday for 60+. Wednesday and Sunday are the free transit days, so they suit longer trips across town.
Q: Are senior discounts available at Canadian Tire?
Canadian Tire stores are run by local dealers, so any senior day is set by the individual store. Check the store's flyer or call your local Canadian Tire to ask about current promotions.
Q: Do I need to join a senior centre to access City of Ottawa recreation programs?
No, City of Ottawa recreation programs are open to all residents regardless of senior centre membership. However, joining centres like Good Companions ($40/year) or Olde Forge (free) provides additional programming, social opportunities, and support services.
Q: Can my spouse use my senior transit benefits if they're under 65?
No, OC Transpo senior fares and the free Wednesday and Sunday rides are individual benefits requiring each rider to be 65+. Your spouse would pay adult fares until they reach 65 and obtain their own senior PRESTO designation.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa offers a wide range of discounts and benefits designed to help residents 65 and older live comfortably and actively. Free transit every Wednesday and Sunday, a senior monthly pass at well under half the adult price, cheaper City recreation and a couple of reliable store senior days add up to real savings, on top of government benefits such as OAS, GIS and the Ontario Drug Benefit.
The key to maximizing these benefits lies in organization. Mark discount days on your calendar, carry the right identification and loyalty cards, and don't hesitate to ask about senior pricing wherever you go. Many businesses offer discounts not actively advertised, so a polite inquiry often reveals additional savings.
Beyond financial benefits, Ottawa's senior centres and community resources provide invaluable social connections, health support, and opportunities for continued learning and engagement. Whether you're attending a fitness class at Good Companions, browsing the stacks at Ottawa Public Library, or catching a free Thursday evening museum visit, Ottawa offers countless ways to enjoy retirement to its fullest.
Sources: OC Transpo senior fares, OC Transpo prices, OC Transpo fare change, January 1, 2026, City of Ottawa drop-in pricing, Active Ottawa membership categories, Shoppers Drug Mart Seniors' Day, Value Village Ottawa store page, Service Canada - Old Age Security, Ontario Drug Benefit, City of Ottawa Recreation, Good Companions Seniors Centre, Olde Forge Community Resource Centre. Transit, recreation and store details checked October 12, 2026.
