Canadian Tire Centre Guide
Entry, transit, rideshare, parking, and game-day logistics for Ottawa.
Last updated: 3/7/2026
Key logistics
| Bag policy | Bags are restricted to clutch or wallet-style bags smaller than 4″x6″x1.5″ and will be subject to contactless security screening. Diaper or medical bags are permitted upon screening. Hard-sided bags and backpacks are not permitted, and all permitted bags must fit under the seat. |
|---|---|
| Doors open | For Ottawa Senators games, doors open two hours before game start time. For Ottawa Black Bears games and other non-Senators events, doors open 60 minutes before the scheduled start time, unless otherwise specified. |
| Cashless? | Canadian Tire Centre is a cash-free venue, accepting only debit and credit cards, including major contactless payment methods. Two cash-to-card machines are available for guests at the Gate 1 main lobby and on the 200 Level. |
| Rideshare zone | Designated Uber pickup and drop-off zones are located near Gates 1 and 3. The specific Uber Zone is situated at Lot 8, accessible via the pedestrian tunnel in front of Gate 1. |
| Re-entry | Canadian Tire Centre enforces a strict no re-admission policy, meaning any guest who exits the facility will not be allowed to re-enter. Exceptions may be made only in cases of emergency. |
| Transit | Public transportation options include OC Transpo buses (Routes 404, 405, and 406 on game/event days), which provide direct service to Canadian Tire Centre. Shuttle services are also available from various locations, and taxi and Uber services are readily available, with designated rideshare zones. |
Parking
Parking is primarily on-site, with pre-paid passes available for purchase via Ticketmaster. Slap Shot Lots (formerly Lots 5 and 9) require payment and plate registration through the Indigo NEO app/website. Accessible parking is located in Lot A (south side) or Lot 3 (accessible passes purchased until May 2026 remain valid) and requires a valid government-issued accessible parking permit. Parking attendants will not accept on-site payments to expedite ingress. Guests should consider their exit strategy for Highway 417 (Palladium Drive or Terry Fox Drive exits), as arriving and departing traffic is often lighter on the NORTH loop of the Palladium Drive interchange.
Family & accessibility
- Family perks: Most events do not require a ticket for children under two years old, provided they do not occupy a seat. Sensory kits, which include sunglasses, noise-reducing earmuffs, fidget toys, and bacterial wipes, are available at the Guest Services booth (located on the 200 Level at the Gate 1 entrance). Quiet areas are also accessible at Gates 2 and 3, and behind the Guest Services booth outside Section 201.
Culture layer
- Signature food: Signature food items include Golden Palace eggrolls (available outside sections 113 and 225) and Brady's Burger (a fresh Bison Burger) offered at Legacy Social. Other food options include stone-fired pizza and fresh-made burgers at Bert's Bar, authentic street food at Ottawa Street Eats (Section 212), and classic stadium fare at Sens Express.
- Local tradition: Bert's Bar within the arena is known as the 'official Sens Army headquarters'. Fans are permitted to bring banners and signs to Senators games, provided they do not interfere with the game or other fans' enjoyment, cover any advertising or building signs, compete with existing signage, or display disparaging or obscene messages. Signs larger than 24″ × 24″ must be able to roll up or fold.
Verified places nearby
- Bert's BarCanadian Tire Centre, Gate 1 main entrance, 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa, ON K2V 1A4 · KanataWhat to order: Stone-fired pizza, fresh made burgers.