Canadian Tire Centre Parking Tips in Ottawa

The Ottawa Senators play their home games during the NHL season at Canadian Tire Centre. To avoid parking troubles when you arrive for an event at this venue, use the guide below.

This detailed Canadian Tire Centre parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official Canadian Tire Centre parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near Canadian Tire Centre that can be booked in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Ottawa
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Ottawa Senators events
• Other valuable Canadian Tire Centre parking tips to save time and money

It’s no fun to drive around an arena looking for parking when you’d rather be inside having a great time. We hope the information below helps you avoid such a fate during your next trip to the Canadian Tire Centre.

Official Canadian Tire Centre Parking Lots

There is ample parking on-site at Canadian Tire Centre in various official lots. If you are driving to a game at this venue, using the official parking will likely be your best bet. 

Main Parking Lots 

Numbers from 1 – 9 identify the main parking lots on the property of Canadian Tire Centre. As the numbers increase, the lots generally get farther away from the arena, with Lot 9 being the farthest away from the venue. With that said, even that lot isn’t very far from the gates, so parking anywhere on the property will leave you with an easy walk. 

The prices for parking at Canadian Tire Centre are relatively reasonable compared to some other venues across North America. For hockey games, the lowest prices are $20, while the cheapest lots for concerts will cost you $25. If you’d like to get closer, such as in Lot 1, you will spend around $40. 

Premium Parking Lots

If you’d like a premium parking experience, a valet service is available for a higher price. However, the valet service has limited availability, and you’ll need to arrive early to secure a spot. 

EV Parking at Canadian Tire Centre

There are some charging stations around Canadian Tire Centre if you need to add juice to your electric vehicle. With that said, we’d suggest not counting on being able to charge up when you get here just because of how busy the area will be and how many other EV drivers might be waiting for a charge.

Make it a point to charge ahead so you can enjoy your time without worrying about looking for power. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

The accessible parking on the property of the Canadian Tire Centre can be found in Lot 3. This lot offers convenient access to Gate 3 of the arena, so anyone with mobility limitations should be able to get in and out of the venue without any trouble. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Canadian Tire Centre

You won’t find any third-party parking options on SpotHero for attending events at Canadian Tire Centre. Although SpotHero is an excellent tool for parking in many places, you’ll have to take another approach when heading to this venue.

Free Parking at Canadian Tire Centre

The problem with free parking near Canadian Tire Centre is that the official parking lots take up the property immediately surrounding the venue, so parking elsewhere would require you to make a long walk to the venue. While there is an outlet mall across the highway from the arena, the parking there is for customers, and you risk a tow or ticket if you leave your vehicle there to walk across to the venue. 

Public Transportation to Canadian Tire Centre

If you don’t want to pay for on-site parking, or if you don’t want to drive your own vehicle, public transportation can be a suitable alternative. For that, look to the services offered by OC Transpo to make the trip comfortable and for a low price. 

You should be looking for Routes 404 and 405 to get to the Canadian Tire Centre. These routes are operated specifically when events are going on, such as hockey games and concerts, so you should have little trouble finding a seat and getting where you need to go. 

Ridesharing to Canadian Tire Centre

If you will use a rideshare service to get to Canadian Tire Centre, you can be dropped off on Frank Finnigan Way in front of Gate 1. This same area can be used for pick-ups after the game or event has ended, although you might have to wait quite a while and pay a premium depending on demand for services like Uber and Lyft. 

Canadian Tire Centre Events

What kind of event do you want to attend at the Canadian Tire Centre? More than just hockey is happening here, so review the table below and pick out tickets to an upcoming date.

Bars and Restaurants near Canadian Tire Centre 

If you have the time available, you might want to get to the area around Canadian Tire Centre a little early so you can find some food or a cold drink. Fortunately, there are a couple of shopping centers near the arena, so you can easily find some options that suit your tastes. 

One possible choice for a pre-game meal and a drink is Montana’s BBQ and Bar. This is a chain of restaurants with locations across Canada, and as the name would suggest, it offers a range of BBQ options and an extensive drink menu.

If you aren’t in the mood for BBQ, another nearby establishment called The 3 Brewers is also popular with those getting ready to head over to the arena. 

Canadian Tire Centre Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NHL arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at Canadian Tire Centre.

Arrive Early and Beat the Traffic

Ottawa traffic can get in the way of having a great time at Canadian Tire Centre. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

Canadian Tire Centre has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building, like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around the Canadian Tire Centre. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attending events at the Canadian Tire Centre, home to the Ottawa Senators, requires careful consideration of parking options to ensure a hassle-free experience. This comprehensive guide provides insights into official parking lots, accessible options, public transit alternatives, and practical tips to help you navigate the parking situation effectively. By following these recommendations, you can focus on enjoying your time at the Canadian Tire Centre without the stress of parking troubles.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Canadian Tire Centre (FAQs)