What Canadian Tire Centre is and where it sits
Canadian Tire Centre is the home arena of the Ottawa Senators, the National Hockey League team that plays in the Atlantic Division. The building opened in 1996 as the Corel Centre and has held its current name since 2011. It sits in the Kanata neighbourhood on the west side of Ottawa, roughly 20 kilometres from downtown.
The arena holds approximately 20,000 people for hockey games. The exact capacity shifts slightly depending on the event type and seating configuration, but this is the standard number for Senators regular season and playoff games. The building also hosts concerts, other sports events, and community gatherings beyond NHL hockey.
Key Takeaways
- Canadian Tire Centre is located in Kanata, west of downtown Ottawa, and has been the Senators' home since the team's 1992 founding.
- The arena holds roughly 20,000 people for hockey games and opened under the name Corel Centre in 1996.
- Parking is available on-site and in nearby lots, though game-day parking fills quickly during popular matchups.
- Public transit to the arena is available through OC Transpo, though personal vehicle or ride-share are more common for game attendance.
- The building underwent major renovations between 2018 and 2022 that upgraded seating, concourse areas, and fan amenities.
Getting to Canadian Tire Centre by car or ride-share
Most people drive to Canadian Tire Centre for games. The arena sits at 1000 Palladium Drive in Kanata, accessible from Highway 417 (the Queensway). Parking is available in multiple lots on the property and in adjacent areas. During popular games, particularly playoff matchups or weekend games against rival teams, parking lots fill early — arriving two to three hours before puck drop gives you better options.
Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate in Ottawa and can drop you at the arena entrance. The pickup zone after games can be congested, so plan extra time if you are using ride-share to leave. Many people coordinate pickups at nearby parking lots or side streets rather than waiting in the main queue.
Public transit options to reach the arena
OC Transpo, Ottawa's public transit system, runs bus routes to Canadian Tire Centre. Route 265 serves the arena directly from downtown Ottawa and other parts of the city. Trip time from downtown is roughly 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic and the time of day. The bus stop is within walking distance of the arena entrance.
Service frequency increases on game days, but buses still run on their regular schedule outside of peak times. Check the OC Transpo website or the Transit app for current routes, schedules, and real-time updates before you travel. During major events, the system sometimes adds extra service, so confirming your route the day of the game is worth doing.
What the arena looks like inside and what to expect
Canadian Tire Centre underwent substantial renovation from 2018 to 2022. The upgrades included new seating throughout the building, expanded and modernized concourse areas, improved sightlines from many sections, and updated food and beverage options. The renovations also added new premium seating areas and club spaces for higher-priced tickets.
The arena has standard NHL amenities: concession stands selling food and drinks, team merchandise shops, and washroom facilities throughout. Wi-Fi is available during games. The building is accessible for people with mobility challenges, with designated accessible seating, accessible parking, and accessible washrooms. Service animals are permitted in the arena.
Ticket prices and where to buy them
Ticket prices for Senators games vary widely depending on the opponent, day of the week, and time of season. Games against popular teams or during playoff runs cost more than regular season matchups against less-watched opponents. Weekend games typically cost more than weekday games. Prices also shift based on seat location — lower bowl seats closer to the ice cost more than upper bowl or corner seats.
Tickets are sold through the official Senators website, Ticketmaster, and resale platforms like StubHub and Kijiji. The Senators box office at the arena also sells tickets in person during business hours and on game days. Buying directly from the Senators website or box office sometimes offers better pricing than third-party resellers, though resale sites occasionally have deals on games with lower demand.
Parking costs and payment methods
Parking at Canadian Tire Centre costs money on game days. The exact price varies by lot and event type but typically ranges from $15 to $25 per vehicle for regular season games. Premium lots closer to the arena entrance cost more than standard lots farther away. Parking for playoff games or high-demand matchups can be higher.
Payment is usually handled through parking attendants at lot entrances or through mobile apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero, depending on which lot you use. Arrive early if you want to pay with cash, as some lots prefer card payment. Many people prepay for parking through the Senators website or third-party apps to avoid lines on game day.
Food, drinks, and what to bring into the arena
Concession stands inside Canadian Tire Centre sell hot food, snacks, and beverages. Prices are typical for arena food — higher than restaurants outside the building. Options include pizza, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and various drinks. The renovations added more food vendors and expanded menu options compared to previous years.
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the arena. You cannot bring your own food, beverages, or alcohol into Canadian Tire Centre. Bags are subject to search at entry points, and arena staff enforce these rules. Plan to purchase what you need inside or eat before you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a child or infant to a Senators game?
Yes. Children of all ages can attend games. Infants do not need a ticket if they sit on a parent's lap, but they must have their own ticket if you want a separate seat. Many families bring children to games, and the arena has family-friendly seating sections and activities during intermissions.
Is there accessible parking for people with disabilities?
Yes. Canadian Tire Centre has designated accessible parking spaces in multiple lots. You will need a valid accessibility parking permit from Ontario or another province. Accessible spaces are located close to arena entrances to minimize walking distance. Contact the Senators box office ahead of time if you need specific information about accessible parking or seating.
What time should I arrive before a game starts?
Arriving 60 to 90 minutes before puck drop gives you time to park, walk to the arena, go through security, and find your seat without rushing. For popular games or playoff matchups, arriving earlier is wise because parking and entry lines move more slowly. Weekday games typically have shorter lines than weekend games.
Can I leave the arena during a game and come back in?
Most venues allow re-entry with your ticket, but policies vary. Check your ticket or contact the Senators box office before the game to confirm the re-entry policy. If you leave, keep your ticket stub or digital ticket visible so staff can scan it when you return.
Does Canadian Tire Centre have a dress code for games?
No formal dress code exists. People wear everything from casual clothes to team jerseys to business attire. Wear whatever is comfortable for you. The arena can be cool during games, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is practical.