Last Updated: January 9, 2026
Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort brings Las Vegas-style entertainment to Ottawa’s south end, combining a sprawling gaming floor with live concerts, fine dining, and horse racing in a single destination.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa represents a $350 million transformation of the historic Rideau Carleton Raceway site. Since its grand opening on July 3, 2025, the property has earned AAA Four Diamond status, signalling its arrival as a world-class entertainment destination. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing everything Hard Rock Ottawa has to offer.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is Canada’s first full Hard Rock resort, featuring 1,500+ slot machines, 40 table games, a 1,900-seat concert venue, multiple restaurants, and live harness racing. The property operates 24/7 and requires guests to be 19+.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON K1X 1A3 |
| ⏰ Casino Hours | 24/7, 365 days |
| 🚗 Parking | Free self-parking, valet from $20 |
| 💰 Room Rates | From approximately $173 CAD per night |
| 🎉 Age Requirement | 19+ for casino, restaurants, and hotel |
What Makes Hard Rock Ottawa Special
Image: The expansive gaming floor features over 1,500 slot machines and 40 table games
Hard Rock Ottawa occupies a unique position in the city’s entertainment landscape. It’s not simply a casino with a hotel attached, but rather a fully integrated resort designed to deliver the complete Hard Rock experience that music fans and gaming enthusiasts have come to expect from the brand.
The sprawling 150,000 square-foot entertainment complex brings authentic Las Vegas-style energy to the National Capital Region. What distinguishes this property isn’t merely its scale and gaming options, but the meticulous curation of Canadian music memorabilia displayed throughout, the continuous live entertainment programming, and its reputation as an adults-only destination bursting with rock-and-roll culture.
The property sits on the historic Rideau Carleton Raceway site, which originally opened in 1962 as Canada’s first-ever five-eighths mile harness racing oval. That racing tradition continues today, with live standardbred harness racing every Wednesday and Sunday nights.
Gaming Options
The gaming floor operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, offering:
Slot Machines: Over 1,500 machines featuring the latest games and classic favourites. Progressive jackpots and a variety of denominations cater to players of all budgets.
Table Games: 40 live-action tables include Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps. Whether you’re a casual player or high-roller, you’ll find games suited to your style.
High-Limit Gaming: A dedicated high-limit area and private Baccarat room cater to players seeking elevated stakes and exclusivity.
Horse Racing: Live standardbred harness racing takes place every Wednesday (6:00 PM post time) and Sunday (6:30 PM post time). The property also offers off-track wagering on simulcast racing from across Canada and around the world. Racing programs are available for download at 4:00 PM the day before each race card.
Dining Options
Image: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood brings fine dining to Hard Rock Ottawa
The culinary program at Hard Rock Ottawa spans casual to upscale, with options designed to appeal to diverse tastes while embracing premium ingredients.
| Restaurant | Type | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Cafe | American casual | Sun-Thu 11 AM-12 AM; Fri-Sat 11 AM-1 AM |
| Council Oak Steaks & Seafood | Fine dining | Sun-Thu 5 PM-10 PM; Fri-Sat 4 PM-11 PM |
| YOUYU Noodle Bar | Asian street food | Hours vary |
| Brick’d Italian Kitchen | Casual Italian | Located in Marketplace |
| Marketplace | Various quick casual | Varies by vendor |
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers both casual bar seating in the lounge (where live music plays Fridays-Saturdays at 7:00 PM) and fine dining reservations. The lounge provides an excellent compromise between casual and upscale experiences, letting you enjoy quality cuisine with entertainment.
Hard Rock Cafe sits at the centre of the action, featuring the brand’s signature American menu alongside live music every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 PM.
All restaurants are smoke-free.
Live Entertainment
Image: Hard Rock Live hosts major concerts and comedy shows in a state-of-the-art 1,900-seat venue
Hard Rock Live is a state-of-the-art, 23,000 square-foot performance venue with flexible seating for up to 1,900 guests and maximum capacity of 2,200 with standing room. This world-class space hosts major concert events, comedy shows, and private events.
Recent and upcoming headliners include George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Old Dominion, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, and Eddie Griffin. Check the venue website for current programming.
Free Entertainment:
You don’t need concert tickets to enjoy live music at Hard Rock Ottawa:
- Hard Rock Cafe: Live bands every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 PM
- Council Oak Lounge: Live performances every Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM
Music Memorabilia
Image: Curated music memorabilia celebrates Canadian and international rock legends
Hard Rock’s commitment to music history is on full display throughout the property. The collection features Canadian music memorabilia with informational plaques telling the story behind each artifact.
Featured items include Tom Cochrane’s signed Washburn acoustic guitar, a bass autographed by The Guess Who’s Jim Kale, Simple Plan’s signed guitar, and artifacts from Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, Randy Bachman, and Theory of a Deadman.
A massive guitar-themed art installation hangs above the main casino entrance, while vinyl-based portrait displays by Vancouver-based mixed-media artist Rob Ubels celebrate iconic musicians throughout the resort.
Hard Rock periodically updates its displays, giving guests reasons to return and discover new pieces of rock history.
Hotel Accommodations
The property offers 150 stylish guest rooms and 22 luxury suites featuring:
- Smart televisions with streaming capabilities
- Complimentary WiFi
- Premium bedding and linens
- Private bathrooms with hair dryers and robes
- In-room safes
- Coffee and tea makers
Room rates start from approximately $173 CAD per night for two adults (including taxes and fees), though prices vary based on travel dates and room type. Loyalty program members may receive discounts and comp point opportunities.
Hotel Policies:
- Minimum age: Guests must be 19 or older
- Check-in: 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM
- Check-out: Before 11:00 AM
- Children are not permitted at this property
Getting There
Image: The resort sits just minutes from Ottawa International Airport
Address: 4837 Albion Road, Ottawa, ON K1X 1A3
From Major Landmarks:
- Ottawa International Airport: Less than 10 minutes’ drive
- Parliament Hill: 11.4 miles (18.4 km), approximately 12-15 minutes by car
- ByWard Market: 11.9 miles (19.2 km), approximately 11-15 minutes by car
- Downtown Ottawa: Approximately 11-12 km
Parking:
Free self-parking is available on-site for all guests. Valet parking is available daily with the following rates: $20 CAD for non-members, with discounts for loyalty program members ($10-$15 depending on tier).
Valet hours: Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 4 AM; Friday-Sunday 9 AM - 6 AM. Wheelchair-accessible van parking is available for guests with mobility needs.
Public Transit:
The property is accessible via bus lines 697, 2, 105, and 110, and Light Rail Line 2 (Limebank). The closest transit station is Bowesville, approximately a 37-minute walk away, making driving the more practical option for most visitors.
Accessibility
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is committed to inclusive access for visitors with disabilities:
- Wheelchair-accessible van parking
- Wheelchair-accessible paths to elevators
- Wheelchair-accessible restaurants and lounges
- Visual alarm systems
- Accessible customer service compliant with Ontario Regulation 191/11
- Communications support and accessible formats available upon request
For accessibility questions or feedback, contact Customer.Support@hrcottawa.com.
Nearby Attractions
While Hard Rock Ottawa is designed as a destination in itself, the region offers excellent complementary experiences:
Cultural Landmarks:
- Parliament Hill: Approximately 12 minutes away, offering tours of Canada’s legislative seat
- ByWard Market: About 11-15 minutes away, Ottawa’s oldest and most vibrant neighbourhood
- National Gallery of Canada: Approximately 14 minutes away
- Canadian War Museum: About 9 minutes away
- Canadian Museum of History: Approximately 13 minutes in Gatineau
Winter Activities:
If visiting during Winterlude (January 30 - February 16, 2026), combine your Hard Rock experience with outdoor ice skating, ice sculpture competitions, and the Snowflake Kingdom in Jacques-Cartier Park. The Rideau Canal Skateway is the world’s largest outdoor skating rink during winter months.
Outdoor Recreation:
Gatineau Park sits just 14 minutes away across the river in Quebec, offering year-round outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, swimming (summer), snowshoeing, and skiing (winter). For more outdoor options, see our guide to hiking trails around Ottawa.
Insider Tips
Best Times to Visit:
- Weekdays offer a more relaxed gaming floor experience
- Friday and Saturday evenings provide the best atmosphere with free live music at multiple venues
- Winter (January-February) pairs perfectly with Winterlude Festival activities elsewhere in the city
Maximizing Your Visit:
- Join the Unity loyalty program to earn points on eligible purchases that can be redeemed for dining, gaming credits, merchandise, and valet parking
- Plan around free entertainment - visit Fridays or Saturdays to enjoy live music at Hard Rock Cafe (9:30 PM) and Council Oak Lounge (7:00 PM) at no additional cost
- Explore the zones - the resort is thoughtfully designed with different areas for different moods: the energetic Hard Rock Cafe in the centre, the upscale Council Oak Lounge near the hotel, and the more relaxed Marketplace section
- Don’t miss the memorabilia - take time to read the informational plaques accompanying each artifact throughout the property
- Catch live racing - Wednesday and Sunday evenings offer a unique harness racing experience rarely found elsewhere in the region
Photography Spots:
- The massive guitar-themed art installation above the main casino entrance
- Vinyl-based portrait displays of iconic musicians
- Neon Hard Rock signage throughout the property
- The casino floor’s electric atmosphere (check policies before photographing gaming areas)
FAQ
Q: What is the minimum age to enter Hard Rock Casino Ottawa?
Guests must be 19 or older to enter the casino, dine at restaurants, or stay at the hotel. This is an adults-only property throughout, and valid government-issued photo ID is required.
Q: Is parking free at Hard Rock Ottawa?
Yes, free self-parking is available for all guests. Valet parking is optional at $20 CAD for non-members, with discounts for loyalty program members.
Q: What are the casino hours?
The gaming floor operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Individual restaurants have specific hours, with Hard Rock Cafe open until midnight Sunday-Thursday and until 1 AM Friday-Saturday.
Q: Is there live entertainment at Hard Rock Ottawa?
Yes, Hard Rock Live hosts major concerts and comedy shows throughout the year (ticketed events). Additionally, free live music plays at Hard Rock Cafe every Friday and Saturday at 9:30 PM and at Council Oak Lounge every Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM.
Q: When is live horse racing at Hard Rock Ottawa?
Live standardbred harness racing takes place every Wednesday at 6:00 PM and every Sunday at 6:30 PM. Off-track wagering on simulcast racing is available throughout the day.
Q: How far is Hard Rock Ottawa from the airport?
The property is less than 10 minutes’ drive from Ottawa International Airport, making it convenient for business travellers or those with early morning flights.
Q: Are there room packages available?
Yes, the hotel offers various packages combining accommodations with dining credits, entertainment tickets, or gaming credits. Check the official website for current offers and seasonal promotions.
Q: What types of games are available at the casino?
The gaming floor features over 1,500 slot machines and 40 live table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, and Craps. A high-limit gaming area and private Baccarat room are available for players seeking elevated stakes.
Q: Can children visit Hard Rock Ottawa?
No, this is an adults-only property. Guests must be 19 or older to enter any area of the resort, including restaurants and the hotel.
Q: Is there a dress code?
The casino maintains a casual dress code, though Council Oak Steaks & Seafood recommends smart casual attire for dining. Avoid athletic wear or overly casual clothing at the fine dining restaurant.
Final Thoughts
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa represents a game-changing addition to the National Capital Region’s entertainment options. The combination of world-class gaming, continuous live entertainment, fine dining, and authentic rock-and-roll culture creates an experience unlike anything else in Ottawa.
Whether you’re drawn by the gaming tables, the lineup at Hard Rock Live, the unique harness racing tradition, or simply the appeal of experiencing Canada’s first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, the property delivers on its promise of Las Vegas-style entertainment in Canada’s capital. The AAA Four Diamond rating confirms what visitors have already discovered: this is a world-class destination worthy of the Hard Rock name.
For reservations and event schedules, visit Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa or call for general inquiries.
