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The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Ottawa Winter Patios 2026: Heated Domes, Fire Pits & Yurts

The most exhaustive guide to winter dining in Ottawa for 2026. An 8,000-word deep dive into every heated dome, rooftop fire pit, and luxury yurt from Stittsville to Gatineau.

Johnny Johnny
23 min read
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The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Ottawa Winter Patios 2026: Heated Domes, Fire Pits & Yurts
Photo: Illustrative image only.

Last Updated: January 20, 2026

Warning: This is not a quick listicle. This is a survival manual and a gastronomic encyclopedia for the brave.

If you are reading this, you are likely one of two things: a masochist who strangely enjoys the bite of a -25°C wind chill, or an optimist who refuses to let the Canadian winter imprison you indoors for five months. In Ottawa, we are proudly a mix of both.

The concept of the “Winter Patio” in the National Capital Region has evolved from a pandemic-era necessity into a high-tech, architectural sub-culture. In 2020, a winter patio was often just a wobbly propane heater desperately fighting a losing battle against a snowbank. Fast forward to 2026, and it has become an engineering marvel involving geodesic domes, infrared technology, heated seats, and curated “Fire & Ice” menus.

We have scoured the city—from the suburban depths of Stittsville to the historic cobblestones of the ByWard Market, and across the river to the hills of Chelsea—to bring you the Ultimate Encyclopedia of Winter Dining. We didn’t just check if they are open; we investigated the BTUs of their heaters, the thickness of their wool blankets, and the structural integrity of their domes against a February gale.

Buckle up. Put on your thermal base layers. We are going in.


Key Highlights

TL;DR: For the absolute warmest experience (“Shirt-Sleeve Zone”), Next in Stittsville and the new cabins at Hunter’s Public House are the champions. For romantic city views with open fire pits, Copper Spirits & Sights remains undefeated. Note that the famous Château Laurier Bubbles are CLOSED for the 2026 season.

Patio ExperienceVenueWarmth LevelBest For
🏰 Luxury DomeNext (Stittsville)10/10 (Indoor feel)Anniversaries, Foodies
🪵 Rustic CabinHunter’s Public House9/10 (Cozy)Casual Pub Night
🔥 Rooftop FireCopper Spirits & Sights4/10 (Dress Warm)Skyline Views
🇬🇧 Winter GardenThe Cheshire Cat Pub6/10 (Sweater)Rowdy Pints
🧖‍♀️ Spa LoungeNordik Spa-Nature10/10 (Thermal)Full Day Escape

Understanding Winter Warmth: Infrared vs. Fire

Before we list where to go, it is critical to understand what you are getting into. Not all “heated patios” are created equal. In Ottawa, “heated” can mean anything from a nuclear reactor that melts your boots to a single candle flickering in the wind. Understanding the physics of patio heating will save you from a miserable, shivering dinner.

The Three Tiers of Heat

Tier 1: The “Shirt-Sleeve” Zone (Infrared + Insulation)

This is the gold standard of winter dining. These are usually fully enclosed structures (domes, cabins, yurts) equipped with electric infrared heaters.

  • The Physics: Infrared heaters heat objects (you, the table, the floor), not the air. When combined with an insulated dome (polycarbonate or thick vinyl) that blocks the wind, the ambient temperature can easily reach 20°C even when it is -20°C outside.
  • What to Expect: You will enter wearing a parka, but within 10 minutes, you will likely strip down to a sweater or even a t-shirt. The condensation on the windows proves the temperature differential.
  • Typical Venues: Next, Hunter’s Public House, Pub Italia’s “Church”.

Tier 2: The “Parka-Optional” Zone (Propane + Windbreak)

These are semi-enclosed spaces—tents with open sides, walled courtyards, or heavy awnings—powered by those tall “mushroom” propane heaters.

  • The Physics: Propane heaters heat the air. Hot air rises and blows away. Their effectiveness depends entirely on wind protection. If there is a draft, your head will be hot while your feet freeze.
  • What to Expect: You keep your boots on. You might unzip your jacket, but you definitely don’t take it off. A hat is recommended.
  • Typical Venues: The Cheshire Cat, Lexington Smokehouse, covered Elgin Street patios.

Tier 3: The “Survivalist” Zone (Open Fire)

This is purely outdoor dining. You are sitting on a bench (hopefully with a fur pelt) next to an open fire pit.

  • The Physics: Radiant heat from a flame. It is strictly directional. The side of you facing the fire is cooking (30°C), while the side facing the street is freezing (-15°C). You must rotate like a rotisserie chicken to stay warm.
  • What to Expect: You keep your hat, mitts, scarf, and parka on. You are here for a cocktail or a hot chocolate, not a 3-course meal.
  • Typical Venues: Copper Spirits & Sights, Winterlude Pop-ups, Sparks Street.

The Dome Elite: High-End Bubble Dining

Dining domes in snow at night Caption: Dining inside a snow globe is the quintessential Ottawa winter flex. These structures offer a private, hermetically sealed dining experience.

These are not just patios; they are destinations. You book these weeks in advance. They offer a unique combination of privacy, novelty, and genuine warmth.

1. Next (Stittsville) - The Gold Standard

Address: 6400 Hazeldean Road, Stittsville

Price: $$$$ ($50-80 per person min. spend)

Hours: Dinner daily; Brunch weekends (Seasonal)

Reservations: Mandatory (often booked 3-4 weeks out)

Warmth Rating: 10/10 (Tier 1)

Chef Michael Blackie was a pioneer of the dome trend in the Capital Region, and in 2026, his setup at Next remains the undisputed benchmark for luxury winter dining. Unlike flimsy pop-up tents, these are heavy-duty, architectural geodesic domes situated on a proper hard floor.

The Experience: Walking into a Next dome feels less like entering a patio and more like stepping into a VIP lounge. The acoustics are surprisingly intimate; the thick structure muffles the roar of Hazeldean Road traffic, leaving you in a quiet, glowing bubble. The lighting is customizable—often a warm, amber hue that makes the snow outside look magical rather than threatening.

The Menu: You don’t come here for wings. Next is famous for its “Blind Tasting Menu”.

  • The Concept: You choose the number of courses (usually 5 or 7), and the kitchen sends out a parade of global fusion dishes.
  • The Food: Think “Canadian comfort meets Southeast Asian spice.” A typical course might be a Red Thai Curry Arancini or a Braised Beef Short Rib with Kimchi Slaw. The spice levels in the food actually help generate internal body heat, complementing the external heaters.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Structural Integrity: These domes don’t shake in the wind.
  • Pro-Level Heating: Dual infrared heaters ensure no cold spots.
  • Service: The servers have mastered the art of entering/exiting quickly to minimize heat loss.

Pro Tips:

  • Book for 4-6 People: The domes are spacious. Splitting the minimum spend among a group makes it very affordable.
  • Ask for the “Chef’s Table” Dome: Located closest to the kitchen for faster service.
  • Dress Code: Smart casual. You can wear your nice holiday outfit here without freezing.

Best For: Anniversaries, foodie groups, impressing skeptical relatives.


2. Hunter’s Public House - The Cabin Experience

Address: 4750 Bank Street, Gloucester (Findlay Creek area)

Price: $$ ($20-40 per person)

Hours: Daily 11:30 AM - Late

Reservations: Recommended for Cabins

Warmth Rating: 9/10 (Tier 1)

While the West End has Next, the East End boasts Hunter’s Public House. Realizing that plastic domes can feel a bit “sterile,” Hunter’s pivoted to a more rustic, Canadian concept: The Winter Cabins.

The Experience: Imagine ice fishing, but luxury. These wooden structures are fully enclosed and insulated, featuring actual windows and sturdy wooden doors. The smell of raw wood adds to the “chalet” vibe. It feels cozy, secure, and incredibly private. Unlike clear bubbles where everyone can see you eating, the cabins offer genuine seclusion.

Signature Items:

  • Hunter’s Roast Beef Dip: Shaved beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese on a baguette. Perfect winter fuel.
  • The “Lumberjack” Platter: A sharing board of local sausages, cheeses, and pretzels.
  • Local Taps: A strong focus on East End breweries like Dominion City and Stray Dog.

What Makes It Unique:

  • Privacy: Wooden walls mean you aren’t on display.
  • No Rental Fee: (As of Jan 2026 check) - They operate on a reasonable minimum spend or sometimes no fee at all on weekdays.
  • Dog Friendly: Not in the cabins, but on the open patio section if you are brave.

Best For: A Tuesday night escape, casual dates, beer lovers.


3. The Cheshire Cat Pub - The Winter Garden

Address: 2193 Richardson Side Road, Carp

Price: $$ ($18-30 per person)

Hours: Daily 11:30 AM - 9 PM

Reservations: Required for bubbles ($15 booking fee often applies)

Warmth Rating: 6/10 (Tier 2/3 Hybrid)

The Cheshire Cat is a legendary British pub that embodies the spirit of “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Their approach to winter dining is less about hermetically sealed luxury and more about communal fun.

The Experience: The Cat sets up a “Winter Garden” in their parking lot/patio area. This includes a mix of individual plastic bubbles and sheltered areas near their massive outdoor stone fireplace. It feels like an upscale tailgate party or a very organized winter camping trip.

The Reality Check:

  • The Floor: Unlike Next, the bubbles here often sit on pavement or gravel. The cold will seep through your shoes.
  • The Heat: They use propane heaters. It gets warm, but you will want to keep your coat nearby, or at least a heavy sweater.

Signature Items:

  • Fish and Chips: Widely considered the best in Ottawa. The batter is light, crispy, and the fish is piping hot—essential for warming up.
  • Mulled Wine: They often have a slow cooker of spiced wine going on the weekend.
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding: The ultimate thermal regulator dessert.

What Makes It Unique:

  • The Vibe: It is rowdy, friendly, and unpretentious.
  • The Fireplace: The massive stone fireplace is a gathering point for waiting guests.
  • Community: You will likely end up talking to the table next to you (through the plastic).

Pro Tips:

  • Bring a Blanket: They sometimes provide them, but bring your own for your lap.
  • Wear Boots: Do not wear running shoes. Trust us.

Best For: Weekend lunches, post-skiing (near Pakenham), rowdy family dinners.


4. Lexington Smokehouse & Bar - Fire & Ice

Address: 344 Richmond Road, Westboro

Price: $$ - $$$ ($25-45 per person)

Hours: Dinner Daily; Lunch Weekends

Reservations: Highly Recommended

Warmth Rating: 7/10 (Tier 2)

Lexington brings a unique sensory element to the winter patio game: the smell of woodsmoke. Combining Southern BBQ with Ottawa winter, they offer a hybrid experience often dubbed “Fire & Ice.”

The Experience: Located in the trendy Westboro village, Lexington’s patio setup often utilizes smaller, greenhouse-style structures or heavy windbreaks combined with fire features. The magic here is the olfactory experience—smelling 12-hour smoked brisket while watching the snow fall is a primal joy.

The Menu: This is “Internal Heating” food. It is heavy, caloric, and warming.

  • The Brisket: Smoked low and slow. The fat content is perfect for cold weather.
  • Fried Chicken: Served with a hot honey drizzle.
  • Bourbon List: They have one of the best curated bourbon lists in the city. A neat bourbon is arguably the most efficient way to warm up.

What Makes It Unique:

  • The Smell: Smoke + Winter Air = Nostalgia.
  • Westboro Location: Perfect for people-watching the shoppers on Richmond Road.
  • Modern Vibe: It feels younger and hipper than the traditional pubs.

Best For: Meat lovers, bourbon enthusiasts, double dates.


The Fire Pit Chronicles: Open Flame Dining

People sitting around fire pit winter patio Caption: Open-air fire pits offer a true winter experience. Dress for the elements, and expect to rotate to keep warm.

Sometimes you don’t want a wall between you and the elements. You want to stare into a fire, feel the radiant heat on your face, and watch your breath steam in the cold air. This is Tier 3 dining: high risk, high reward.

1. Copper Spirits & Sights - The Skyline Stunner

Address: 16th Floor, Andaz Ottawa, 325 Dalhousie Street

Price: $$$ ($18-25 cocktails; $10 cover often applies for fire pit seating)

Hours: Wed-Sun 5 PM - Late

Reservations: Essential for fire pit tables

Warmth Rating: 4/10 (Tier 3 - Legs cold, hands warm)

Located on the 16th floor of the Andaz Hotel, this is Ottawa’s highest patio. In summer, it’s a breeze. In winter, that breeze is a gale. But the hotel fights back with a series of long, linear gas fire pits that run the length of the terrace.

The Experience: There is no better view in the city. Looking down at the snowy, Gothic spires of Parliament, the frozen ribbon of the Ottawa River, and the twinkling lights of the Market is magical. It feels like you are on top of the world. However, the heat is strictly from the waist up.

Signature Items:

  • The “Copper” Hot Toddy: Premium rye, local honey, and a cinnamon stick charred in the fire.
  • Truffle Fries: Served in a cone. They cool down fast, so eat quickly.
  • Charcuterie Boards: A safer bet than hot food, as the cold doesn’t ruin it.

What Makes It Unique:

  • The View: Unmatched. Period.
  • The “Blanket Policy”: They usually provide heavy wool blankets. Use them. Wrap them around your legs.
  • Time Limit: Do not plan a 2-hour dinner here. Plan for one cocktail (45 minutes max) before your toes go numb.

Best For: A pre-dinner cocktail, impressing a date, photography.


2. Deacon Brodies - The Highlander’s Choice

Address: 247 Elgin Street

Price: $$ ($15-25 per person)

Hours: Daily 11 AM - 2 AM

Reservations: First come, first served

Warmth Rating: 5/10 (Tier 2 - Windbreaks + Heaters)

Elgin Street is a notorious wind tunnel, funneling cold air straight from the Arctic. Deacon Brodies fights back with Scottish stubbornness and a very well-equipped front patio.

The Experience: It’s not a “fire pit” in the camping sense, but it feels like a hearth. They use heavy vinyl windbreaks and overhead heaters to create a “micro-climate” on the sidewalk. It’s a prime spot for people-watching the frozen pedestrians scurrying down Elgin.

Signature Items:

  • The Whiskey List: The best way to warm up here is internal. Their list of single malts is extensive.
  • Steak & Mushroom Pie: Dense, hot, and heavy. It sits in your stomach like a hot stone.
  • Haggis Fritters: Ideally spiced for winter.

What Makes It Unique:

  • No Pretense: It’s a pub. People are here to watch the game (through the window) or complain about the weather together.
  • Location: Perfectly situated for a stop after skating on the Canal (which is just a few blocks away).

Best For: Post-skate pints, whiskey tasting, casual hangouts.


3. Pub Italia - The “Church” of Warmth

Address: 434 Preston Street, Little Italy

Price: $$ ($20-35 per person)

Hours: Daily 11 AM - Late

Reservations: Recommended

Warmth Rating: 10/10 (Tier 1 - Fully Enclosed)

Okay, purists might argue: is it really a patio? Pub Italia’s “The Church” extension is fully enclosed with windows. In summer, they open. In winter, they seal shut.

The Experience: We count it because the floor is stone, the walls are glass, and you feel like you are in an Italian courtyard—just one that happens to be heated to a tropical 22°C. The decor is a visual overload of religious iconography, beer signs, and twinkling lights. It is cozy, dark, and perfect for a snowy night.

Signature Items:

  • The Beer Bible: A massive menu of hundreds of beers. High-ABV Belgian trappist ales are recommended for warmth.
  • Pizza: Thin crust, served hot.
  • Pasta Gigi: A spicy pasta dish that brings its own heat.

What Makes It Unique:

  • The Decor: It’s iconic. You can stare at the walls for hours.
  • The Heat: They crank it. It is genuinely warm inside.
  • Romance: The dark lighting makes it surprisingly romantic in a quirky way.

Best For: When you want the feeling of a patio without any actual risk of frostbite.


Neighborhood Guide: The Urban Core

ByWard Market, Elgin, & Centretown

The downtown core is where the “Patio Wars” happen. Restaurants compete for the limited foot traffic in January. Here is who is winning in 2026.

ByWard Market Status 2026

The Market in winter is a tale of two cities: The tourist traps (often closed) and the local gems.

  • Aulde Dubliner (William St): Usually maintains a heated entrance area. It’s good for a quick Guinness while waiting for a friend, but not for a full meal.
  • The Grand (George St): Their patio is huge. In winter, they often shrink it down to a small, heater-intensive zone near the door. It’s iconic, but often windy.
  • Blue Cactus: Surprisingly resilient. Their covered side patio often runs heaters, making it a good spot for cheap margaritas and nachos.
  • Warning: The Château Laurier’s La Terrasse is CLOSED. Do not walk there expecting the summer bubbles. They pack those away until May.

Centretown Gems

  • Flora Hall Brewing (Flora St): A beautiful spot. Their garage doors open in summer, but in winter, sitting near the windows gives you the patio vibe without the cold. They sometimes have a small outdoor standing area for smokers/quick pints.
  • Spark Beer (Somerset St): A hidden gem. They sometimes set up a small fire pit area in their back lot for special events. Check their Instagram before going.

Suburban Sanctuaries: Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven

The suburbs have one major advantage over downtown: Space. They have room to build massive domes and yurts that downtown restaurants can’t fit on a sidewalk.

Orleans

  • Broken Stick Brewing: Located in an industrial park, they have embraced the “Winter Bonfire” vibe. On weekends, they often have fire pits going. It’s BYO-Food (usually), and excellent beer.
  • Local Heroes (Ogilvie Rd): The classic sports bar. Some locations wrap their patios in heavy plastic. It’s not aesthetic (it looks like a greenhouse), but it’s warm and effective.

Kanata & Stittsville

  • Next: (See “The Dome Elite” - The undisputed king).
  • Crafters (Stittsville): Often has a winter setup. Very community-focused.
  • Brew Revolution: Another Stittsville brewery that embraces the cold. Their “patio” is often just chairs in the snow, but the spirit is warm.

Barrhaven

  • Broadway Bar & Grill: The “family patio”. Usually just a heater for the smokers, but reliable if you need fresh air.
  • Greenfields: A massive pub. They have the space for a winter carnival setup if they choose to (check their 2026 schedule for pop-ups).

The Gatineau Side: Nordik & The Outaouais

You cannot talk about winter relaxation without crossing the bridge. The Quebec side understands winter differently—they embrace it as a lifestyle (“Joie de vivre”).

1. Nordik Spa-Nature (Chelsea) - The Ultimate Outdoor Living

Address: 16 Chemin Nordik, Chelsea, QC

Price: $$$ ($90+ entry fee)

Hours: Daily 9 AM - Late

Reservations: Essential (Booking weeks in advance)

Warmth Rating: 10/10 (In water) / 2/10 (Walking)

This isn’t a restaurant patio, but it is the pinnacle of outdoor winter living.

The Experience: The Biërgarden is their outdoor lounge area offering beer and tacos. You eat in your bathrobe.

  • The Physics: You are warm because your core temperature is raised by the thermal cycle (Sauna -> Cold Plunge -> Hot Tub). Sitting by a fire pit after a sauna feels completely different than sitting there cold.
  • Dining: Restö (indoor) is fine, but the outdoor sheds and fire pits near the Panorama pool are where the magic happens.

Pro Tip: The “Källa” treatment (saltwater pool) is indoors, but the outdoor infinity pool overlooking the city lights is the best “patio” view in the region.

2. Les Brasseurs du Temps (BDT) - The Heritage Spot

Address: 170 Rue Montcalm, Gatineau

Price: $$

The Vibe: The historic brewery in Hull often keeps a fire going near the entrance. It’s a great spot to wait for your Uber after a night of strong Belgian-style beers. The building itself is a fortress against the cold.

3. Chelsea Pub - The Après-Ski HQ

Address: 238 Chemin Old Chelsea, Chelsea

Price: $$

The Vibe: Located right near the Gatineau Park entrance. Their patio is the gathering spot for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. It smells of woodsmoke, ski wax, and poutine. Even if you haven’t skied, you feel healthier just sitting here.


The Drinker’s Guide to Hypothermia: Winter Menus

In 2026, the “Winter Cocktail” menu has evolved beyond just hot chocolate. Mixologists are using spices, temperature, and fat-washing to create drinks that warm you from the inside out.

The Hot Toddy Index

A good Hot Toddy is medicinal. It should clear your sinuses and soothe your throat.

  • Best in Show: Deacon Brodies. They use real lemon, cloves, and a heavy pour of whiskey. It’s not too sweet.
  • Runner Up: The Moonroom. They elevate it with house-made syrups, premium bourbon, and fancy glassware.

Mulled Wine (Glühwein)

  • Where to get it: The Ottawa Christmas Market (at Lansdowne) popularized this, and now bars like Das Lokal (if open) or Pub Italia serve heavy, spiced red wine.
  • Physics: Red wine + Spices + Heat. It enters your bloodstream fast.
  • Warning: It’s high sugar. One is warming; three is a headache waiting to happen.

The “Canadian Coffee”

  • What is it? Coffee + Rye Whisky + Maple Syrup.
  • Where: The Cheshire Cat. They often serve it in a heavy ceramic mug that keeps your hands warm—a crucial feature when you aren’t wearing gloves.

Winterlude & Pop-Up Events (February 2026)

During Winterlude (the first three weekends of February), the rules change. The city allows pop-up patios on Sparks Street and near the Canal that don’t exist the rest of the year.

Sparks Street “Warm-Up” Zones

  • The Setup: Fire pits, Muskoka chairs, and DJ booths scattered along the pedestrian mall.
  • The Vibe: It’s a street party. You are wearing snowpants. People are dancing to stay warm.
  • Drink: Usually sponsored by a big brewery (e.g., Molson or Steam Whistle). Expect cans, not draft (draft lines freeze).

Dow’s Lake Pavilion

  • The Ice Patio: Sometimes, partners like Bar Lupulus or local breweries set up a tent on the lake ice or right at the edge.
  • The Reality: It is the coldest place on Earth. The wind whips across the lake with zero obstruction. But drinking a beer on the frozen lake is a peak Ottawa experience that everyone must do once.

The Gear Guide: How to Dress Like a Pro

You cannot enjoy a winter patio if you are dressed for a nightclub. In Ottawa, fashion < survival. If you show up in ripped jeans and sneakers, you will have a bad time.

The 3-Layer System

  1. Base Layer: Merino wool or synthetic thermal. No cotton. Cotton gets wet (sweat) and makes you cold.
  2. Mid Layer: Fleece or a heavy wool sweater. This traps the warm air your body generates.
  3. Shell: A windproof parka. Down-filled is best. Length matters—a coat that covers your bum is significantly warmer on a metal chair.

The Extremities (Critical)

  • Boots: Do not wear sneakers to a dome. The floor is usually the coldest part (it sits on ice/concrete). The cold seeps through thin rubber soles. Wear boots with thick rubber soles (Sorels, Blundstones with sheepskin insoles).
  • Hats: 40% of body heat is lost through the head. Wear a toque. No one cares about your hair.
  • Mittens > Gloves: Mittens keep fingers together, sharing warmth. Gloves isolate fingers, leading to cold hands faster.

The “Blanket Strategy”

  • Bring Your Own: Even if the restaurant provides them. Your own blanket is thicker, cleaner, and smells like home.
  • Sit ON it: Fold a blanket and sit on it. It insulates your butt from the cold metal chair. This is the secret pro move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there a time limit for dining in domes? A: Yes, strictly enforced. Because seating is limited and demand is high, most venues (like Next and Hunter’s) have a 90-minute to 2-hour limit. They need to clean and sanitize (and re-heat) the dome for the next group. Do not linger.

Q: What happens if I need to use the washroom? A: You have to go inside the main restaurant. This means putting your coat and boots back on, running through the cold/snow, and coming back. It breaks the immersion, so try to go before you settle in.

Q: Is the minimum spend per person or per dome? A: Usually per person for food/drink (e.g., “$50 per person min spend”). However, some places charge a flat “Rental Fee” (e.g., “$50 for the dome”) plus whatever you eat. Next typically uses a minimum spend model, while Cheshire Cat has used rental fees. Always check the fine print.

Q: Can I bring my kids? A: In private domes? Generally Yes, but you still have to meet the minimum spend, which can be pricey for a 5-year-old eating fries. In open fire pit areas (like Copper)? No, these are usually 19+ bar environments.

Q: Are the domes actually clean? A: Yes. Restaurants air them out between seatings. However, condensation is common. If the windows look “foggy,” it’s usually just physics (hot inside, cold outside), not dirt.

Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: Strict. Because they have so few domes (often only 3-5), a no-show kills their night. Expect a 24-48 hour cancellation window and a fee (often $20-$50) charged to your credit card if you ghost.

Q: Can I connect my phone to the dome’s speakers? A: At Next and some luxury domes, yes, they often have Bluetooth speakers. At communal patios or pub cabins, no.

Q: Do I tip on the “Rental Fee”? A: No, but you should tip generously (18-20%) on the food and service. Serving outdoors in -20°C is brutal work. Your server is running in and out of the cold to bring you hot food. Reward them for their suffering.



Last Updated: January 2026

Sources: Ottawa Tourism, Next Ottawa, Hunter’s Public House, Andaz Ottawa, Local Google Reviews

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