Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Lansdowne Park stands as one of Ottawa’s most vibrant urban destinations, seamlessly blending professional sports, diverse dining, boutique shopping, and year-round entertainment in the heart of the Glebe neighbourhood. This 40-acre mixed-use development along the Rideau Canal has transformed from historic exhibition grounds into a modern gathering place that attracts locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re catching an Ottawa REDBLACKS game at TD Place Stadium, browsing the Sunday farmers’ market inside the heritage Aberdeen Pavilion, skating on the outdoor rink during winter, or exploring the European-style Christmas market, Lansdowne offers something for every season and every interest.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Lansdowne combines TD Place sports venues (REDBLACKS, 67’s, Atlético Ottawa), 10+ restaurants, year-round farmers’ market, free outdoor skating, and seasonal events like Canada’s largest outdoor Christmas market. Underground parking costs $4/hour (max $25), with free transit included on event tickets.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | 1015 Bank Street, The Glebe |
| 🚗 Parking | $4/hour, max $25/day (1,370 spaces) |
| 🚌 Transit | Routes #6 and #7, free on event days |
| 🏟️ Capacity | 24,000+ (stadium), ~6,600 (arena) |
| 🛒 Market | Sundays year-round, 85-150 vendors |
TD Place Stadium and Arena
TD Place’s south grandstand offers one of the most scenic views in Canadian professional sports, overlooking the historic Rideau Canal.
TD Place serves as the home venue for three professional sports teams, making Lansdowne a year-round sports destination. The stadium’s distinctive architecture features a south grandstand that overlooks the Rideau Canal, creating one of the most photographed sports views in Canada.
Ottawa REDBLACKS (CFL Football)
The Ottawa REDBLACKS play Canadian Football League games throughout the summer season, typically June through October. The stadium accommodates over 24,000 fans, with games usually scheduled on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Game Day Experience:
- Gates open one hour before kickoff
- Event tickets include free OC Transpo transit (3 hours before/after)
- Full food and beverage concessions throughout the venue
- Last call for alcoholic beverages begins at the start of the fourth quarter
Ottawa 67’s (OHL Hockey)
The Ottawa 67’s junior hockey team plays at The Arena at TD Place, with home games primarily Thursday through Sunday from September through March. Ticket prices typically range from $25-$30, making it an affordable family entertainment option.
Upcoming 2026 Schedule Highlights:
- Games against regional rivals including Kingston Frontenacs and Gatineau Olympiques
- Gates open at 6:00 PM for most games (7:00 PM puck drop)
- Last call at the 10-minute mark of the third period
- Club 67’s membership offers up to 40% off tickets and 20% off food
Atlético Ottawa (CPL Soccer)
Atlético Ottawa recently won the Canadian Premier League’s North Star Cup and qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, becoming the first Ottawa soccer team to compete in international play. Due to the Lansdowne 2.0 construction project, some 2026 home matches may be temporarily relocated.
Dining at Lansdowne
Lansdowne’s restaurant row offers diverse dining options with spacious patios overlooking the urban village.
Lansdowne hosts an impressive collection of restaurants ranging from upscale Mediterranean cuisine to casual sports bars, making it an ideal pre-game or destination dining spot.
Premium and Fine Dining
Med Supper Club stands as Lansdowne’s newest upscale option, offering elevated Mediterranean cuisine at 225 Marché Way. The restaurant features a 3-course table d’hôte for $50 (Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday), with signature dishes including chargrilled octopus ($34), lamb rack ($59), and an impressive seafood tower ($280). Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5 PM to 11 PM (weekends until 2 AM).
JOEY Lansdowne at 825 Exhibition Way has become a Lansdowne institution, offering contemporary American cuisine with global influences. The spacious lounge features exposed brick and beams, with a seasonal patio that’s perfect for people-watching. Happy hour runs daily from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours Sunday through Thursday from 9:00 PM to close.
The Rowan at 915 Bank Street consistently earns praise from locals as the area’s best restaurant. This British-Canadian farm-to-table spot offers lunch (Monday-Friday, 11:30 AM-2:00 PM), weekend brunch (10:00 AM-2:00 PM), and dinner daily (5:00 PM-9:00 PM). Reservations are strongly recommended. As one Reddit user noted, “The Rowan is probably your best bet. Fantastic spot.”
Mid-Range Casual Dining
Local Public Eatery captures the neighbourhood pub spirit with 20 craft beer taps, house-made buns baked daily, and an open kitchen concept. The patio features shuffleboard and bocce courts, making it perfect for groups. Hours extend to 2 AM on weekends.
Milestones Grill + Bar at 325 Marche Way offers reliable contemporary Canadian fare with excellent happy hour pricing (3 PM-6 PM and 9 PM-close), featuring $5 garlic fries, $6 tacos, and $8 sweet potato fries.
Jack Astor’s Bar and Grill at 425 Marché Way provides a family-friendly atmosphere with an updated menu and patio fire features. It’s particularly popular on game days for its lively energy and reasonable pricing.
Crust and Crate specializes in al forno-style pizzas ($19-$24) in a colourful, cocktail-inspired atmosphere. Their 1UP ZA (mushroom truffle ravioli pizza, $23) and Korean chicken bites ($19) are local favourites.
CRAFT Beer Market caters to craft beer enthusiasts with an extensive rotating tap selection and gastropub menu featuring ahi poke bowls, crispy chicken sandwiches, and creative pizzas.
Sweet Treats
Delysées Luxury Desserts brings French patisserie excellence to Lansdowne with handcrafted macarons, éclairs, and modern gluten-free and vegan options. Open Tuesday through Friday 4 PM-11 PM, and weekends 11 AM-11 PM.
Shopping and Services
Lansdowne’s retail corridor features specialty shops, grocery, and essential services in a walkable urban village setting.
Lansdowne offers 360,000 square feet of retail space anchored by essential services and specialty boutiques.
Grocery and Essentials
Farm Boy serves as the neighbourhood’s go-to grocery destination, offering fresh produce, private label products, and high-quality meats. Locals consistently rate it as “significantly less expensive than Loblaws for produce and meat.”
LCBO Lansdowne at 953 Bank Street (613-238-5614) stocks over 1,800 wines, spirits, beers, ready-to-drink cocktails, and coolers, plus 750 VINTAGES premium selections. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-9 PM, Sunday 11 AM-6 PM.
Specialty Retail
Sporting Life at 125 Marche Way carries athletic apparel, equipment, and Ottawa sports merchandise with on-site jersey personalization services. Hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM-9 PM, Saturday 9 AM-9 PM, Sunday 10 AM-6 PM.
Mane Collective offers curated sustainable beauty essentials and locally-made products from an artist collective focused on premium craftsmanship.
Cineplex Cinemas Lansdowne and VIP provides both standard and VIP theatre experiences, with parking often included with ticket purchases.
Ottawa Farmers’ Market at Lansdowne
The year-round Ottawa Farmers’ Market brings 85-150 local vendors to Aberdeen Pavilion every Sunday.
The Ottawa Farmers’ Market operates every Sunday at Lansdowne, making it one of the city’s most beloved community gatherings. As a producer-only organization, all vendors come from within 100 kilometres of Ottawa, ensuring the freshest local products.
Year-Round Schedule
Winter Market (January 11 - April 26, 2026):
- Sundays, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Inside Aberdeen Pavilion
- Features root vegetables, baked goods, preserves, and artisan products
Warm Season Market (May - October):
- Sundays, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Location: Outdoor plaza surrounding Aberdeen Pavilion
- Peak season with full variety of produce, berries, and flowers
What to Buy
The market features everything from fresh seasonal produce and artisan bread to locally-raised meats, farmstead cheeses, honey, maple syrup, and handcrafted goods. Notable vendors include 1818 Farm and Cidery, Barkley’s Apple Orchard, Garland Sugar Shack, Glebe Greens, Hall’s Apple Market, and King’s Lock Craft Distillery, among 50+ regular participants.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive before 11 AM for the best selection
- Bring reusable bags (cash preferred, though many vendors accept cards)
- Underground parking costs $4/hour, but Sunday street parking in the Glebe is often free
- Dogs welcome with code of conduct
- Combine with brunch at nearby restaurants for a perfect Sunday outing
Events and Entertainment
The Ottawa Christmas Market transforms Lansdowne into a European-style winter wonderland with 60+ vendors and festive entertainment.
Lansdowne hosts major community events throughout the year, from European-style holiday markets to summer outdoor movie nights.
Ottawa Christmas Market
The Ottawa Christmas Market has grown into Canada’s largest outdoor Christmas market, attracting over 400,000 visitors annually with 60+ vendors, live performances, and festive food and drinks. The free-admission event runs weekends from late November through December 31, featuring:
- Vendor cabins with handmade gifts and local goods
- Seasonal food including German sausages, mulled wine, and hot chocolate
- Live music, DJs, and entertainment
- New Year’s Eve celebration with midnight fireworks
- Free shuttle service from Carleton University
Winter Skating Rink
The outdoor refrigerated skating rink operates from November 23 through March 31, open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Admission is completely free - just bring your own skates. The rink features holiday lighting and seasonal music, with nearby cafés perfect for warming up with hot chocolate.
Year-Round Programming
613Flea sets up in Aberdeen Pavilion on select Saturdays with 140+ vintage and handmade vendors. Summer brings free outdoor movie nights with food trucks, while spring and fall feature community festivals and special markets.
Getting to Lansdowne
The Rideau Canal pathway offers a scenic cycling and walking route directly to Lansdowne from downtown Ottawa.
Parking
Underground parking beneath TD Place offers 1,370 spaces at $4.00/hour (maximum $25.00 daily plus taxes). Pre-purchasing is recommended for events, and the garage closes 3 hours before REDBLACKS games.
Alternative Parking Options:
- 574 Bank Street (15-minute walk or Routes #6/#7)
- 355 Cooper Street (30-minute walk or Routes #6/#7)
- Indigo Parking at 180 Argyle Road
- Free street parking throughout the Glebe (check time restrictions)
Pro Tip: “You’ll be able to find plenty of street parking within a 10-minute walk to Lansdowne,” notes one local Redditor. For the Christmas Market, consider “parking in Old South Ottawa and walking over the bridge, or parking in east Ottawa and walking across the Flora footbridge.”
Public Transit
OC Transpo Routes #6 and #7 serve Lansdowne directly at Stop #3080. Event tickets are valid for free transit starting 3 hours before events and ending 3 hours after. Park and Ride shuttles operate from Kanata, Barrhaven, South Keys, and Orleans for major events.
Cycling
Lansdowne connects directly to the Rideau Canal pathway system, offering scenic cycling access from downtown (approximately 15 minutes). Bank Street includes dedicated bike lanes, and secure bike racks are available throughout the site.
History of Lansdowne
The historic Aberdeen Pavilion, dating to 1892, anchors Lansdowne’s heritage district and hosts the winter farmers’ market.
From Exhibition Grounds to Urban Village
Lansdowne Park’s history dates to the 1880s as Ottawa’s primary agricultural exhibition venue, hosting the Central Canada Exhibition for over a century. The transformation began in 2009 when Ottawa City Council partnered with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) to reimagine the site.
Approved in October 2012, the $450 million redevelopment project delivered three major components over an aggressive 24-month construction timeline:
Revitalized Urban Park (18 acres):
- Three times more green space than the original site
- Four times more trees
- Heritage orchard, children’s play areas, and water features
- Farmers’ market square and outdoor skating rink plaza
Renovated Stadium and Arena (TD Place):
- New iconic south grandstands overlooking Rideau Canal
- Fully refurbished north grandstands
- State-of-the-art technology and flexible event spaces
Mixed-Use Urban Village:
- 360,000 sq ft retail space
- 100,000 sq ft commercial office space
- 280 residential units across two condominium towers and townhouses
The redevelopment preserved heritage buildings including the Aberdeen Pavilion (1892), maintaining the site’s cultural significance while creating a modern destination.
Lansdowne 2.0: The Next Evolution
A new $418.8 million Lansdowne 2.0 project began construction in 2025, bringing further enhancements over the next decade:
Phase 1 (2026-2028): New Event Centre replacing the current TD Place Arena with approximately 6,600-seat capacity Phase 2 (2028-2030): New north-side stands for TD Place Stadium Phase 3 (2031-2034): Two new residential towers with 770 condominium units
TD Place Stadium will continue hosting REDBLACKS, Atlético Ottawa, and events throughout construction.
Accessibility
TD Place and Lansdowne Park offer comprehensive accessibility accommodations:
- Accessible entrances: Gate 4 (stadium events), Gate 1 (arena events)
- Elevators to all levels throughout the facility
- Family washrooms for people with disabilities
- Wheelchair escorts available from Guest Services
- Accessible parking on first-come, first-served basis for valid permit holders
- Oxygen tanks permitted with advance notification
All restaurants and retail stores are wheelchair accessible with accommodating seating.
Best Times to Visit
By Season
Spring/Summer: Ideal for outdoor farmers’ market (peak attendance), patio dining, outdoor movies, and sports events. The parks and Canal pathway are in full bloom.
Fall: Perfect for crisp-air walks, fall harvest markets, and the start of 67’s hockey season.
Winter: Experience the Christmas Market, free outdoor skating, and cozy indoor market shopping.
By Day
Weekdays (Monday-Wednesday): Quieter atmosphere, easier parking, shorter restaurant wait times.
Sundays: The Farmers’ Market dominates - extremely busy mid-morning through early afternoon.
Friday-Saturday: Lively crowds, full event calendar, peak patio dining times.
Arrival Tip: For major events, arrive 90 minutes early to secure parking and enjoy pre-event dining.
Local Recommendations
What Ottawa residents say about Lansdowne:
“Lansdowne is a million times better than the Market and one of the best public spaces in Ottawa.”
“We love Lansdowne. It’s got a grocery store, LCBO, dentist office, lots of great events, restaurants, coffee shops, great chilled ice skating rink in the winter.”
“The best restaurant in the area, in my opinion, is The Rowan. I’ve been there with my partner twice…food was great and fairly priced.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is parking free at Lansdowne?
Underground parking costs $4/hour with a maximum of $25/day (plus taxes). Street parking in the surrounding Glebe neighbourhood is often free, especially on Sundays. Some events include parking with ticket purchase.
Q: How do I get free transit to TD Place events?
Event tickets are valid for free OC Transpo and STO transit starting 3 hours before events and ending 3 hours after. Keep your ticket for the ride home.
Q: What time does the Farmers’ Market open?
The Sunday market runs 10:00 AM-3:00 PM during winter (inside Aberdeen Pavilion) and 9:00 AM-3:00 PM during warm months (outdoor plaza). Arrive before 11 AM for best selection.
Q: Is Lansdowne accessible?
Yes, TD Place and Lansdowne offer full accessibility including elevators, accessible washrooms, wheelchair escorts, and accessible parking. Accessible support entrances are at Gate 4 (stadium) and Gate 1 (arena).
Q: Which restaurant is best for pre-game dining?
Local Public Eatery and Jack Astor’s are popular game-day choices for their lively atmosphere and quick service. For a more upscale pre-game meal, JOEY Lansdowne offers excellent food with reliable timing.
Q: Is the skating rink free?
Yes, the outdoor refrigerated skating rink is completely free to use. Just bring your own skates. The rink operates daily 6 AM-11 PM from late November through late March.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the Farmers’ Market?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the outdoor summer market with a code of conduct. The indoor winter market may have different policies.
Q: What happened to Atlético Ottawa’s home games?
Due to Lansdowne 2.0 construction, some 2026 home matches may be temporarily relocated, though the team remains committed to playing within reasonable travel distance for supporters.
Q: Is the Christmas Market free?
Yes, admission to the Ottawa Christmas Market is completely free. Food, drinks, and vendor purchases are additional.
Q: What are the best hidden gems at Lansdowne?
Delysées Luxury Desserts offers exceptional French pastries, the bocce courts at Local Public Eatery are underrated entertainment, and visiting the winter market inside the heritage Aberdeen Pavilion provides a unique atmosphere most tourists miss.
Final Thoughts
Lansdowne represents Ottawa’s most successful urban redevelopment project, transforming historic exhibition grounds into a vibrant year-round destination. Whether you’re cheering for the REDBLACKS, browsing local produce at the Sunday market, skating under the winter lights, or enjoying a farm-to-table dinner at The Rowan, this Glebe neighbourhood gem delivers authentic Ottawa experiences that keep locals and visitors coming back.
The ongoing Lansdowne 2.0 project promises even more improvements through 2034, ensuring this urban village continues evolving while preserving the community spirit that makes it special.
Sources: TD Place, Ottawa Farmers’ Market, Ottawa Christmas Market, The Glebe BIA, Ottawa Tourism, r/ottawa community
