Last Updated: January 23, 2026
Tennis courts in Ottawa are everywhere once you know the map, from free neighbourhood parks to indoor clubs that keep rallies going in February. This guide gathers the most reliable public courts, lighted evening options, and winter‑ready facilities, with the booking rules and local tips that actually change your experience.
Ottawa’s tennis scene is bigger than most locals realize. The city tracks hundreds of public courts and a growing indoor network, so you can play in every season if you choose the right surface and time slot. In this guide to tennis courts in Ottawa, you’ll find the official rules, the best lighted parks for after‑work hits, and the club options that make winter tennis possible. It’s written from a local perspective with practical notes on transit, lighting, shared pickleball lines, and how to avoid the busiest evening rushes.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s public courts are free and first‑come, first‑served in summer, while indoor and club courts keep play going through winter. Lighted courts in Orleans, Kanata, and Riverside South are best for evening rallies, and clubs like TCWO or Rideau Sports Centre offer booking, coaching, and all‑season consistency.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Coverage | 315 City of Ottawa outdoor tennis courts (300+ across parks) |
| ⏰ Season | Outdoor courts typically mid‑May to mid‑October |
| 💰 Cost | Public courts free; indoor clubs about $25–$60/hour |
| 🎟️ Permits | Free group permits via ottawa.ca |
| 🚗 Evening Play | Many lighted courts run dusk–11 PM in summer |
Caption: Ottawa’s tennis options range from free parks to year‑round indoor courts.
Ottawa’s Public Tennis System: Stats, Rules, and Seasons
Caption: City‑run courts are free, but they follow clear etiquette rules in peak season.
The City of Ottawa oversees 315 outdoor public tennis courts and 172 outdoor public pickleball courts, for 500+ combined outdoor courts city‑wide. Within that system, there are around 132 courts dedicated primarily to tennis, while many other locations use shared line markings. In practice, that means over 300 public outdoor tennis courts scattered across parks, community centres, and neighbourhood green spaces, with strong coverage in Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven, and the inner core. The city’s Outdoor Tennis and Pickleball Strategy (finalized April 2025) guides upgrades and new builds, but the day‑to‑day experience still depends on timing and local etiquette.
Public courts are free and first‑come, first‑served. If you’re organizing a group or a formal lesson, you’ll need a free permit from ottawa.ca. The city removed net equipment during recent conversions, so locals repeat the same reminder: “Bring net—city doesn’t provide.” Another common rule is rotation—yield after about an hour if others are waiting—and there’s a firm expectation of no food on courts. A long‑time player summed it up: “Public courts saved my game—free beats club fees, but maintain ’em!”
Seasonality matters. Most public courts open mid‑May to mid‑October after spring cleanup, then close roughly November through April. About 100 courts have lights, usually running dusk to 11 PM in summer. Accessibility is improving, with barrier‑free access at roughly 40% of sites—Millennium Sport Park is a good example. For free summer days, the courts pair well with other free things to do in Ottawa, but check ottawa.ca for official opening dates each spring.
Neighbourhood‑by‑Neighbourhood Public Court Directory
Caption: Use the city’s map to confirm entrances and seasonal updates for each park.
Below is a detailed directory of public courts across Ottawa. Each entry lists surface type, lighting, and whether pickleball lines are shared. If you’re planning a family day, many courts sit near playgrounds and parks—pair your outing with the splash pads guide or broader family activities in Ottawa.
Downtown, Centretown, and the Core
Chamberlain Park Tennis Courts (80 Chamberlain Ave, Centretown) — Two asphalt courts with shared pickleball lines and no lights. The courts are unfenced, but street parking is easy and OC Transpo Route 11 stops nearby. A regular player says, “Chamberlain’s surface is surprisingly smooth for free courts—great for beginners.”
Gilmour Park Courts (Somerset St W, Centretown West) — Two hard courts with no lights and shared pickleball lines. This is a low‑key option for quick weekday sessions, especially if you bring your own net to avoid surprises.
Jack Purcell Park Tennis (Elgin St, Centretown) — Four hard courts with lights and shared pickleball markings. Evening demand is high here, so arrive early for doubles play and be ready to rotate if a queue forms.
Tunney’s Pasture Courts (Scott St, Tunney’s Pasture) — Two hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes in the listings. They’re convenient for midday play if you work nearby and want a fast session before commuting home.
Robillard Park Courts (Cumberland St, Sandy Hill) — Two hard courts with no lights and no pickleball lines noted. The location makes it a good choice for residents who want a quieter alternative to the downtown lights.
The Glebe and Old Ottawa South
Dow’s Lake Pavilion Courts (Preston St, The Glebe) — Six hard courts with lights and shared pickleball lines. These courts are popular in summer, especially when nearby patios are busy, so off‑peak hours are easiest.
Stanley Park Tennis (Stanley Ave, The Glebe) — Three hard courts with no lights and shared pickleball markings. A solid option for daytime rallies in a residential setting.
McCarthy Park Courts (Clyde Ave, Old Ottawa South) — Two hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes in the listing. Expect a quieter, neighbourhood‑only feel.
Windsor Park (Glebe, address listed on ottawa.ca map) — Four fenced asphalt courts with lights, plus benches and washrooms nearby. OC Transpo Route 1 serves the area, and locals say, “Windsor’s lights are a lifesaver for 8pm rallies.”
Westboro, Hintonburg, and McKellar
Lexington Park (1404 Lexington St, Westboro) — Two hard courts with no lights and shared lines. They’re unfenced, with easy street parking and OC Transpo Route 88 access. One local review sums it up: “No wait times, perfect for solo practice.”
Hintonburg Park Courts (Parkdale Ave, Hintonburg) — Two hard courts with no lights and shared pickleball markings. It’s a straightforward neighbourhood option for quick drills.
Westboro Tennis Courts (Churchill Ave, Westboro) — Three hard courts with no lights and shared lines. Expect casual play and limited evening use due to the lack of lighting.
McKellar Park Tennis (Parkdale Ave N, McKellar) — Four hard courts with lights and shared pickleball lines. The lighting makes it one of the better west‑end choices for evening doubles.
Britannia, Bayshore, and Qualicum
Britannia Park Tennis Courts (Cassels St & Byron Ave, Britannia) — Four hard courts with lights and shared pickleball markings. This is also close to Tennis Centre West Ottawa, so it’s a convenient warm‑up spot.
Bayshore Park Courts (Bayshore Dr, Bayshore) — Three hard courts with no lights and pickleball lines. Daytime sessions are most realistic here.
Paul Landry Park Tennis (Richmond Rd, Qualicum) — Five hard courts with lights and shared markings. A good west‑end pick for after‑work play when other parks are crowded.
Carlington and the West‑Central Parks
Andrew Haydon Park Courts (3369 Carling Ave, Carlington) — Six hard courts with lights and shared lines. The large park setting makes it easy to combine tennis with a longer outdoor walk.
Carlington Park Tennis (Merivale Rd, Carlington) — Four hard courts with lights and shared markings. These courts are dependable for evening sessions, especially if you arrive before peak hours.
Bruce Pit Tennis Courts (Moodie Dr, Carlington) — Five hard courts with lights and shared pickleball lines. The open park layout gives plenty of space if you’re practising serves or groundstrokes.
Vanier, Overbrook, and Carson Meadows
Rideau Sports Centre Outdoor (1 McArthur Ave, Vanier) — Seven clay courts with lights and seasonal availability. These are listed separately from the indoor courts; check the map for the exact outdoor entrance.
Fraser Park Tennis (Montreal Rd, Vanier North) — Five hard courts with lights and shared pickleball lines. It’s a solid east‑central option for players who want lighting without a club fee.
Overbrook Park Courts (Donald St, Overbrook) — Two hard courts with no lights and pickleball markings. Best for daytime sessions and casual rallies.
Cyrville Park Courts (Cummings Ave, Cyrville) — Three hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes. These courts are typically quiet, making them good for steady practice.
Carson Meadows Tennis (Ogilvie Rd, Carson Meadows) — Four hard courts with partial lighting and shared lines. Evening play is possible, but not every court is fully lit.
New Edinburgh, Rothwell, and Beacon Hill
Cummings Park Tennis (Crichton St, New Edinburgh) — Three hard courts with no lights and shared lines. The neighbourhood feel is calm, so it works well for low‑intensity sessions.
Rothwell Park Tennis (Beacon Hill Rd, Beacon Hill) — Four hard courts with no lights and shared pickleball markings. The courts are close to residential streets with quick access.
Rundle Park Courts (Ogilvie Rd, Rothwell Heights) — Two hard courts with lights and pickleball lines. Lighting makes this a better choice for later summer evenings.
Orleans and the East End
Millennium Sport Park (near St. Joseph Blvd, Orleans) — Eight asphalt courts, some lit, and fully fenced with washrooms. OC Transpo Route 24 stops nearby, and groups may need permits. One local comment captures the trade‑off: “Huge variety, but lines fade fast.”
Petrie Island Courts (Pointe Rd, Petrie Island) — Four hard courts with no lights and shared pickleball lines. The location is seasonal and beach‑adjacent, so summer daytime sessions are the norm.
Blackburn Park Courts (Navaho Dr, Blackburn Hamlet) — Six hard courts with no lights and pickleball markings. A straightforward neighbourhood choice for casual play.
Chapel Hill Park Courts (Lakeridge Dr, Chapel Hill) — Three hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes. Expect quiet, residential use.
Sheffield Glen Tennis (Tenth Line Rd, Sheffield Glen) — Four hard courts with lights and shared lines. Lighting makes these useful for evening sessions in the east end.
Bob MacQuarrie Courts (Innes Rd, Findlay Creek) — Four hard courts with lights and shared markings. Evening demand is moderate compared with central parks.
Emerald Plaza Tennis (Ogilvie Rd, Emerald Woods) — Two hard courts with lights and shared pickleball lines. A good option for quick neighbourhood games with evening access.
Riverside South and the River Corridor
Conroy Park Tennis (Bank St & Conroy Rd, Riverside South) — Three hard courts with no lights and shared pickleball overlays. Daytime play is easiest here unless you bring portable lights.
Riverside South Courts (Bank St S, Riverside South) — Five hard courts with lights and shared lines. These courts often get evening play, so arriving early helps.
Riverside Park South (2909 Riverside Dr, Riverside South) — Two lit asphalt courts that are unfenced. OC Transpo Route 45 serves the area. A local comment says, “Vacant often, lights great, but windy.”
Mooney’s Bay Park (Bank St & Riverside Dr, Mooney’s Bay) — Eight hard courts with partial lighting and frequent pickleball sharing. Summer evenings are busy, but mornings are calmer.
Longleaf Park Tennis Courts (Walkley Rd & Longleaf Dr, Mooney’s Bay) — Two hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes. This is a quiet spot for casual daytime play.
Barrhaven, Nepean, and Half Moon Bay
Chapman Mills (1540 Chapleau Dr, Barrhaven) — Four fenced hard courts with lights and shade trees. OC Transpo Route 74 serves the area. A regular says, “Chapman Mills feels pro‑level, shaded bliss.”
Barrhaven Fontaine Courts (Chapelle St, Barrhaven) — Four hard courts with no lights and shared lines. A solid daytime option in the south‑west.
Minto Recreation Courts (Esker Pl, Barrhaven) — Six hard courts with lights and frequent sharing. Evening play is common here, so rotating courts matters.
Half Moon Bay Courts (Edgewater St, Half Moon Bay) — Two hard courts with partial lights and shared markings. You can play later than most south‑end parks, but not every court is fully lit.
Nepean Sportsplex Tennis (Woodroffe Ave, Nepean) — Eight hard courts with lights and shared multi‑use lines. The size makes it ideal for groups and summer clinics.
Walter Baker Park Courts (Cedarview Rd, Woodroffe) — Three hard courts with no lights and pickleball lines. Best for early evening play before dark.
Kanata and Bells Corners
Rolston Park (near Campeau Dr, Kanata) — Six hard courts, partially fenced, with lights and fountains. OC Transpo Route 63 stops nearby. Locals warn, “Wait for full dry‑out” in spring.
Johnny Leroux Arena Tennis (Moodie Dr, Bells Corners) — Four hard courts with partial lighting and shared lines. Evening play is possible but not every court is fully lit.
Graeme Law Park Courts (Robertson Rd, Bells Corners) — Two hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes. Best for daytime practice.
South Ottawa and Rural Edges
Windsor Park Tennis (Bowesville Rd, Windsor Park) — Six hard courts with partial lighting and shared lines. The listing suggests evening availability but not full lighting across all courts.
Hawthorne Meadows Courts (Bank St, Hawthorne) — Three hard courts with no lights and pickleball markings. Daytime use is most reliable here.
Greely Community Centre Tennis (Parkway Rd, Greely) — Three hard courts with no lights and no pickleball notes. This rural option stays quieter than inner‑city parks.
Lighted Courts and Evening Strategy
Caption: Lighted courts are busiest from 6–9 PM on summer weekdays.
Ottawa has around 100 lighted courts, typically running dusk to 11 PM in summer. The most reliable evening clusters are Orleans (Millennium Sport Park and nearby sites), Kanata (Rolston Park), and Riverside South. If you want a lighted court after work, the consistent advice is simple: “First‑come rules—arrive by 6pm.” Another local tip is to avoid peak holiday weekends and instead aim for morning blocks: “Avoid peak holidays; hit mornings instead.”
For a full summer activity loop, consider pairing a late tennis session with nearby swimming pools in Ottawa or an evening ride on the Ottawa cycling trails. These options keep the day active without the indoor booking fees.
Indoor Tennis and Winter‑Ready Facilities
Caption: Indoor facilities keep tennis alive from November to April.
When outdoor courts close, Ottawa’s indoor facilities become the backbone of year‑round play. These are the most practical options with reliable booking systems and strong amenities.
Rideau Sports Centre (1 Donald St) — Four indoor hard courts plus seven seasonal outdoor clay courts. Open 6 AM–11 PM daily, with $40–$60/hour non‑member rates and no membership required. Amenities include showers, change rooms, lessons, a pro shop, and ball machines. OC Transpo Routes 24/88 stop nearby. One parent says, “RSC’s junior programs turned my kid into a tennis nut—best in Ottawa for beginners.”
Tennis Centre West Ottawa (120 Greenview Ave) — Six indoor red‑clay courts with year‑round play. Day passes are around $45/hour, and memberships include advance booking and socials. OC Transpo 11/153 serves the site. A regular notes, “Clay courts are buttery smooth even in January—hidden gem for serious players.”
Orleans Dome (east end) — Eight indoor hard courts, climate‑controlled, typically 7 AM–10 PM in peak season (Oct–Apr). Drop‑in rentals run $35–$50/hour. OC Transpo Route 23 (Tenth Line) makes it accessible. Players describe it as “spacious for leagues, no wait times like downtown.”
Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club (Rockcliffe Park) — Indoor access via bubble/dome with 4–6 hard or clay courts, membership around $800/year, and day passes for guests. Transit is limited, but R1 service is nearby. Members often describe it as “family‑friendly with round robins—feels exclusive yet welcoming.”
Elmdale Tennis Club (west end) — Indoor courts with hard surfaces and drop‑in or phone bookings. Rates typically $30–$45/hour, with kids’ camps and lessons. OC Transpo Routes 2/85 pass nearby. The vibe is relaxed: “Perfect for novices, no snobs here.”
Carleton Tennis Centre — Six indoor hard courts with public booking after 5 PM. Expect about $25/hour via app, plus showers and ball machines. O‑Train Trillium makes it transit‑friendly. Players say it’s “cheap for uni‑quality courts.”
National Tennis School at TCWO — Juniors ages 4–18 train on indoor clay in fall and winter. Clinics are roughly $200/season, with clear progression from beginner to high‑performance programs.
Ottawa New Edinburgh Club — Adult leagues with indoor hard courts for members. It’s a good fit for players who prefer structured play through the winter months.
For families planning winter activities, these facilities combine well with the indoor activities guide or a nearby indoor playground in Ottawa. For outdoor winter balance, the ice skating rinks guide and broader winter activities in Ottawa offer easy alternatives.
Clubs, Associations, and Leagues
Caption: Ottawa’s leagues and ladders are run by clubs and the NCTA network.
Ottawa’s club scene is organized through neighbourhood associations and the National Capital Tennis Association (NCTA). If you want consistent opponents and structured play, these entries are the core of the local ladder system.
Tennis Centre West Ottawa (TCWO, 1640 Cassels St) — Indoor clay plus outdoor Har‑Tru courts, with leagues such as Fall/Winter 2025–26 Singles and entry fees around $100–$200 CAD. The club runs year‑round programs with strong competition.
Ottawa Tennis Club (OTC, Rideau Tennis Club branch) — Seasonal Har‑Tru courts with memberships typically $500–$800 CAD. This club hosts major events and long‑running ladder play.
Lynwood Park Tennis Club — Runs the 2025 Lynwood Ladder (May–Dec) with league fees about $20–$50. It’s one of the more accessible ladders for casual competitors.
Craig Henry Tennis Club — Outdoor courts with a May–Oct ladder (2.0–4.99 NTRP) and entry fees around $50. Roughly 46 players participated in recent seasons.
City View Tennis Club (CVTC) — Mixed singles ladder May–Oct with fees around $40–$60 and strong participation (about 66 players).
Elmdale Tennis Club — Known for a large summer ladder (around 100 players). It’s an approachable entry point for players who want league experience without a heavy competitive vibe.
General Burns Tennis Club (GBTC) — Runs a House League (Aug–Oct) with 2.0–5.24 NTRP levels and around 39 players.
Barrhaven Tennis Club — Offers an Adult Challenge Ladder (May–Sep) and youth‑focused development. Registration often runs through courtreserve.net.
St. James Tennis Club — A summer ladder June–September, built around community play and local rivalries.
Glencairn Tennis Club — Outdoor Har‑Tru courts and interclub participation through the NCTA network.
Elmridge Tennis Club — A neighbourhood club that supports ladder participation and local play.
Manotick Tennis Club — Outdoor courts with a rural, community‑driven atmosphere.
Orleans Tennis Club — A key east‑end association with outdoor courts and organized play.
One C Tennis Club — Offers a mix of indoor and outdoor surfaces, useful for players who want a full‑season option.
2025 Ottawa Tennis Ladder (Nepean) — A city‑wide ladder running Apr 2025–Jan 2027, with broad skill levels and about 60 players.
GLTO Summer Ladder (Ottawa) — A May 2025–Apr 2026 ladder for players looking for summer competition without a club membership.
Ligue Échelle Sporthèque 2025–2026 (Sporthèque de Hull, Gatineau) — A bilingual ladder near Ottawa with 2.0–4.99 levels and around 33 players.
Barrhaven Youth Ladder — A youth‑focused ladder from May–Nov 2025 designed for novice to intermediate players.
Blackburn Tennis Club — Weekly team competitions across singles, doubles, and mixed formats.
National Capital Tennis Association (NCTA) — The main umbrella for Ottawa leagues, including the Mixed Interclub program and community partnerships.
Tennis Canada Community Leagues — City‑wide community leagues run through NCTA partners, designed for inclusive participation.
Rideau Tennis Club — Central Ottawa Har‑Tru courts with seasonal memberships and a longstanding tradition.
Britannia Tennis Courts — Public outdoor courts near TCWO, with drop‑in booking options through ottawa.ca and rates around $20/hour.
Nepean Tennis Club — Outdoor club that ties into the Ottawa Tennis Ladder and local interclub play.
If you like the league structure of tennis, you’ll probably enjoy the organized competition in disc golf or indoor training at the batting cages in Ottawa.
Comparison: Best Courts by Player Type
Caption: Use this quick comparison when choosing your first court or club.
| Player Type | Best Fits | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Beginners & families | Chamberlain Park, Rideau Sports Centre | Smooth surfaces, easy access, coaching options |
| Evening players | Windsor Park, Millennium Sport Park, Rolston Park | Reliable lighting and community play |
| Competitive players | TCWO, Carleton Tennis Centre | Consistent surfaces and structured play |
| Budget‑friendly | City of Ottawa public courts | Free, neighbourhood‑based access |
| Winter‑only | Rideau Sports Centre, TCWO, Orleans Dome | Indoor availability Nov–Apr |
FAQ
Caption: Quick answers to the most common local tennis questions.
Q: When do Ottawa’s public tennis courts open?
Most public outdoor courts open after spring cleanup, usually around mid‑May, and close in mid‑October depending on weather. The City of Ottawa posts updates on ottawa.ca, and some courts open later if resurfacing or line painting is delayed.
Q: How many public tennis courts does Ottawa have?
The city oversees more than 300 public outdoor tennis courts, with 315 outdoor tennis courts and 172 public pickleball courts listed in the municipal system. Around 132 of those courts are dedicated primarily to tennis.
Q: Are public tennis courts in Ottawa free?
Yes. City‑owned courts are free and first‑come, first‑served for casual play. Groups may need a free permit from the City of Ottawa, but casual drop‑in play does not require payment.
Q: Do Ottawa public courts provide nets?
Many public courts do not provide nets after recent conversions. Bring your own portable net if you want guaranteed play, especially on combination tennis‑pickleball courts.
Q: Which Ottawa courts have lights for night play?
Lighted courts are common in Orleans, Kanata, and Riverside South. Millennium Sport Park, Rolston Park, and Riverside Park South are consistently recommended for evening play.
Q: Where can I play indoor tennis in Ottawa during winter?
Rideau Sports Centre, Tennis Centre West Ottawa, Orleans Dome, and Carleton Tennis Centre all run indoor courts through winter with hourly booking or memberships.
Q: How much does indoor tennis cost in Ottawa?
Expect $25–$60 per hour depending on the facility. Carleton Tennis Centre is typically the most affordable, while TCWO and Rideau Sports Centre are mid‑range with better amenities.
Q: Are there tennis leagues in Ottawa for adults?
Yes. The National Capital Tennis Association organizes leagues city‑wide, and local clubs like Elmdale, Craig Henry, and City View run ladders each summer.
Q: What’s the best court for beginners?
Chamberlain Park is often recommended for beginners because of smooth surfaces and lighter crowds. Rideau Sports Centre is also excellent because of coaching and clinics for new players.
Q: Are courts accessible for wheelchairs or mobility devices?
About 40% of public courts have barrier‑free access with ramps or wide gates. Millennium Sport Park is one example; call ahead to confirm specific access features.
Final Thoughts
Caption: With the right timing, Ottawa offers reliable tennis in every season.
Ottawa’s tennis scene is surprisingly deep for a city where winter lasts half the year. If you want quick, free play, public courts in parks like Chamberlain, Windsor, or Millennium will cover most summer needs. If you need consistency, coaching, or winter access, indoor options like Rideau Sports Centre and TCWO are worth the booking fee. Sources don’t list specific on‑site food options or nearby attractions for every court, so plan to bring water and check park amenities ahead of time. Mix neighbourhood courts with local leagues, and you’ll never run out of places to play.
Sources: City of Ottawa, Engage Ottawa, Rideau Sports Centre, Tennis Centre West Ottawa, National Capital Tennis Association, Global Tennis Network
