Forget about hibernating this winter. Ottawa’s nightlife defies the cold. When the sun goes down, the city perks up as clubs, pubs and several outdoor events and attractions welcome a diverse crowd of night owls. Here are some of the best ways to experience nightlife in Canada’s capital this winter.
Live music and entertainment
For music lovers, Ottawa’s nightlife has plenty to offer.To start, Red Bird in Old Ottawa South is hosting several great artists this winter, including Elliott Brood from March 7–9. Founded in 2022, Red Bird has quickly become a cornerstone of Ottawa’s folk-music scene — a premium, seated venue that feels both intimate and grand in its dazzling design.
If you’d rather rock out, House of TARG down the road is the spot for punk, metal, synth and various indie-music performances. Even better, it’s a classic arcade serving some of the tastiest, most authentic pierogies outside of Poland. See what’s on the calendar.
Previously Zaphod Beeblebrox, The 27 Club in the ByWard Market is another a landmark venue. On February 19, experience the soulful, hypnotic sounds of Toronto’s Aysanabee, an Oji-Cree multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter from Sandy Lake First Nation.
Other must-visit venues include Ottawa’s “Home of the Blues” the Rainbow Bistro, Irene’s Pub on Bank Street; LIVE! on Elgin; Club SAW near the Rideau Centre; the Brass Monkey in Nepean; and Overflow Brewing Company, known for its high-energy tribute bands.
And don’t forget Ottawa’s theater scene, with venues ranging from the iconic National Arts Centre to the independent Gladstone Theatre. Or, if laughter is what you’re after, head to Yuk Yuk’s, Absolute Comedy or the Laugh Lounge for a night of hilarious stand-up.
Beer tours and events
The Brew Donkey offers public and private tours showcasing some of the best and most innovative beers in Ottawa. Check out either the City Beers Express Tour or Y-East End Express Tour for a fun post-dinner activity. Buy your tickets in advance!
Like Ottawa, the Outaouais region in Quebec is brewing up some of the best pints in the world. The Gatineau Craft Beer Tour, running every Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., takes you to three Gatineau microbreweries. Sip suds, see how beer is made and savour a hearty bowl of ramen at Ras L'BOL restaurant. Book in advance.
If you like hops but don’t want to hop around the city, you can sample a variety of craft brews, from IPAs to stouts, all in one place at this year’s ByWard Beerfest. Celebrate Ottawa’s thriving beer culture from March 7 to 8 at Lowertown Brewery and enjoy great food and live music from local favourites like Ryan MacIntyre and Whiskey River. Get your tickets here.
Night skating
Grab your skates and gear up for some neon-soaked fun at the new synthetic rink in the ByWard Market. Glow Skate Nights happen on select Fridays in January and February. And don’t miss the Drag on Ice edition February 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. No skates? No problem. Rentals are available on site.
The Rink of Dreams is another great night-skating spot. Located in front of City Hall in downtown Ottawa, the refrigerated rink is open until 11 p.m. and comes alive with music and colourful lights.
Most famously, the Rideau Canal Skateway provides an unforgettable skating experience complete with twinkling city lights and crisp winter air. Nearby warm-up stations make it easy to take a break and enjoy a hot drink. Check the ice conditions here.
Secret bars and speakeasies
For those in the know, Ottawa’s hidden bars add a mysterious, charming twist to any night out. To start, “The Staffroom” at Union 613 is the real deal, a cozy, Prohibition-style hideaway that you enter from behind a small bookcase.
There’s also Apothecary Lounge, billed as Ottawa’s worst kept secret, located beneath Starling in the ByWard Market. This cellar-style speakeasy is right out of the Roaring Twenties and serves classic cocktails and vintage spirits.
Others worth checking out include Ward 14, a vintage shop with an unassuming bar in the back, and Jackalope, tucked beneath Rabbit Hole on Sparks Street.
Winterlude DJs
Winterlude is bringing the beats this year with Igloofest, a hallmark of electronic music and winter culture founded in Montreal in 2007. Now, you can experience the festival’s signature blend of world-class artists, dazzling visuals and vibrant energy from February 13 to 15.
Also coming to Winterlude this year is a new, free DJ series, DJs Live from the Booth: Winterlude Edition, happening on multiple nights on Sparks Street. Catch a diverse lineup of DJs complementing this year’s Winterlude themes of LGBTQ+, Indigenous culture and Canadiana.
Late-night bites
No night out is complete without some after-hours eats. Satisfy your carb cravings with a savoury poutine at the Elgin Street Diner (open 24/7) or Smoke’s Poutinerie. Try a true Ottawa shawarma at 3 Brothers or Shawarma King. Or keep it simple with a timeless BeaverTail from the ByWard Market or a kiosk along the Rideau Canal. Your options are endless!
