Top 6 Event Spaces in Ottawa

There’s always a reason to celebrate or get together with the people who are important to you. So whether it’s for a wedding, a party, or a meeting with co-workers, we’re here to help you find the best event space in Ottawa for your gatherings.

There are also some handy FAQs at the end of this listicle to address some venue-related concerns you may have. But first, let’s talk about costs.

Please note that some event spaces are for members only (or for guests who are endorsed by members). There could be seasonal and off-season rates to consider, too. 

The Top Event Space in Ottawa

Now let’s see which event space in Ottawa is the best fit for your gathering needs. We chose the ones in this listicle using the following criteria:

Without further ado, let’s get on with our list!

1. Ottawa Venues

Ottawa Venues is not a single event space in Ottawa per se. Instead, it specializes in event planning and therefore has good resources for all kinds of events, including product launches, receptions, meeting spaces, tour groups, and other events. 

It has several properties in the Byward area for different types of functions. There’s a bar and grill for cocktail receptions, a brewery for more intimate gatherings, and various pubs, restaurants, and bars to accommodate 70 to over 300 attendees.

However, its planner services are what makes Ottawa Venues stand out among other event spaces. Its team of planners specializes in putting together a week’s worth of customized experience for its clients with everything from location to entertainment organized on their behalf.

It’s great that Ottawa Venues offers one-stop-shop convenience for those who are too busy to organize an event by themselves. But it would be nicer to have a price guide of its services to give potential clients an idea of the costs involved.

Customer Reviews

The service was exceptional, the atmosphere was perfect and the food was great!

“We had our Staff Xmas party there and have nothing but fantastic things to say. The service was exceptional, the atmosphere was perfect and the food was great! All 30 of our guests were very satisfied considering the last couple of years we never had great experiences at other venues. Thank you again!” – Kaitlin Van Gaal

Many venues and very creative ideas

“A one-stop-shop if you are looking to plan an event. They have many venues and very creative ideas.” – Nghi Tran

2. GreyHawk Golf Club

There’s an Old World ambiance in GreyHawk Golf Club’s 17,100-square-foot clubhouse. It uses log sidings and natural stone to summon a frontier home look and feel.

The only issue we see here is that it might not appeal to guests or clients who would prefer something more contemporary as far as interior and exterior decor go.

It’s first and foremost a golf club with 18-hole courses in an open property. Client feedback always mentions how well-maintained its turf and clubhouse are so that’s a vote of confidence for its cleanliness and maintenance.

As for events, the club has a planning team to help organize anything from business meetings to wedding receptions. It can accommodate up to 300 people in the main clubhouse but also has smaller rooms to offer for more intimate gatherings.

GreyHawk is a members-only club but is open to functions for both members and non-members, which is great. There are also corporate golf packages offered for conferences, seminars, and meetings to spice up the events.

Customer Reviews

Staff is friendly and the food is pretty good

“Overall the course is very well maintained and the crew is constantly working to improve anything that needs it. The greens are quite fast and roll true. Two 18s are both enjoyable and I am happy to play either one when I book. Best range of the club link courses in Ottawa. Staff is friendly and the food is pretty good. Improving the beer selection by adding a few craft beers would be a big improvement.” – Jeffrey Tobin

Spacious and modern restaurant and welcome center

“Great golf club. Very involved with the local community and has numerous activities throughout the year. Spacious and modern restaurant and welcome center as well. Easy to access right off of the 417.” – Ayusha Gupta

3. Ottawa Fringe

Edit Table 

We recently had the pleasure (or should I say the fringe?) of experiencing the Ottawa Fringe, and let us tell you, it was quite the ride.

Our experience was as smooth as a well-oiled juggling act, which blew us away.

From ticket booking to finding the venue, the Ottawa Fringe team made it a breeze. They had us feeling like VIPs without the pesky paparazzi.

The Ottawa Fringe is the Beyoncé of the events world. They’ve got a reputation that precedes them, and boy, do they live up to it.

It’s like the cool kid in high school everyone wants to be friends with. You know you’re in for a good time when you see that Fringe logo shining bright.

When it comes to the actual services, well, let’s just say they put on a show that would make Broadway blush. The talent, the creativity, the energy — it’s like they took a sip from the fountain of artistic genius.

But let’s address the elephant in the room: cost.

Now, we won’t sugarcoat it — the Ottawa Fringe isn’t exactly a pocket change events place. But hey, quality comes at a price, right?

Think of it as an investment in your happiness. Plus, who needs that fancy dinner when you can feast on a buffet of theatrical delights?

Unfortunately, the Ottawa Fringe isn’t open on weekends, which bummed us out. We advise booking your shows on weekdays.

Customer Reviews

“I saw the show @TheMayor and Eleanor’s Story this year and both were great! @TheMayor is very funny for any longtime Ottawa residents who know a little bit about municipal politics. I highly recommend checking out the Fringe Fest line up this year, there are so many different shows and they are all only $12 and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the artists! Support Ottawa’s local arts scene.” — Vanessa Foran

“The fringe festival is an amazing place to see independent theatre, comedy, improv, etc. Love that all the box office sales go to the artists! Would definitely recommend checking it out.” — Tim Anderson

4. The Painted Window

The Painted Window is first and foremost a wedding venue situated on a 5-acre property. 

It’s meant for weekend weddings and has little whimsical spots like The Fairy Rock Garden, a cocktail barn called La Terrace, a wedding gift store, and a massive wedding tent that can accommodate up to 250 attendees. 

It also offers complete wedding weekend packages that are fully customizable and adjustable. So brides and grooms who simply don’t have enough time to organize their special day won’t have to fret about even the smallest details like centrepieces, parking, and tea cake carts.

The downside is that it seems to primarily be focused on weddings and not other types of gatherings. And if alcohol is involved in reception, the bride and groom are required to obtain proof of Liquor Permit 30 days before their event.

Still, non-wedding parties can opt to rent the venue minus all the services and inclusions for a reasonable $3050 (taxes included) for 24 hours.

Customer Reviews

This location is the perfect rustic greenery venue out there

“The painted window is the best venue you can book for your wedding! Hali made our wedding a dream come true! She made sure everything was more than perfect, she made sure I was stress-free on the wedding day, she took such good care of us and I can say that my wedding was a fairytale because of Hali and the painted window. This location is the perfect rustic greenery venue out there, it is SO BEAUTIFUL and the decoration is amazing. Hali was very accommodating to our budget and responsive to every little question and need that I had. We truly love her so very much she made our wedding perfect.” – Areli Lopez

Pays attention to all details, friendly with everyone

“As a photographer is a great pleasure to work with Hali, she is professional… she pays attention to all details, she is friendly with everyone. She makes sure you feel like you are home. Can’t say anything negative about the venue or the owner. Hali, she is warm and welcoming.” – Carlota SP

5. Ottawa Art Gallery

While it’s dedicated to collecting and preserving regional art for Ottawans to enjoy, the Ottawa Art Gallery also has unique spaces available to rent. Clients needing a vibrant and artsy space for meetings, weddings, and other events can opt to hold them here.

There’s a virtual tour for potential clients and it’s great how it shows all the nooks and crannies of the rentals. There’s a sun-drenched Sky Lounge, a terrace that’s perfect for receptions, a salon, and a customizable mesh wall that lights up according to colour preference!

There’s a sizable main salon that can accommodate up to 350 guests in a standing reception. The terrace is also a great gathering place alternative when there’s warmer weather.

The Ottawa Art Gallery offers services for various functions and gatherings, too. But since it doesn’t list a price guide, it’s best to reach out to its staff to inquire about capacities and rental rates.

Customer Reviews

The building is beautiful! 

“This is a must-see for Ottawanians and visitors! The art is relevant and first-rate! The building is beautiful! There is excellent food in the cafe and the restaurant.” – Patricia Beckett

OAGGAO must be on top of the list of places of interest

“What a great place! It’s offering refreshingly interesting art that makes you think. Very lovely café as well!! And it’s free!! No entrance fee, can you imagine that? If you have to decide between different places of interest, OAGGAO must be on top of your list.” – Nina Elshof

6. Aquatopia Conservatory

The Aquatopia Conservatory is the perfect venue for those who want a tropical vibe all year round. It’s also a good choice for future brides and grooms who want an exotic location for their special day minus the expenses of a destination wedding.

There are full-service wedding packages meant to take the hassle and stress of event preparations. Aquatopia has a team of coordinators, chefs, servers, florists, and designers to help engaged couples’ dream nuptials come to life.

Even non-wedding clients can enjoy the gorgeous greenery and blooms that fill the water garden conservatory whatever season it is. The venue can hold up to 150 people for dinner and cocktail receptions for up to 8 hours of exclusive use.

There’s an on-site management staff ready to assist guests at any time. We’re truly hard-pressed to find anything of fault at this venue except perhaps its limited capacity for accommodating more guests.

Customer Reviews

Was blown away by the attention to detail

“What an absolutely beautiful venue. I attended a wedding (service, cocktail hour and reception) and I was blown away by the attention to detail.” – Mary M.

The plants are beautiful and the location is pleasant too as is the staff

“I’ve lived in Ottawa/Gatineau for 14 years now and have been to many sites around the area. For the first time, I discovered the Aquatopia Water Garden. This is a nice discovery. The plants here are beautiful and the location is pleasant too as is the staff. It’s too bad they don’t use the bar to serve coffee or whatever else. It would be a great little oasis escape. They only use it for receptions and such.” – Yodaman Solo

FAQs About Event Spaces in Ottawa

We hope you can use this listicle as a resource to find the best event space in Ottawa for your gatherings! If you think we left out a good event space, please let us know.

We also recommend reading our other published posts on different venues and spaces for groups big or small:

• Best Wedding Venues in Ottawa
• Best Art Galleries in Ottawa
• Best Coworking Spaces in Ottawa