The 8 Best VR Experiences in Ottawa That Are Sure to Knock Your Socks Off
Modern VR technology really takes the idea of “we’re living in a simulation” to a whole other level. That’s why when it finally came to Ottawa, I didn’t waste any time diving into it.
I wanted to experience the full spectrum of what this tech had to offer, so I went everywhere from amusement centers with screaming kids to dedicated venues with enough space not to worry about hitting anyone with your controller.
Games like Superhot got me dodging bullets like I was in The Matrix (or someone doing terribly at Limbo), while another one called Beat Saber is the closest thing you can get to being a samurai swinging his sword to music.
Then there was the racing sim, where I discovered just how much respect I have for F1 drivers. Despite my abysmal reaction times, at least I didn’t end up in the hospital after immediately crashing into a virtual wall.
All in all, I’d recommend VR to just about anyone itching to have fun in a cool digital playground, and here are the top spots in the city to do it!
1. Zero Latency Ottawa
– Media credit: zerolatencyott
Address: 2723 Lancaster Rd, Unit 107
Contact Number: +1 613-949-8802
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Wed: 3:00pm – 7:30pm
- Thu: 3:00pm – 9:00pm
- Fri: 3:00pm – 10:30pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 10:30pm
- Sun: 10:00am – 7:30pm
Zero Latency provides a truly unique VR experience with its free-roam environment and delay-free gameplay.
With a 1,800 sq-ft arena to explore, it’s one of the most spacious venues where you can freely move about with up to 8 of your friends.
They make use of high-quality 5k HTC Vive VR headsets and controllers, and you’re also guided properly by the game masters on how to operate the setup.
You have access to 7 different multiplayer games, from the adrenaline-filled and zombie-themed Outbreak to their newest space battle addition, Warhammer 40K.
It was very fun and engaging to actually run about while shooting virtual guns, especially since you can do it as a team.
The entire experience is built on an exact 1:1 scale between the physical arena and the virtual world, which makes for very immersive gameplay with every step that you take.
Even non-players get to watch the action in the comfort of the seating area.
Pro Tip:
Host a team-building party for up to 24 players via their private booking option.
2. VR Adventures Zone
– Media credit: vradventures.zone
Address: 1642 Merivale Rd, Unit 300, Nepean
Contact Number: +1 613-417-3601
Operating Hours:
- Sun – Thu: 11:00am – 9:00pm
- Fri – Sat: 11:00am – 10:00pm
There’s a ton of virtual fun to be had at VR Adventures Zone, packed with colorful facilities that’ll make you feel like a kid in a candy store.
Located within Merivale Mall, it has a total of 13,000 sq ft of space and over 60 different VR arcade games to choose from, making it perfect for birthday parties and other group gatherings.
We found their Freeroam VR to be a great full-body experience that allows you to explore many virtual spaces without being bound by any wires or cables. Even the use of a motion-detecting backpack adds more immersion to the fun.
They’re also known for their escape rooms, where you can work together with your friends to solve different puzzles, interact with various digital objects, and take on challenges that test your teamwork.
The variety of VR worlds is overall vast, diving into different themes like realistic sports, fantasy combat, zombie survival, rhythm games, and even world exploration.
Pro Tip:
Skip the lines by booking their services through the phone or website rather than doing walk-ins.
3. VR82
– Media credit: vr82.ca
Address: 79 Bd de la Gappe C4, Gatineau
Contact Number: +1 819-561-6060
Operating Hours:
- Wed – Thu: 1:00pm – 9:00pm
- Fri: 1:00pm – 10:00pm
- Sat: 10:00am – 10:00pm
- Sun: 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Mon – Tue: CLOSED
VR82 is a bilingual arcade that offers modern virtual reality activities that can be played solo or with a group.
They have several arenas that can be brightly or dimly lit, depending on the setting. They make use of precise tracking in their VR headsets, and also include haptic vests that vibrate according to your movement in-game.
Their multiplayer games typically last between 30 and 45 minutes, with a variety of options such as Versus Laser Tag, Safe Night, Omega Protocol, Kraken Island, Space Academy, and Kitchen Panic.
I even had a blast trying out the single-player games, which range from simulations to VR sports. Some classic ones include Richie’s Plank Experience, Superhot VR, Job Simulator, and The Walking Dead.
Also, a trip here wouldn’t be complete without trying out their axe-throwing experience, where you’ll be throwing real axes on an actual wooden target board. You can start a friendly competition while remaining in the safe guidance of the staff.
Pro Tip:
Try out one of their slush drinks after an intense VR session.
4. Funhaven
– Media credit: funhavenottawa
Address: 1050 Baxter Rd
Contact Number: +1 613-828-4386
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Tue: 4:00pm – 10:00pm
- Wed – Thu: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
- Fri: 3:00pm – 12:00am
- Sat: 10:00am – 12:00am
- Sun: 10:00am – 9:00pm
If you’re looking for a fun VR arcade that has a lot of unique games and activities to offer, then you need to check out Funhaven.
This popular amusement center has a dedicated section for VR games and rides. It combines the immersion of a VR headset and the movement of mechanical attractions to simulate their real-life counterparts.
For instance, Hurricane straps you onto a high-speed virtual roller coaster that’s powered by full-motion seating, while Virtual Rabbids takes you on a ride through six adrenaline-pumping environments.
I was quite impressed by their Hyperdeck attraction. It takes things to the next level by incorporating wind and heat effects and a moving platform to a game where you fend off different enemies.
Whichever activity you partake in, their VR setups really make you use all of your senses. What’s even better is that there’s an option for anyone, whether you’re a kid or an adult.
Pro Tip:
Avail of their gaming card for convenient credit reloading and swiping.
5. Games4U
– Media credit: games4u_ca
Address: 1000 Innovation Dr, Suite 500, Kanata
Contact Number: +1 613-981-1218
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 4:00pm
- Sat – Sun: CLOSED
Games4U brings the virtual action to your doorstep via its mobile truck service, fully equipped with everything you need for parties.
Their Standard Package gives you access to one VR station for 90 minutes. It comes with a VR headset, controllers, a 50-inch 4k TV, a variety of games and applications, an arena with stanchions, and a trained staff member.
Some popular picks from their catalogue are a mix of action, simulation, and exploration games, such as Superhot, Fruit Ninja, Beat Saber, and Apollo.
You can also choose to rent their VR booths for longer durations — anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days. But in my experience, even half a day is enough to get you totally hooked.
All the equipment is designed with ease of use in mind, so even complete beginners can get the hang of the controls fairly quickly.
Pro Tip:
Choose between different VR equipment, from the PlayStation VR to the Oculus Quest 2.
6. Virtual Reality Rental Co.
– Media credit: virtualrealityrental.co
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
If you’re planning to showcase what VR tech is capable of, then Virtual Reality Rental Co. is your go-to event planner.
Their tech-savvy team is both well-versed in and passionate about the latest VR equipment, from cordless headsets to full-on simulators. They’re absolute wizards when it comes to presenting VR in an eye-catching and meaningful way.
They have a lot of breathtaking scenarios in their catalogue. You can take to the skies with their flight simulator, or explore the tallest mountain in the world with Mount Everest VR.
One of our personal favorites is the racing simulator. Not only does it let you see a fast-paced environment on some of the best tracks, but you also take control of an actual wheel-and-pedal setup for extra engagement.
If you can allot at least 6 by 6 feet of space, then their VR services are the perfect addition to make your event really pop out and be talked about.
Pro Tip:
Customize your VR experience with their multiple rental packages, such as “Show Stopper” and “Main Attraction”.
7. GamesOnTruck
– Media credit: gamesontruck
Contact Number: +1 613-829-9662
Operating Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Sat – Sun: CLOSED
GamesOnTruck has a lot of VR goodies in store with its convenient and customizable service for all occasions.
They’re well-known for their virtual reality party packages that work great for birthdays, corporate events, and other celebrations.
The team and I already had tons of fun with the 8-player Standard Package, which gives 90 minutes of gameplay in a 1-room-scale VR setup, complete with a TV, backdrop, LED lighting, barriers, and a score leaderboard.
You also get a choice of different VR equipment, such as PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Quest. There are kid-friendly games like Space Pirate Trainer and Smash Party, and even games for “big kids” like Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes.
Just keep in mind that they recommend hosting your VR party in a covered area, where the equipment is protected from direct sunlight or rain.
Pro Tip:
Get two room-scale VR stations with the Premium Package for less than twice the price of the Standard 1-station version.
8. Apex V2R
– Media credit: apexv2r
Address: 1619 Carling Ave
Contact Number: +1 613-719-7771
Operating Hours:
- Tue – Sun: 2:00pm – 10:00pm
- Mon: CLOSED
Apex V2R is for the speed freaks who like to get the most immersive virtual racing experience in all of Ottawa.
Their VR racing setups are custom-built with high-quality parts, from advanced motion systems to full turnkey simulators that give great feedback from what’s happening in-game.
The high-end VR headsets, such as Meta Quest and Valve Index, give very smooth refresh rates and a wide field of view. We found it unbelievable how close to the real deal you can get with their setup.
They run several big-name racing simulators that are popular among sim racers, such as iRacing, Assetto Corsa Competizione, rFactor 2, and even the slightly more casual Project Cars 2.
Many people actually transition from virtual racing to real track days through Apex V2R’s guidance and coaching, making them a fast track to getting some proper seat time.
Pro Tip:
Adjust all the equipment, including the seats, pedals, steering wheel, and VR headset, for a comfortable and precise racing experience.