Maksym KuzaievAbout a month ago, a friend called me in a total panic—they were throwing a big event and needed the perfect banquet hall. Of course, as a superhero wannabe, I jumped into action and tagged along, hopping between venues.
Honestly, some of these places blew me away. Each one had something unique to offer: gorgeous setups, tasty food, and some special perks. It made choosing ‘the one’ a challenge (but they did, eventually).
That little adventure led to this list of Ottawa’s best banquet halls. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or birthday bash, these venues have you covered with style, flair, and unforgettable vibes. Let’s dive in!
- Fairmont Château Laurier
- St. Elias Banquet Centre
- Ottawa Marriott Hotel
- Rogers Centre Ottawa (formerly Shaw Centre)
- Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Sala San Marco Event Centre
- Preston Event Centre
- Santo Cristo Banquet Hall
- The Horticulture Building
- Mosaic Convention Centre
- Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory
Fairmont Château Laurier
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Website: https://www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa/
Address: 1 Rideau St.
Contact details: +1 613 241 1414
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 4 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: 50 to 400 guests
Fairmont Château offers a total of 16 event spaces that cater to both intimate gatherings and large-scale events. Their spaces can accommodate anywhere from 50 to 400 guests—perfect for anything from cocktail receptions to formal general assemblies.
The best part is that they’ve got an experienced events team ready to help you every step of the way. Oh, and let’s not forget their Executive Chef, David De Bernardi, who has curated an exceptional banquet menu!
Furthermore, if you need AV equipment, seating arrangements, or bespoke decor, they’re equipped to make your event shine. Accessibility is excellent, too, with easy transportation options.
| Pro tip: After attending an event at Fairmont, consider extending your stay at the hotel to take advantage of their special offers and sweet deals available for viewing on their website. |
St. Elias Banquet Centre
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Website: http://www.steliascentre.com/
Address: 750 Ridgewood Ave.
Contact details: +1 613 737 4997
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: ££
Capacity: 50 to 1000 guests
Talk about versatility—St Elias Banquet Centre offers one of the most flexible event spaces in Ottawa. This multipurpose venue has a spacious lobby, a full-size theatre stage, and an enormous 11,550 square-foot hall (which can be designed with a dance floor).
Whether you’re hosting a wedding reception or just throwing a big family gathering, this place has got you covered. Best of all, the main hall can be partitioned into smaller spaces—perfect for small groups of 50 or large-scale events with up to 1,000 guests.
St Elias also boasts in-house catering, specialising in both Canadian and Lebanese cuisine. As for amenities, they go above and beyond with over 400 on-site parking spots and high-speed internet access.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to inquire about their AV services if you’re planning presentations or performances—it can save you from the hassle of renting equipment elsewhere. |
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
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Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/yowmc-ottawa-marriott-hotel/
Address: 100 Kent St.
Contact details: +1 613 238 1122
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: 20 to 500 guests for banquets
The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is a no-brainer if convenience and variety are what you’re after. With 26 unique event spaces to choose from, this venue makes sure you’ll find something to suit your needs.
The standout here is the Victoria Ballroom, a spacious area that can host up to 500 guests for a banquet or 700 people for a reception. They’ve also got other essentials: customisable menu, planning services, and even audiovisual equipment and supplies.
Oh, and they also offer complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and ample parking spaces. Best of all, its central downtown location makes it super accessible for attendees, whether they’re coming from within Ottawa or further afield.
| Pro tip: Remember to book the Victoria Ballroom early for larger events—it’s a popular choice! Also, you can ask about their package deals for accommodations if you’re hosting guests from out of town. |
Rogers Centre Ottawa (formerly Shaw Centre)
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Website: http://www.rogers-centre.ca/
Address: 55 Colonel By Drive
Contact details: +1 800 450 0077
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity:
- Canada Hall – up to 6,000 guests (theatre-style seating)
- Trillium Ballroom – up to 1,050 guests
- Meeting Rooms – up to 150 guests
If you’re hosting a massive event, the Rogers Centre Ottawa is a must-consider venue. With 28 meeting rooms available in total, this venue is perfect for everything from intimate business meetings to full-scale conferences and galas.
The Canada Hall is their largest event space, capable of seating up to 6,000 guests in a theatre-style arrangement. For something a little more elegant, the Trillium Ballroom offers a 180-degree panoramic view of the Rideau Canal, with seating for up to 1,050 guests for banquets.
They work with both in-house and third-party suppliers for audiovisual needs, electrical services, and materials. The venue also boasts two indoor parking garages with a total of 1,500 paid parking spaces—a major bonus if your guests are driving in.
| Pro tip: It’s important to note that it’s mandatory to use their in-house catering. |
Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel
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Website: https://www.sandmanhotels.com/signature-ottawa-airport
Address: 250 W Hunt Club Rd.
Contact details: +1 613 216 7263
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: up to 120 guests
Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel offers an impressive variety of event spaces—five fully customisable venues to suit what you’re planning. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, or celebratory dinner, Sandman can meet your needs.
Their on-site catering team covers everything from casual coffee breaks to elegant plated dinners. What’s more, their experienced event planner works directly with you to help iron out every detail.
Now, if your attendees decide to stay overnight, Sandman’s hotel accommodations are cosy and convenient, and their flexible 24-hour booking policies are a lifesaver. On top of that, there’s also complimentary guest parking and high-speed Wi-Fi.
| Pro tip: Make sure to enquire about any package deals they may offer for events combined with overnight stays. It’s a fantastic way to streamline costs for larger groups or out-of-town attendees. |
Canadian Museum of Nature
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Website: http://nature.ca/
Address: 240 McLeod St.
Contact details: +1 800 263 4433
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday – 9:30 AM to 8 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity:
- Salon – up to 130 guests for banquets
- Rotunda – up to 100 guests for banquets
The versatility of the Canadian Museum of Nature is something worth shouting about, especially if you’re hosting grand receptions with hundreds of guests. Their event space can hold up to 250 standing guests, while seated banquets can hold up to 130 people.
Most spaces even come with a designated dance floor area, which is handy if your event needs that extra flair. Free Wi-Fi and a prime downtown location make the logistics not only manageable but a breeze for all attendees.
The museum shines for its versatility with classroom- and meeting-style sessions too; these setups generally fit around 20 people or more, depending on your seating layout requirements.
| Pro tip: Remember to ask about preferred vendors for additional services since the museum works closely with some great local caterers and providers. |
Sala San Marco Event Centre
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Website: http://salasanmarco.ca/
Address: 215 Preston St.
Contact details: +1 613 238 6063
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday to Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: ££
Capacity: up to 500 guests (combined capacity)
Sala San Marco Event Centre’s banquet spaces can accommodate from 50 to 200 guests, but if you’re throwing something larger, they can stretch their combined capacity to host up to 500 people. Also, their catering services are available both on-site and off-site.
And yes, their menu can be customised to suit your preferences, which makes life a lot easier if you’re accommodating dietary needs. Parking is free and conveniently on-site, sparing your guests from any downtown-style parking woes.
You’ll find microphones and podiums provided directly by the venue, along with experienced event planners. Another huge benefit is their flexibility in accommodating tech-heavy events, as they’ve got the connections to set you up with providers.
| Pro tip: When it comes to customising your menu, they heavily suggest that you make a complete list of allergens/dietary needs information in advance so they can properly accommodate and avoid cross-contamination. |
Preston Event Centre
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Website: https://prestoneventcentre.co/
Address: 523 St Anthony St.
Contact details: +1 613 383 2224
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 2 AM
Cost: ££
Capacity: 400 to 450 guests
Preston Event Centre, located right in the heart of Little Italy, is a beloved venue with a longstanding history dating back to 1952. Over the decades, this venue has become a spot for hosting everything from weddings to community gatherings and private events.
The space is versatile enough to cater to a total of 400 to 450 guests, thanks to its flexible layout options. It also benefits from a prime, accessible location that puts your guests within easy reach of Little Italy’s iconic streets.
Another key feature is their in-house catering service, which simplifies the food and beverage planning process. Plus, you’ll enjoy the convenience of free on-site parking, helping keep logistics effortless for you and your guests.
| Pro tip: For those juggling busy schedules or out-of-town event planners, one feature you’ll love is their virtual tour option available online. |
Santo Cristo Banquet Hall
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Website: http://www.santocristobanquethall.com/
Address: 1100 Kenaston St.
Contact details: +1 613 741 5355
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: up to 350 guests
With a dedicated dance floor and DJ booth, Santo Cristo Banquet Hall is perfect for any event. The venue can comfortably hold up to 450 seated guests in a traditional banquet-style setting, and 700 guests in a theatre-style layout.
One thing many people appreciate is its location—it’s centrally situated in Ottawa and easy to access, with ample free parking on-site for up to 250 vehicles, including handicap spaces.
Plus, the friendly on-site staff is experienced in event planning and support.
| Pro tip: Since Santo Cristo Banquet Hall allows plenty of room for dancing, consider hiring a live band or an experienced DJ to take full advantage of the space’s sound wiring and dedicated booth. |
The Horticulture Building
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Address: 1525 Princess Patricia Way
Contact details: +613 580 2429
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: maximum capacity of 800 guests
The Horticulture Building is not just a banquet hall—it’s a historic venue perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or community celebration. Built in 1914, this venue combines utility with historic charm.
One standout feature is how flexible this venue is for catering, as it offers both in-house and outside catering options. Also, you’re provided with all the essentials—tables, chairs, and event staff.
The staff here, by the way, are experienced with a range of events, so you’ll have their expertise to help with setup, timing, and logistics.
| Pro tip: Parking at the Horticulture Building is not included with your rental, but here’s a great tip—you can talk to the venue early about negotiating and pre-purchasing parking spaces at Lansdowne Park for your guests. |
Mosaic Convention Centre
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Website: https://mosaicconventioncentre.ca/
Address: 2465 St. Laurent Blvd.
Contact details: +1 613 260 1110
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: maximum of 1,000 guests
Mosaic Convention Centre offers an impressive capacity of up to 1,000 guests, making it one of the best options for larger gatherings in Ottawa. The venue comes equipped with parking spaces, so guests won’t have to circle the block looking for spots.
What’s more, they offer complimentary audiovisual services. Plus, their catering services are a great addition, and you can rely on their experienced event planners to handle the logistics for your event.
For corporate events, you’ll have access to high-quality visual and sound systems for keynote speeches, workshops, or large-scale training sessions. Mosaic also delivers comfort and accessibility, thanks to its modern amenities and thoughtful design.
| Pro tip: While the venue offers ample parking due to its convenient location near the airport, it’s a good idea to confirm parking arrangements in advance, especially for events with a high guest count. |
Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory
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Website: http://www.aquatopia.world/
Address: 2710 March Rd, Carp
Contact details: +1 613 225 7663
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 8 AM to 1 PM
Cost: £££
Capacity: maximum of 150 guests
Aquatopia Water Garden Conservatory is unlike any traditional banquet hall—you’ll host your event amidst lush greenery, waterfalls, and a tropical indoor vibe. Perfect for weddings and other special events, Aquatopia offers exclusive use for up to 8 hours!
Along with their complimentary internet access, you’ll also love their gourmet menu, handcrafted by their talented culinary team. Moreover, it’s ideal for events with up to 150 guests, which makes it a go-to for small to medium gatherings.
Another standout element of Aquatopia is its comprehensive service package. You’re provided with a personal event coordinator who will help with everything—decorations, layout, catering timing—all while making sure every detail clicks into place.
| Pro tip: If you plan to get married at Aquatopia, you can do both the ceremony and reception there since the greenhouse provides an enchanting backdrop for photography. They’ll also give you time for photo sessions in other parts of the conservatory! |
