In 2017, Hard Rock International recognized Ottawa’s untapped potential—a growing cultural capital with a storied racetrack site unlike any in its portfolio. Now, with the first phase of one of Ottawa’s largest privately funded projects nearing completion, the $350 million investment promises to transform the city into a world-class entertainment destination.

The first thing you hear at a Hard Rock venue is not the faint hum of slot machines or the buzz of conversation—it’s music. It might be a guitar riff from Clapton or the voice of Celine Dion, subtly piped through every space, setting a rhythm that moves guests without them realizing. That energy—the curated blend of history, luxury, and rock-and-roll cool—is about to take centre stage in Ottawa.

After years of anticipation, the Rideau Carleton Casino & Raceway—one of the capital’s oldest entertainment venues—has stepped into the spotlight as it transforms into Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa, Canada’s first full-fledged Hard Rock hotel and casino destination. It’s more than a facelift for a local landmark; it’s Hard Rock’s ambitious play to elevate Ottawa to a hub for entertainment and tourism.

Construction fencing now frames the old gaming venue and raceway, signaling a $350-million commitment to something far more than a casino. Set to open phase one this spring, the development is Hard Rock’s signature mix of indulgence and spectacle: a 150-room luxury hotel, with 22 suites; the much-anticipated Hard Rock Live theatre—a venue poised to host 1,800 seated guests (2,200 standing); and, upon project completion, an expanded casino footprint featuring 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 table games, including a separate Baccarat room and high-limit slots. To round out the experience, 10 restaurants and bars await, anchored by the iconic Hard Rock Cafe—because no Hard Rock destination is complete without the timeless, guitar-bedecked dining experience.

Exterior renderings of the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, set to open in spring 2025. The iconic Hard Rock guitar statue signals a new era of entertainment for Ottawa.

A New Chapter For An Iconic Brand

Christine Crump, the newly appointed President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa and a seasoned gaming executive with a track record of leading major hospitality projects, calls this her favorite project to date. “Hard Rock doesn’t just build casinos—it builds destinations. This is about creating a world-class experience that Ottawa has long deserved.”

The executive’s career spans over 25 years in Ontario’s gaming industry, with several casino openings and expansion projects under her belt. “I can confidently say Hard Rock is the pinnacle—as an employer and operator.”

For Crump, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa is about more than slots and tables. “Hard Rock is an entertainment company. It’s food, music, live shows and gaming. It’s where an average Friday night in Ottawa is amplified to a life-long memory.” She adds.

Interior renderings of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa showcase live-action tables and high-limit areas alongside Hard Rock Live-an 1,800-seat concert venue poised to host world-class performances.

Hard Rock Finds A Home In Ottawa

The question many asked when the partnership with Hard Rock International was first announced in 2017 was “Why Ottawa?” A global brand doing business in over 70 countries, with hotels and casinos in places like Florida, Las Vegas, and Singapore, was choosing Canada’s capital.

The answer lies in Ottawa’s unique mix of local loyalty and untapped potential. For decades, the Rideau Carleton site quietly thrived, drawing steady crowds of gamers and racegoers. Yet its southern location always hinted at what could be—a space ripe for reinvention. Mayor Mark Sutcliffe sees it as a defining moment. “This is more than a new casino. It’s a catalyst for growth that will ripple across tourism, entertainment, and employment.”

Those ripples are already measurable. The construction phase alone has created over 1,900 jobs, with hundreds more expected when the doors swing open. More than tax revenue, it’s injecting energy–and opportunities for local providers—into the city’s south end, an area long in need of a new identity.

A major employer with a global reputation rarely arrives with such momentum, but being a great employer is more than a goal—it’s part of the brand’s DNA.

“There is unwavering support from our CEO down,” says Crump, whose leadership style is marked by direct involvement across all areas of operations, “and the message is clear: we are in the entertainment industry—we should have fun at work! All team members are part of the ‘band,’ a clever way to signal they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves.”

Hard Rock’s community impact is a legacy tied to its owners, the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Crump emphasizes that giving back is part of the brand’s ethos: “In every location we operate, we become part of the community fabric by building lasting relationships and supporting worthy causes.” Since Christine started her tenure as President 12 months ago, Hard Rock Ottawa has donated over $75,000 to local charities, including hundreds of volunteer hours. Furthermore, at the groundbreaking ceremony in June 2023, Rideau Carleton Casino, Future Hard Rock donated $20,000 to Minwaashin Lodge, an Indigenous women’s shelter—an early signal of Hard Rock’s commitment to Ottawa.

Interior renderings of the hotel suites at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa reveal sleek, modern design blended with signature music-infused accents.

Experience First

Stepping inside a Hard Rock Hotel or Casino is a sensory experience. Every detail matters, from the walls lined with authentic music memorabilia—think leather jackets worn by legends or hand-scribbled lyrics—to the Rock Shop’s exclusive merchandise.

Ottawa’s Hard Rock will be no different. At the heart of the guest experience are over 10 dining and lounge options, including the upscale Council Oak Steakhouse, a Hard Rock hallmark known for premium cuts and impeccable service. Then there’s Hard Rock Live, where international artists across genres will fill the city’s new marquee venue with an unmatched vibe.

It’s a fitting nod to Hard Rock’s humble beginnings: a small London cafe in 1971 that traded meals for guitars signed by rock royalty. That first gesture grew into the world’s largest repository of music memorabilia—now boasting over 88,000 pieces. Ottawa will soon join that legacy, with expertly curated artifacts displayed throughout the facility.

“Guests can expect to see treasures from music history right here in the capital,” says Crump. “It will take folks hours to walk around the facility to see them all.”

Hard Rock’s signature style comes alive in the casino interior, where its iconic music memorabilia—carefully curated from the world’s largest collection—meets Ottawa’s own design influences. Guests will experience vibrant dining options, including the return of the beloved Hard Rock Cafe, seamlessly integrated into a space that reflects the capital’s unique energy and character. With state-of-the-art gaming and immersive design, the venue promises a one-of-a-kind experience that is unmistakably Hard Rock, yet distinctly Ottawa.

As Ottawa prepares to welcome an entertainment giant this spring, the stakes feel appropriately high. The Hard Rock brand isn’t simply moving into the market—it’s setting the stage for a city ready to claim its place among Canada’s cultural and tourism hotspots.

And as Crump puts it, the soundcheck is almost over. “The entire Hard Rock band is preparing to deliver a world-class facility and experience,” she says. “I can’t wait to welcome our guests in the spring to showcase what we’ve been working on.”

Ottawa, your tour is about to begin!

*Seulement disponible en anglais.