Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa
The Wait is Over: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa Opens with Legendary Guitar Smash and Star-Studded Celebration
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa officially opened its doors today with a signature guitar smash, marking the arrival of Canada's first fully integrated Hard Rock resort, a bold new destination where entertainment, hospitality, and music take center stage.
The $350 million resort brings the brand's unmistakable energy to Canada's capital, offering locals and visitors an immersive Hard Rock experience blending iconic music history with world-class entertainment, hospitality, dining, and gaming.
In true Hard Rock fashion, the opening festivities kicked off with the Canadian Tenors' electrifying rendition of O Canada followed by the brand's signature Guitar Smash, a modern take on the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Executives, dignitaries, and community leaders took the stage to ceremoniously smash guitars, signaling the official opening of the state-of-the-art entertainment destination.
A special moment included the presentation of a $100,000 donation to Ottawa Food Bank, reinforcing Hard Rock's commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.
Grand Opening attendees included:
- Seminole Tribe of Florida leaders
- Hard Rock International executives, including Chief Operating Officer Jeff Hook and Executive Operations Advisor Jon Lucas
- Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming
- City of Ottawa officials, including Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Police Chief Eric Stubbs and Fire Chief Paul Hutt
- Michael Andlauer, Ottawa Senators ownership group
- Brianne Jenner, Captain PWHL Ottawa Charge
- Sara Bailey, reigning WBA Light Flyweight World Champion
Guests can now experience over 150,000 square feet of entertainment and hospitality offerings, including:
- A contemporary, music-inspired hotel with 150 guest rooms, including 22 luxury suites
- Multiple dining options, including elevated dining at Council Oak Steakhouse & Seafood and the legendary Hard Rock Cafe
- Hard Rock LIVE, a state-of-the-art, performance venue with capacity for up to 2,200 guests
- An expanded casino floor featuring, slots, live table games, and high-limit gaming areas
- The Rock Shop®, offering exclusive Hard Rock merchandise and curated music memorabilia from Canadian and international music icons.
The Grand Opening celebration continues with a performance by David Foster and Katharine McPhee on July 3, and a headline concert by Avril Lavigne on July 5 to close out the celebration.
The project represents a significant investment in the National Capital Region, creating over 600 new jobs and positioning Ottawa as a must-visit destination for entertainment, hospitality, and tourism.
To book your stay or view upcoming events, visit: casino.hardrock.com/ottawa