Listen to the naysayers and you’ll think that nothing good ever happens in Ottawa. Often known as “government city,” Canada’s capital has developed a reputation as an overly-serious place to live. In fact, there are articles dedicated to supporting the claim that Ottawa is the 'city that fun forgot'.
While there’s no doubt serious stuff goes on inside the Senate and House of Commons, that isn’t the end of the story. Indeed, when you look beyond the Gothic Revival style buildings and examine the city’s underbelly, you’ll find fun and frolics in equal measure. OK, so it may not be Las Vegas or New York, but Ottawa has plenty of things to keep you amused, particularly when the sun goes down.
In fact, one thing O-Town does surprisingly well is gaming. Down the city’s avenues and alleyways, you’ll find games of all shapes and sizes. To show you what we mean, here are three of the best gaming venues in Ottawa.
What do you get when you combine live music, drinks, and pinball? Simple: House of Targ – a retro gaming joint with all the ingredients for a great night out, this venue is one that old school gamers will love. As well as 40+ pinball machines, this club has tons of classic arcade games.
Indeed, if you’re someone that loves playing games online, we’d suggest honing your skills at home before heading to House of Targ. However, if you’re a novice, never fear because Freeplay Sundays are your chance to have some fun without breaking the bank. If you love traditional gaming or are simply looking for a vintage throwback, this place is perfect.
For a slightly different gaming experience, the town-favorite Rideau Carleton Casino has something for everyone. As a complete entertainment venue, the casino offers dining, shows, bars and much more. Of course, casino games and card tables, such as slots and poker, are the main attraction.
Given the current popularity of online casinos, this venue has become a hot pick for thrill-seekers. Because patrons can now power up their computer and find reliable Canadian online casinos at home, many myths about gambling have been dispelled in recent years. Indeed, by reading through guides that explain the nuances of casino gaming such as bonus, variance and security, novices have learned to love the industry. This, in turn, has resulted in more people visiting land-based venues such as the Rideau Carleton.
If pinball, arcades and casino games aren’t your thing, Ottawa’s nightlife scene has one more trick up its sleeve. For those that prefer a more relaxed evening, the Loft Board Game Lounge is ideal. Alongside a varied menu featuring flatbread pizza, kale chips, and their signature cocktails, you’ll find shelves upon shelves stacked with classic board games.
What’s great about the lounge is that its 100+ games cater to all occasions. If you’re on your own or with a partner, there are board games to suit. If you’re having a party, You Don’t Say and Unusual Suspects are just two of the multiplayer experiences on offer inside this quirky gaming venue.
Even though we’ve only scraped the tip of the iceberg, you can see that calling Ottawa the city fun forgot is unfair. Everyone loves a good game no matter your age, online or otherwise and, as we’ve shown, there are plenty of ways to play when the sun sets on O-Town.
