Canadian Tire Centre
Ottawa, ON · Arena
Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, west of downtown Ottawa, keeps one of the strictest bag rules around. The only thing you can bring is a small clutch or wallet-style bag smaller than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches, with no metal or chain strap. Even a clear bag over that size is turned away, which is stricter than most NFL clear bag stadiums.
Medical and childcare or diaper bags are the exception, entering at Gate 3 off Palladium and Huntmar for x-ray screening. There is no bag check, so anything larger has to stay in the car. OC Transpo runs game-day buses, a handy way to skip the Highway 417 traffic.
Venue details
Need a concert bag for Canadian Tire Centre?
Stadium-approved clear bags that meet the policy.
What you can bring
- Clutch or wallet-style bag smaller than 4" x 6" x 1.5", with no metal or chain strap
- Phones, wallets, and keys carried in your pockets
- Medical and childcare or diaper bags, x-rayed at Gate 3
Not allowed inside
- Bags, backpacks, purses, totes, and clear bags larger than a 4" x 6" x 1.5" clutch
- Fanny packs and camera bags
- Clutches with a metal or chain strap
- Outside food and beverages
- Weapons and noisemakers
Even clear bags over the small clutch size are not allowed. Medical and childcare or diaper bags are the exception, entering at Gate 3 (Palladium Drive and Huntmar Drive, parking lots 3 and 4) for x-ray screening.
Upcoming events
Heading to a show at Canadian Tire Centre? Here are the next events, with tickets on StubHub and SeatGeek so you can compare before you buy. The bag policy above applies to every one of them.
Browse all upcoming concerts →
No bag that fits? Plan ahead
Canadian Tire Centre has no on-site bag check, so a bag larger than the 4 by 6 by 1.5 inch clutch, other than a medical or diaper bag, has to stay in your vehicle.
Common questions
What is the Canadian Tire Centre bag policy?
Only a small clutch or wallet-style bag smaller than 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches, with no metal or chain strap. Even clear bags over that size are not allowed.
Can I bring a clear bag to Canadian Tire Centre?
Only if it is a small clutch under 4 by 6 by 1.5 inches. Larger clear bags are not permitted.
Where do I enter with a medical or diaper bag at Canadian Tire Centre?
At Gate 3, off Palladium Drive and Huntmar Drive near parking lots 3 and 4, for x-ray screening.
What is the bag policy for Ottawa Senators games?
The same clutch-only rule applies to Senators games and concerts, with metal detectors at entry.
Getting there
Gates open
Doors usually open 90 minutes before Senators puck drop and 60 to 90 minutes before concerts.
Parking
The arena has large surrounding lots in Kanata off Highway 417. Prepaid parking and rideshare are the common options, since it is west of downtown Ottawa.
Public transit
OC Transpo runs game-day bus service to the arena from downtown and park-and-ride lots, a common way to skip the highway traffic.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft use a designated zone near the arena. Follow staff signage after the event.
Seating chart
Verified June 2026 against the Canadian Tire Centre official policy. Rules can change for one-off events, so check your event page too.