Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa set to open in July

The massive Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa will open its doors to the public early next month. CTV’s Camille Wilson reports.

The new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa is set to open its doors in Ottawa’s south end next month, the first “fully integrated resort” for Hard Rock in Canada.

Hard Rock International says the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa on Albion Road will open on Thursday, July 3 at 1 p.m.

“Ottawa is a milestone moment for us. It’s our first fully integrated resort in Canada and a key step in our global growth strategy,” Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International, said in a statement Monday morning.

“This property will not only attract international visitors but also support the local economy and enhance the region’s entertainment offerings.”

The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa will feature a 150-room hotel, with 22 luxury suites. The more than 150,000 sq. ft. of entertaining and gaming space includes the Hard Rock Live performance venue with capacity for up to 2,200 people, 1,500 slot machines, up to 40 gaming tables, and a high-limit gaming area.

There will be 10 restaurants and bars at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, including the iconic Hard Rock Café.

Hard Rock International says a lineup of Canadian entertainers will perform for the “Grand Opening” week, with details to be announced at a later date.

“Hard Rock knows how to throw a grand opening party,” Christine Crump, President of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa, said in the media release. “July 3 will mark the beginning of festivities, infused with legendary Hard Rock energy and an Oh! Canada! feel. This is more than a launch; it’s the start of something incredible for our city.”

Construction on the $350 million new hotel, casino and performance venue began in June 2023 after years of delays.

In 2017, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation selected Hard Rock International to become the operator of the casino at Rideau Carleton Raceway. The partnership between Hard Rock Casino International and Rideau Carleton Raceway included plans for a new “entertainment destination.”

“The city’s been waiting for this project for a long time. We were prepared to break ground just before Covid and then the whole world changed and we had to pivot,” said Christine Crump, property president of Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa.

Hard Rock International says the facility will create 700 local jobs.

“The economic impact comes from not only from our existing team members and the new hires, but also the hundreds of tradespeople here as part of this project as well,” Crump said.

“We’re super excited to announce this opening today and we can’t wait to share with the city what we’ve been working on.”

• Job seekers line up to apply at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa

Hard Rock International continues to operate the existing Rideau Carleton Casino ahead of the opening of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa. Once the new facility opens on July 3, renovations will begin on the original building with full completion and integration expected by the end of the year.

One of the first events at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Ottawa will be the PWHL draft on June 24.

Here’s what you need to know about the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ottawa

• Opening date: July 3 at 1 p.m.
• 700 employees
• The Hard Rock Hotel will have 150 rooms, including 22 suites
• Expanded Hard Rock Casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, high-limit gaming.
• Hard Rock Live – an 1,800-seat theatre with standing room for 2,200 guests
• More than 10 restaurants, bars and lounges, including the Hard Rock Café and Council Oak Steakhouse
• The Hard Rock shop

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Camille Wilson