There is nothing quite like spending a warm summer night under the stars with a bucket of popcorn and a great double feature. Going to a drive-in theatre is a classic summer activity packed with retro nostalgia, and it’s the perfect way to enjoy a movie while soaking up the great outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic date night or a fun family road trip, here is your ultimate guide to the best drive-in theatres near Ottawa to visit this season.
Tips Before You Go To An Ottawa-Area Drive-In
- Check the Ticket Rules: Some theatres require cash at the gate, while others mandate online booking. Check ahead so you don’t get turned away!
- Support the Concession Stand: Most drive-ins make the majority of their revenue from the snack bar rather than ticket sales. Skip the outside food, treat yourself to some movie popcorn, and help keep these historic venues alive.
- Arrive Early: Movies start at dusk, but lines form quickly. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes early ensures you secure a great view and grab your snacks without rushing.
- Pack Comfort Items: Bring plenty of blankets, pillows, and a jacket—even warm summer days get chilly after dark.
- Watch Your Trunk Height: Planning to open your SUV’s hatchback and sit in the back? Bring some twine or bungee cords to tie your trunk lid down so it sits level with your roofline and doesn’t block the screen for people behind you.
- Don’t Forget Bug Protection: Bring bug spray or mosquito netting to drape over your open windows or trunk.
FAQs about Drive-In Theatres near Ottawa:
Do you leave your car running during the movie?
No, you should leave your car off to prevent exhaust fumes from bothering your neighbors and to keep your headlights from accidentally flashing. If you get cold or need to clear a foggy windshield, it’s okay to turn it on briefly, but rely on cozy blankets instead. Tip: Make sure you know how to turn your car’s daytime running lights completely off!
Why choose a drive-in over a regular movie theatre?
Aside from the incredible retro vibe, it is highly budget-friendly. Almost every drive-in near Ottawa offers a double feature, meaning you get to watch two movies for the price of one. Plus, you can pack your car with friends and family for a flat carload rate.
Can you bring dogs to the drive-in?
Yes! Most drive-in theatres near Ottawa are pet-friendly, provided your pup is well-behaved, kept on a leash at all times while outside the vehicle, and you clean up after them.
Drive-in movie theatres near Ottawa
Port Elmsley Drive In Theatre
You’ll find this Drive-In Theatre Near Ottawa. You’ll find it just over an hour away between Perth and Smith Falls. They’ve been offering movies under the stars since 1953.
Tickets: first-come, first-served gate sales. Payment is accepted via credit, debit, or cash at the box office on site. Tickets are $15/person and include 2 movies. For kids ages 5-12, tickets are only $6.
When to Arrive: Gates open at 7:45 and showtime is 9:15. I recommend showing up at 7:45 to get a good spot. Larger vehicles must park at the white posts and smaller vehicles (cars) at the yellow posts).
Food at Port Elmsley: enjoy items from their snack bar grill from movie popcorn to poutine
Tune in: head to 88.7 on your radio.
FAQ Bathrooms: There are bathrooms on-site that are open. Only one person can go at a time so I recommend going during the movie to avoid the lineup.
Things to see along the way: Check out my full guide to Perth for ideas for a day trip before the movie. Stop at CC’s On The Rideau for a bite by the water.
Skylight Drive-in Theatre
This drive-in theatre near Ottawa in Pembroke. It’s about an hour and a 40-minute drive from Ottawa. This one is the cheapest at only $25 for a car-load of people.
Tickets: Buy tickets in advance and check what’s playing here. Tickets are $20 per car.
When to arrive: Movies start at dusk. I recommend going an hour early to get a good spot.
Bathrooms: there are bathrooms on-site you can use.
Tune in: 106.7 FM on your radio.
Schedule: You can check what they’re playing ahead of time here.
Concession: check their concession menu here.
Things to see along the way: There are lots of great restaurants to stop by a bite before the movie like Blendz or The Nook Creperie. There are also lots of fun shops in Pembroke. Find more things to do in Pembroke here.
Mustang PEC Drive-In Theatre
You’ll find this drive-in theatre near Ottawa Picton, two hours away. Make it a roadtrip with a stay in Prince Edward County. This drive-in has two screens that you can choose from. You can also bring your pup to this drive-in if they’re well-behaved and on a leash.
Tickets: Buy tickets in advance and check what’s playing here. Tickets are $35 for one carload up to 5 people.
When to arrive: Movies start at dusk. I recommend going an hour early to get a good spot.
Food at Mustang PEC Drive-In: Rebel Taco, their on-site vendor is slinging Tex-Mex tacos and classic movie fare. No outside food or drink allowed.
Bathrooms: there are bathrooms on-site you can use.
Drive-In Saint Eustache
This drive-in near Ottawa is 2 hours away. They have 5 screens available, making it one of Canada’s biggest and most modern.
Tickets: General admission (ages 11+) is $11.30. The discounted days are now Mondays and Tuesdays ($7.82), and they are closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.Check the schedule here.
When to arrive: Movies start at dusk. I recommend going an hour early to get a good spot.
Bathrooms: there are bathrooms on-site you can use.
Concession: they have food that is packed and ready to go. No outside food or drink allowed.
Tune in:
- Screen 1 = 88.1
- Screen 2 = 89.1
- Screen 3 = 89.7
- Screen 4 = 90.7
- Screen 5 = 91.7
Add on these adventures: full guide to Laval from flower farms to patios. Full guide to Montreal including neighbourhoods you can’t miss.
Find more summer adventures in Ottawa here.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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