Spend a night under the stars with some good movies at these drive-in theatres near Ottawa. This has been a bucket list item of mine for a while and I’m excited to attend one this weekend. It’s the perfect way to social distance and enjoy some fun at a classic drive-in.
Here are some tips before going to a drive-in theatre near Ottawa:
- Buy tickets ahead of time. With COVID restrictions there are fewer tickets available to allow for social distancing. Tickets sell FAST.
- Check Concession is Open. Rules are changing with COVID and some concessions are open and therefore they’re not allowing outside food or drinks. Drive-ins make the most of their money from them so please support 🙂
- Make sure to read COVID rules on their website before attending. Each drive-in has included information on washrooms and parking. Each car must be with members of the same household and you have to sit in your car for the movie.
- Movies start around dusk. Check your ticket for official times. I recommend showing up earlier to get a good spot.
- Bring blankets, pillows, and a jacket. Some cars also brought netting to protect from mosquitos.
- Truck up? Make sure to park at the back or tie your trunk down so it’s not blocking other people 🙂
Drive-In Theatres In Ottawa:
The Drive-In Experience Ottawa
This year the drive-in experience has two locations: Wesley Clover Park (West) and 300 Coventry Road (East). Head here for a drive-in movie night right here in Ottawa. Currently, there is no concession so you can bring your own snacks. Wesley Clover Park is super close to Kichessipi Brewery so stop in there first for some of their non-alcoholic sodas (their cream soda is my favourite).
Tickets: see a schedule and purchase tickets here.
FAQ Bathrooms: There are bathrooms on-site that are open.
Drive-in 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: purchase them online at the beginning of the week. Don’t wait because they sell out.
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. If you’re a bigger vehicle I recommend being at the back. If you’re a smaller vehicle I recommend going near the middle to front.
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: Stop at CC’s On The Rideau for a bite by the water. Find more things to do in Smith Falls and Perth here.
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 $20 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. When restrictions lift, 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 $30 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.
Bathrooms: there are bathrooms on-site you can use.
Concession: they have a snack bar takeout window. No outside food or drink allowed.
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: $11 for 11 years old and up and statutory holidays. Tickets are $7 for seniors and on Tuesday and Wednesday. 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
You’ll find them close to Montreal. Once restrictions lift, make a weekend getaway out of it with this guide.
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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