Find Party venues for rent in Ottawa, Canada

About Ottawa

Ottawa is the capital of Canada sharing a border with Quebec in southeast Ontario. The Ottawa River is the provincial border between Ontario and Quebec. The government buildings and the seat of the Canadian government lie in Ottawa on the river’s south side. Gatineau, Quebec, lies immediately across the Ottawa River, and these two cities are known as the National Capitol Region, the 4th largest metropolitan area in Canada with 1.5 million people.

The Algonquin tribe named Ottawa, meaning “to trade,” because it was the major trading hub between the tribes of the First Nations. The Ottawa and the Gatineau Rivers were the favored trade routes. The arrival of the French trappers and traders expanded the trade route to other European settlers to the south in the US colonies and other remote tribes within the interior.

With the seat of government, the clustering of universities and provincial colleges, and the diversity of the economy into high-tech, the residents of Ottawa are known as the most educated in all of Canada. The high-tech start-up companies gave Ottawa the moniker of Silicon Valley North.

The building of the extensive locks and canal systems over time made it possible for the trade routes to be uninterrupted travel from the Atlantic to the Great Lakes. Ottawa has stayed true to its trade history with the present-day definition of commerce and service.

Party Options in Ottawa

The spaces offered by the host owners range from specialty commercial spaces to rooms of clear span construction and private residences. Some of the specialty spaces may have certain services, such as catering, furnishings, and a/v, pre-packaged and provided by preferred vendors. The prices will be based upon the number of guests without the opportunity to bid.

• Party Planning
  If the party location does not fall under the guise of pre-packaged services, then the services of a professional party planner will coordinate the décor, furnishings, and catering. The planner will work with the host client to understand the theme of the party and the budget from which to work. The occasion for the party will be communicated through the choice of venue and the set-up.
  
  
• Catering
  The catering services brought to a party are different than the services brought to an event. The food options need to meld with the occasion and the style of the celebration. The tone of the party will be set through the service and menu. The caterers will need an understanding of not only the theme but the client’s expectations of the attendees’ experience.
  
  
• Permitting
  Generally, a party hosting less than 100 guests will not be required to pull a permit. However, if the party is held on property owned or controlled by a quasi- or governmental department, like the National Capitol Commission, then a permit is necessary for the venue.

Party Company Options in Ottawa

Ottawa has a diverse economy in government and the private sectors of high-tech, education, and healthcare. These industry types have a byproduct of events and parties needing the support of planners, caterers, photographers, and the like. The vendors and contractors supporting the event industry are local to the Ottawa region with experience in working with clients from the public and the private sides of the business.

• Bree’s Events
  Bree’s Events is sponsored by Best in Ottawa and has been nominated for many awards in the party planning industry through votes by peers and clients. Bree’s niche in life celebrations. The service for furniture and décor rentals can be handled from Bree’s Events website to provide a seamless process to the client.
  
  
• Epicuria
  Epicuria has been catering to social and corporate events in Ottawa for over 30 years. The staff takes catering to the next level in offering event planning to manage the logistics of food and beverage service. In addition to made-to-order for parties, Epicuria offers its food shop to the public for take-out meals or to offer a sampling of upcoming creations for special occasions or holiday events.
  
  
• JVL Photo
  Justin Van Leeuwen is the professional photographer behind JVL Photo in Ottawa. His specialties are social and corporate events, editorial, and architecture. Justin will work with each client to get an understanding of the occasion and how the client wants the party portrayed through the photography. The images created by JVL can be staged, natural, and a combination of these sets.

Pros and Cons of a Party in Ottawa

As with all projects, there will be pros and cons to recognize and consider. For a well-rounded decision, it will be necessary to consider all facets of the project in relation to the whole. Be sure you know all the advantages and disadvantages of a party in Ottawa before packing your bags.

Advantages

• Lifestyles
  Ottawa ranks 3rd in Canada as to qualify of life and 19th worldwide. The salaries commensurate with the economic base require a certain lifestyle. Ottawa meets and supports these expectations.
  
  
• Local Support of Industry
  With the moniker of Silicon Valley North, the clustering of secondary education facilities, and the seat of government, social entertainment is prevalent. The choice of vendors providing ancillary services and the offerings by host owners are a testament to local support.
  
  
• Great summers
  The seasons in Ottawa are distinct. On average, there are 11 days in the summer when the temperature is over 85°F. There are, on average, 17 days in the winter when the temperature is below 0°F. Any variation in the weather conditions occurs in the spring and fall when large swings in temperature and air current are experienced.

Disadvantages

• Permitting
  If early in the planning stages it is determined that the party will need some type of permit, then it is best to consider all aspects of the party that may trigger a permit. If the party hosts more than 100 attendees or is considered a fundraiser, then a permit is required.
  
  
• Earthquakes
  Western Quebec has a seismic zone in which Ottawa is located. This relatively dormant zone has experienced several earthquakes over the past decade, and these quakes have averaged 4.8 on the Richter scale.
  
  
• Cold winters
  It will take ice skates and sleds to maneuver through the city when the canals and rivers completely freeze and when the bridges and roads are closed to traffic. The locals will not be homebound as life carries on; although, the short-term visitor may be at a standstill.

Famous Locations in Ottawa

• Three-Day Algonquin Park Canoe Trip
  This true wilderness camping trip is for all experience levels of canoeing. The tour is guided with instructions on packing, portaging, and steering. This is an excellent way to see wildlife in its natural habitat. With the exception of personal items, all meals, permits, and equipment will be provided.
  
  
• ATV Tours in Calabogie
  These tours are guided and will give the adventurous participants the experience of mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and wilderness trails. These places are not accessible by car and are difficult on foot. The tours are held year-round with snowmobiles as the winter alternative.
  
  
• Parliament Hill and Buildings
  There are three government buildings on the Ottawa River that house the Senate, the House of Commons, and Parliament. These buildings are of gothic-revival architecture with a European feel. The guided tours through the buildings are free and will give the visitors an overview of the workings of the government and Canada’s history.