Directions to the National Arts Centre

53 Elgin Street, at Confederation Square Ottawa Ontario

From Highway 417 heading East and West:

• take the Nicholas Street exit;
• at the first set of traffic lights, turn left onto Laurier Avenue;
• at the second set of lights, turn right onto Elgin Street;
• there is an entrance to the underground parking garage of the National Arts Centre on your right, before the Mackenzie King Bridge (exactly at the corner of Slater and Elgin Streets);
• There is another entrance to the underground parking garage of the National Arts Centre if you continue north on Elgin one more traffic light and turn left on Albert Street, the entrance is immediately on your right;
• the main entrance to the National Arts Centre's Main Foyer is after Albert Street, opposite Queen Street, named Lawrence Freiman lane, turn right and go down the ramp;
• The underground parking facilities are also accessible at the end of Lawrence Freiman Lane, near the Stage Door.

  Note: Queen Elizabeth Driveway is one way southbound and should not be used to access the parking facilities. Delivery vehicles and vehicles over 3.25m (10' 8") in height are exempt and must use Queen Elizabeth Drive. Caution should be exercised when using this approach due to the possibility of encountering on-coming traffic.

From Hull and Gatineau, Québec:
(from Alexandra Bridge)

• take Mackenzie Avenue;
• turn right onto Wellington Street;
• at the second set of traffic lights, turn left onto Elgin Street;
• at the first set of lights, you may turn left on Lawrence Freiman Lane towards the Main Foyer entrance of the National Arts Centre OR continue on Elgin Street south and turn right at the second set of lights to enter the underground parking garage from Albert Street (immediately around the corner of Albert and Elgin);
• The underground parking garage is also accessible at the third traffic light at Slater Street, corner of Slater and Elgin Streets.

(from Macdonald-Cartier Bridge)

• take King Edward Avenue;
• turn right onto Rideau Street (Rideau St. becomes Wellington St.);
• turn left onto Elgin Street;
• at the first set of lights, you may turn left on Lawrence Freiman Lane towards the Main Foyer entrance of the National Arts Centre OR continue on Elgin Street south and turn right at the second set of lights to enter the underground parking garage from Albert Street (immediately around the corner of Albert and Elgin);
• The underground parking garage is also accessible at the third traffic light at Slater Street, corner of Slater and Elgin Streets.

(from Du Portage Bridge)

• take Wellington Street;
• turn right onto Elgin Street;
• at the first set of lights, you may turn left on Lawrence Freiman Lane towards the Main Foyer entrance of the National Arts Centre OR continue on Elgin Street south and turn right at the second set of lights to enter the underground parking garage from Albert Street (immediately around the corner of Albert and Elgin);
• The underground parking garage is also accessible at the third traffic light at Slater Street, corner of Slater and Elgin Streets.

Directions from the National Arts Centre
To Highway 417 heading East and West
If you leave from Albert Street exits:

• Turn right on Albert Street (Albert is one-way street west);
• at the second set of traffic lights, turn left on O'Connor Street south;
• at the intersection of OÕConnor and Catherine Streets, you will see the Highway 417 (or Queensway) signs, East and West.

If you leave from Queen Elizabeth Drive  exits (near the Canal):

• Turn right on Laurier Street West on-ramp toward Elgin Street;
• at the second set of traffic lights, turn right on Elgin Street north;
• at the intersection of Slater and Elgin Streets, turn right on Slater Street (or Mackenzie King Bridge) until Nicholas Street
• Turn right on a small ramp leading from Mackenzie King Bridge to Nicholas Street
• Turn left onto Nicholas Street
• After crossing Laurier Street traffic lights, you will end up onto the Highway 417 (or Queensway) ramps, East and West.

To Hull and Gatineau, Québec
If you leave from Albert Street exits:

• Turn right on Albert Street (Albert is one-way street west) all the way until you reach Bay Street;
• at the  intersection of Bay and Albert, turn right on Bay toward Wellington Street;
• Turn left on Wellington Street, stay in the middle lane and that turns right onto Du Portage Bridge to Hull

If you leave from Queen Elizabeth Drive  exits (near the Canal):

• Turn right on Laurier Street West on-ramp toward Elgin Street;
• Stay on Laurier Street West until you reach Bay Street;
• at the  intersection of Bay and Laurier, turn right on Bay toward Wellington Street;
• Turn left on Wellington Street, stay in the middle lane and that turns right onto Du Portage Bridge to Hull

[top]

Parking

The underground parking entrances are located on Elgin (at corner of Slater) and on Albert Street.

Parking Hours:
Monday to Friday: 6:00 to Midnight
Saturday: 7:30 to 1:00
Sunday: Open 2 hours before curtain until the end of the last performance.

Parking Rates (Tax included):
Enter before 16:00 :
$3.00 per half hour ($15.00 maximum)
Enter after 16:00 :
$3.00 per half hour ($10.00 maximum)
24 hour period :
$3.00 per half hour ($20.00 maximum)
Weekend Rates:
$3.00 per half hour ($10.00 maximum)
Meter Rate:
$1.00 per 10 min.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us by phone at (613) 947-7000, extension 488, by fax at (613) 947-3934 or by email at parking@nac-cna.ca.

Alternate Parking:
Additional indoor parking is available at:

• World Exchange Plaza
  45 O'Connor Street across from Metcalfe Street or Queen
• Ottawa City Hall
  111 Lisgar Street, access from the south side of Laurier Avenue or from Elgin Street between the Courthouse and the heritage building.
• Place Bell Parking Garage
  Entrances on Gloucester or Nepean Street

Additional outdoor parking is available at:

• Impark lot on Albert Street behind the government building on Elgin Street.
• Surface parking lot behind Friday's restaurant at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue.

Parking at and around the NAC
Parking for large vehicles

[top]

What are the hours of the Intermezzo Bar?
The Intermezzo Bar is open 1 hour prior to and during NAC performances in Southam Hall and the Theatre only. Non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks may be purchased. A selection of sandwiches and light meals may be purchased.

Where may I purchase NAC gift items?
NAC Items may be purchased through the online NAC Boutique.

What is the NAC's late-comers policy?
Latecomers will be permitted to reach their seats only during a suitable pause in the programme.

What is the policy for ticket exchanges and cancellations?
The exchange and cancellation policy for subscribers can be found on the subscriptions page.
Non subscribers must contact the NAC Box Office by phone at 947-7000 ext. 280 or in person.

What is the final cost for tickets?
Advertised ticket prices do not include applicable taxes. Tickets purchased online or by phone will be subject to standard processing and handling charges.

Is there a dress code at the NAC?
There is no official dress code for the National Arts Centre.

When do I clap during orchestral performances?

1. Count the number of movements of a piece indicated in the performance programme. If the piece has four movements, the performers will almost always pause between movements. Once you have counted three pauses you can be quite sure that you're now listening to the finale.

2. Wait for the rest of the audience to start the applause, then, join in! Your enthusiasm is always appreciated.

Does the NAC provide a baby-sitting service?
The National Arts Centre does not offer a baby-sitting service. Patrons can be reached during performances. Leave the Foyer phone number, (613) 947-7000 ext. 682, and seat location with anyone who may need to call.

Does the NAC have a policy concerning cameras and recording equipment?
Photographic and recording equipment is strictly prohibited inside the hall without prior written permission from the NAC; infringement of this rule can lead to immediate suspension of admission privileges.
What is the policy for latecomers?
Latecomers will be permitted to reach their seats only during a suitable pause in the programme.

[top]

National Arts Centre street address
53 Elgin Street, at Confederation Square
Ottawa Ontario
info@nac-cna.ca

Phone Numbers:
General: (613) 947-7000
1-866-850-ARTS
Box Office: Ext 280
Group Sales: Ext 384
Parking: Ext 488
Lost And Found: Ext 666
On Stage Tonight Line and Rush Seats: English: ext. 565; French: ext. 569
NAC Subscription: (613) 947-7000 ext. 620
Le Café: (613) 594-5127

[top]

Le Café

Enjoy the perfect blend of fine dining and artistic ambience in the heart of Ottawa. The canal-side view and exquisite menu make Le CafŽ the perfect place to go for any occasion: a business luncheon, before a performance, or a night on the town.
Call early to make your reservations:
(613) 594-5127.

Le Café Winter Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 to 14:00 & 17:30
Saturday: 17:30

Le Café Summer Hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 Lunch and Dinner
Saturday: 17:30
Sunday: 12:00 noon - 8:00pm last reservation at 6:00pm.
Until Labour Day September 1, 2008
Menu

Nearby hotels include the Lord Elgin hotel which is located diagonally across Elgin St. from the NAC and the Bostonian which is located in downtown Ottawa on MacLaren near O'Connor.

[top]

Customer Service

Services for hearing impaired
Since 1983, the NAC has been accommodating patrons with impaired disabilities. The NAC provides FM receivers including several accessories such as a headset for use without a hearing aid, a teleloop and a Cochlea Implant Patch Cord. There is no charge for this service, however, patrons are asked to leave a piece of identification. The device can be borrowed from the Communication Centre, adjacent to the Theatre Checkroom.

Special Services
For wheelchair, backrests, opera glasses, booster seats and other special services, ask for Patron Services, (613) 947-7000, ext. 212.

Emergency Calls
Patrons can be reached during performances. Leave the Foyer phone number, (613) 947-7000 ext. 682, and seat location with anyone who may need to call.

Checkroom Service
From October to May, we provide a checkroom service from our two checkrooms located in the Southam Hall and Theatre foyers.

Reception Centre
The Reception Centre is open until the end of every performance to answer your questions or provide services such as wheelchair assistance, arranging for taxi service, Para-Transpo service, etc.

[top]

All NAC halls have accessible areas.

The Reception Centre is opened until the end of every performance to answer your questions or provide services such as wheelchair assistance, arrange for taxi service, Para-Transpo service, etc. Or call Patron Services, (613) 947-7000, ext. 212

[top]

Private and group tours may be arranged by calling Patron Services at (613) 947-7000 ext. 212.

[top]

Local Attractions

Ottawa Tourism
Museum Passport

[top]