Local guide

Padel in Ottawa: Where to Play and How to Get Started

Padel has a small but real home in Ottawa. There are two places to play in the city right now: one indoor club built around the sport, and one outdoor court at a downtown sports centre. Here is what each offers, how to choose, and what to do if you have never held a paddle.

Padel & Friends (Gloucester)

Padel & Friends at 1101 Polytek St is Ottawa's dedicated padel club. It opened in August 2025 and was reported at the time as the city's first indoor padel club. Padel Browser lists it with three indoor courts and a high ceiling, plus coaching, a pro shop and food and drinks. Because the courts are indoors, play does not depend on the weather, which matters in an Ottawa winter.

This is the better pick if you want regular games, coaching, or to meet other players. Check the club's website for current court times and pricing, since both change.

Rideau Sports Centre (downtown)

Rideau Sports Centre at 1 Donald St is a multi-sport centre with an outdoor padel court alongside tennis and pickleball courts. Padel Browser lists one court. It is a handy option if you already play racquet sports and want to try padel without joining a dedicated club.

An outdoor court is seasonal in Canada, so confirm availability with the centre before you head over in the colder months.

Which one should you pick?

1. Brand new to padel: start at Padel & Friends, where coaching is available and courts are indoors.
2. Already a tennis or pickleball player: Rideau Sports Centre is a low-commitment way to try it.
3. Want to play year-round: Padel & Friends.

Bring a friend if you can. Padel is played in doubles, so you need four players for a full game, and most clubs can help you find a match.

If you have never played

Padel is played on a small glass-walled court, and the ball can bounce off the walls, which makes the rally forgiving for beginners. Our beginner's guide to padel covers the rules and how the court works. Most clubs rent paddles, so you do not need to buy one on your first visit. When you are ready for your own, see our guide to choosing your first paddle.

More padel nearby

Ottawa is still a small padel market. If you are willing to travel, the Toronto area has many more clubs. Browse the full list of Ontario padel locations on FindPadel.ca, and use the Ottawa page to see both local clubs side by side.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not affect which venues we list.