Rise and Shine, Ottawa. It's Game Day
Ottawa is going full hockey mode this Sunday, and the city's bars and restaurants are ready to open their doors, and their taps, as early as 6 a.m. to make sure fans don't miss a single faceoff of Canada's gold medal game.
The Ontario government has granted a special exemption allowing licensed establishments across Ottawa to begin serving alcohol at 6 a.m., well ahead of the usual 11 a.m. Sunday opening time. Whether you're planning to catch the puck drop at a Byward Market sports bar, a packed Glebe pub, or your favourite Hintonburg neighbourhood spot, odds are they'll be pulling pints before most of Ottawa has even had breakfast.
Where to Watch in Ottawa
Downtown Ottawa has no shortage of go-to game day venues. The Market area, with spots spread along George and Clarence streets, tends to fill up fast for big international games, so if you've got a favourite haunt, call ahead or show up early to snag a table. The same goes for the Glebe, where Bank Street pubs reliably pack out for Hockey Night in Canada moments.
For those on the west end, Westboro and Hintonburg have a growing roster of bars and breweries that regularly screen major sporting events. A quick check of your local spot's social media will tell you if they're opening early and whether reservations are needed.
A City That Takes Its Hockey Seriously
Let's be honest, Ottawa doesn't need much of an excuse to rally around Team Canada. The capital has a deep hockey identity, and gold medal games have a way of turning the whole city into one big watch party. Expect a sea of red and white jerseys, flags in windows, and the kind of collective energy that only a Canadian hockey gold run can produce.
If you're heading out, a few practical tips: dress warm if you're lining up outside, bring cash for busy bar nights, and maybe eat something before that first pint at 6 a.m. Game day mornings are a marathon, not a sprint.
Responsible Revelry
With the early start comes a reminder to pace yourself and get home safely. Ottawa's OC Transpo will be running, and ride-share apps will be your friend. Many Ottawa establishments will also be serving food alongside drinks, so take advantage, a proper breakfast spread makes for a much better game day experience than drinking on an empty stomach.
This is one of those rare Sunday mornings where Ottawa collectively gives itself permission to go a little wild, and honestly, with a gold medal on the line, who can blame us? Lace up, raise a glass, and let's go Canada.
Source: CTV News
