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. Tickets sell FAST.
- Check Concession Rules. Many don’t allow outside food or drinks. Drive-ins make the most of their money from concessions so please support 🙂
- Movies start around dusk. Check your ticket for official times. I recommend showing up earlier to get a good spot and snacks.
- Bring blankets, pillows, and a jacket. Some cars also brought netting to protect from mosquitos.
- Is your trunk up to watch the movie? Make sure to park at the back or tie your trunk down so it’s not blocking other people 🙂
FAQs about Drive-In Theatres near Ottawa:
Do you leave your car running?
Some people leave their cars running. We turned ours on a few times when it started getting cold, but otherwise, we left it off. Bring blankets to stay comfy and cozy. If you have an SUV, you can have the trunk facing the screen and bring pillows and blankets to make it comfortable. If it’s earlier in summer, make sure to bring bug netting or bug spray!
Why go to a drive-in theatre?
I love the nostalgic vibe of going to a drive-in theatre. It’s also much cheaper than a normal movie, with some showing two movies in a night for a great price!
Can you bring your dog to a drive-in theatre?
Most drive-in theatres near Ottawa allow you to bring your dog if they’re kept on a leash and cleaned up after. Make sure to check the drive-in theatres rules before visiting.
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: Check out my full guide to Perth for ideas for a day trip before the movie. 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 $25 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
Add on these adventures: full guide to Laval from flower farms to patios. Full guide to Montreal including neighbourhoods you can’t miss.
Find more summer adventures in Ottawa here.
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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