Welcome to Rideau Sports Centre, a vibrant racquet sport & fitness facility located in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
At the Rideau Sports Centre, our mission is to provide an inclusive, feel-good environment where everyone can come together to play, connect, and thrive. Whether you’re stepping onto a tennis court for the first time, diving into the pool, or attending a community event, our goal is to create spaces that inspire joy, connection, and well-being. We believe that recreation isn’t just about physical activity—it’s about fostering moments that bring smiles, build relationships, and enrich lives.
We are committed to making racquet sports and fitness & wellness accessible to all. By embracing diversity and ensuring an open, welcoming atmosphere, we celebrate the uniqueness of every individual in our community. From racquet programs to social round robins, our offerings are designed to cater to varying interests and skill levels, allowing everyone to find their rhythm and feel supported in their journey. Our state-of-the-art facilities and passionate team help create experiences that energize and uplift all who visit.
At its core, the Rideau Sports Centre thrives on connection. Our mission extends beyond courts and studios — it’s about building a community where people feel they belong. Whether it’s through teamwork, shared victories, or casual conversations by the Rideau River, we aim to be a hub for positive experiences and lasting memories. Together, we strive to be a place where everyone can play freely, connect deeply, and thrive fully.
The Rideau Sports Centre (RSC) is a vibrant racquet sport and wellness facility located along the scenic Rideau River in Ottawa. Our state-of-the-art amenities include 8 year-round hard tennis courts, 7 outdoor clay tennis courts, 12 outdoor pickleball courts, 1 outdoor padel court, an outdoor pool, and 2 fitness & yoga studios. RSC also offers a welcoming restaurant, The Bridge Public House, with riverside views, creating the perfect spot to relax before or after activities.
Designed to foster an inclusive and fun environment, RSC is your destination for play, connection, and growth. Whether you’re here for recreation, training, or leisure, our facility is built to support all levels and interests.
The Rideau Sports Centre (RSC) has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1912 when Esther Sparks Wolff leased her 3-acre property along the Rideau River to establish the Rideau Lawn Club. Her three-story home overlooking the river served as the first clubhouse. The club quickly became a social and recreational hub.
In 1919, a fire destroyed the original clubhouse, but the club persevered. It hosted notable guests over the years, including Charles Lindbergh, who visited in 1927 alongside Prime Minister Mackenzie King just 6 weeks after his first solo transatlantic flight.
The 1950’s saw the Rideau Tennis Club as a central hub for Ottawa’s elite and social activities. During this time, it hosted numerous high-profile tennis tournaments and became a gathering place for politicians, diplomats, and members of Ottawa’s high society. It established itself as a premier venue in Canadian tennis, known not just for its sports offerings but also as a gathering place for influential individuals. The club’s reputation attracted some of the best in the sport and those with ties to tennis diplomacy, aligning with Ottawa’s role as the nation’s capital.
The 60s and 70s also saw the club solidify its role as a community cornerstone, hosting events and expanding its facilities through the addition of the pool and squash courts. By 1970, the introduction of winter tennis with the erection of bubbles marked a major innovation, further establishing the club’s leadership in Canadian tennis facilities
Tragedy struck again in 2001 when another fire devastated the clubhouse. In 2004, the Recreation Association of the Public Service of Canada (the RA) purchased the property. The RA revitalized the site, overseeing its centennial and enhancing its facilities, including the rebuilding of the clubhouse and maintaining the grounds.
In 2017, Nicki Bridgland, CEO and Founder of the Ottawa Sport & Social Club (OSSC), acquired the property and renamed it the Rideau Sports Centre. Her vision was to transform the historic site into a vibrant, multi-sport facility open to the public. Today, RSC offers a variety of sports, wellness programs, and community activities while honoring its storied past.
The serene location on the Rideau River adds to its appeal as a premier recreational destination. Generations of families engaged in tennis, and now other fitness and wellness activities, has fostered a deep-rooted community spirit that endured through the decades.
