University of Ottawa Parking: Find Your Space Before You Arrive
Parking at the University of Ottawa can be confusing, especially when you are visiting for the first time. For example, some garages have a weekday daily maximum, while others charge by the hour without one. In addition, student permits and visitor parking follow different rules.
This guide explains the parking rates, campus garages, payment methods, permits, and accessible spaces. Therefore, you can choose a suitable location before driving into central Ottawa.
HOURLY $9
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Rates depend on the location and parking period.
Quick Answer: Where Can You Park at uOttawa?
For a longer weekday visit, start by comparing Brooks Garage and Mann Garage. Both currently have a $17.50 weekday daily maximum. In contrast, Desmarais Garage charges the same hourly rate without a weekday daytime maximum.
If you are visiting after 3 p.m., several eligible locations offer a $9 maximum. Similarly, many campus parking areas have a $9 maximum on weekends and holidays. However, always check the posted signs before leaving your vehicle.
University of Ottawa Parking Rates for 2026
The university uses different pricing periods across its parking facilities. Consequently, the cost of a full weekday visit can differ significantly from an evening or weekend stay.
The following rates are published by uOttawa. Nevertheless, confirm the current price and restrictions at your chosen location.
| Parking period | Rate | Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday with daily maximum | $5.50/hour; $17.50 maximum | Brooks, Mann, Lees G4 and listed Peter Morand locations |
| Weekday without daily maximum | $5.50/hour; no daily maximum | Desmarais, Lot B, Lees G3 and listed campus street zones |
| After 3 p.m. on weekdays | $5.50/hour; $9 maximum | Eligible garages and designated campus lots |
| Weekends and holidays | $5.50/hour; $9 maximum | Eligible garages and designated campus lots |
For example, a four-hour weekday visit costs $17.50 at a garage with the daily cap. However, the same four hours can cost $22 at a location without that cap. Therefore, a nearby garage is not always the less expensive choice.
For the full list of eligible lots, consult the official daily parking rates.
Campus Garages and Visitor Parking Locations
Your destination building should guide your parking choice. For instance, a central campus meeting may make Desmarais convenient. On the other hand, a longer stay may make a capped garage more economical.
Brooks Garage
Brooks Garage is located at 100 Thomas More Private. In addition, its HotSpot zone is 4001. Because construction can affect campus access, check current notices before arriving.
Payment: HotSpot or eligible Pay & Display.
Mann Garage
Mann Garage is at 801 King Edward Avenue. Its HotSpot zone is 4000. Therefore, it is another location to compare for a longer weekday visit.
Payment: HotSpot and available on-site machines.
Desmarais Garage
Desmarais Garage is at 55 Laurier Avenue East, with HotSpot zone 4002. However, weekday daytime parking has no daily maximum. Therefore, calculate the total before choosing it for a long visit.
Lees G4
Located at 200 Lees Avenue, G4 has HotSpot zone 4200. In contrast, nearby G3 has no weekday daytime daily maximum. Consequently, confirm the section before paying.
Lot B
Lot B is located at 40 Stewart Street. Its HotSpot zone is 4300. Although it may suit a shorter visit, weekday daytime parking has no daily maximum.
Peter Morand Lots
Selected Peter Morand locations have a weekday daily maximum. However, the lots have different addresses and HotSpot codes. Therefore, choose the exact location shown on the official Alta Vista parking map.
How to Pay for University of Ottawa Visitor Parking
uOttawa supports HotSpot and physical payment machines at selected locations. However, payment options differ by lot. Therefore, check the sign and machine instructions before starting your session.
Before paying, check the signs, space availability and permit restrictions. Remember that HotSpot prepayment does not reserve a space.
Next, read the HotSpot code on the sign. For example, Brooks uses 4001, while Mann uses 4000.
Then, check the licence plate, payment period and selected location. An incorrect plate may cause an enforcement problem.
Finally, retain the receipt or app confirmation. If a Pay & Display machine prints a ticket, follow its display instructions.
Student Parking Permits at the University of Ottawa
Student parking permits are limited. Therefore, check availability before planning to drive to campus every day. Moreover, being eligible for a permit does not guarantee that your preferred garage will have space.
How Much Do Student Parking Permits Cost?
The university publishes different permit prices for exterior lots, garages, evening parking and satellite campuses. For example, the published monthly rate is $187.46 for exterior lots and $248.66 for garages.
| Permit type | Monthly | Term | Academic year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lot | $187.46 | $535.60 | $1,071.19 |
| Garage | $248.66 | $710.46 | $1,420.92 |
| Evening | $97.01 | $277.16 | $554.32 |
| 200 Lees | $144.26 | $412.18 | $824.36 |
| Alta Vista | $121.96 | $307.84 | $615.67 |
What If Student Permits Are Unavailable?
First, check the university’s current permit notice. Alternatively, compare daily visitor parking with nearby city parking. In addition, eligible full-time students generally have access to a U-Pass through their tuition. The on-campus O-Train station also makes transit practical.
For current availability and permit conditions, visit the official permit information page.
Event and Guest Parking
If you are attending a conference, open house or university event, first check the instructions from your organizer. Some events have special parking arrangements. However, an event invitation does not automatically include free or reserved parking.
For a normal visit, compare eligible daily parking areas. Meanwhile, departments arranging parking for guests should follow the university’s official guest and event permit process rather than relying on ordinary visitor spaces.
Accessible Parking at uOttawa
Accessible parking is available to people with a valid Ontario Ministry of Transportation accessible parking permit or an accepted provincial equivalent. However, accessible parking is not automatically free on campus.
Students, faculty and staff seeking designated campus accessible parking must follow the university’s permit process. In addition, the university requires the relevant permits to be displayed as instructed.
If you have temporary mobility needs, contact the appropriate university office about short-term arrangements. For example, eligible students may request assistance through Academic Support, while employees can contact Human Resources.
Before visiting, review the official accessible parking rules.
Electric Vehicle Charging on Campus
uOttawa offers Level 1 and Level 2 charging at selected parking locations. However, charging fees are separate from the regular parking charge where applicable.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging is available at Desmarais, Mann and Lees G3. In addition to the regular parking rate, the published charging surcharge is $1.50 per hour. Importantly, that surcharge has no daily maximum.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 outlets are available in Brooks, Desmarais and Mann. Unlike Level 2 charging, no additional charging surcharge is listed. Nevertheless, the regular parking charge still applies.
To pay for Level 2 charging, use HotSpot and the code displayed at the space. Although the charging units are made by FLO, the university does not use the FLO app for payment. Furthermore, charging spaces are first-come, first-served.
Check the official EV charging information before arriving.
Winter and Overnight Parking Restrictions
Winter parking requires extra attention in Ottawa. For example, snow removal can restrict overnight parking in exterior campus lots. Therefore, a daytime payment or permit should not be treated as permission to leave a vehicle overnight.
During the university’s winter snow-removal period, exterior lots have overnight restrictions. In addition, your permit type may limit which locations you can use. Consequently, check the current parking regulations before leaving your vehicle for an extended stay.
Parking Alternatives Near the University of Ottawa
Campus parking may fill during busy class periods. Therefore, keeping an alternative in mind can save time. Nearby private garages, city parking and transit may be useful, depending on your destination.
Nearby Garages
Compare nearby garages around Laurier Avenue, Rideau Street and the downtown area. However, confirm their current rates and entrance locations before driving there.
Transit and Park-and-Ride
Alternatively, use OC Transpo and the O-Train to reach campus. This can be especially practical when student permits are unavailable or a campus garage is full.
For more local choices, see our parking near the University of Ottawa guide and our Ottawa parking guide.
University of Ottawa Parking Map
Use this map for general campus orientation. However, search for the exact garage entrance before making your final turn. For example, a university building pin may not lead you to the correct vehicle entrance.
In addition, the university provides official campus maps showing parking lots, garages, accessible spaces and other facilities. Therefore, use the official campus maps when planning your route.
Before You Drive: Parking Checklist
Before Leaving Home
- First, choose your destination building.
- Next, compare the closest eligible parking locations.
- Then, check the rate period and daily maximum.
- Also, prepare your HotSpot account if needed.
- Finally, save a backup parking option.
After You Park
- First, read the signs around your space.
- Next, confirm the correct HotSpot zone.
- Then, enter your licence plate carefully.
- In addition, save your payment confirmation.
- Finally, remember your garage level or parking location.
University of Ottawa Parking Office
If you need help with permits, parking payments or accessibility, contact the university directly. In particular, the Parking and Sustainable Transportation Office can clarify official parking rules.
139 Louis-Pasteur Private, Room 133
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5
Phone: 613-562-5785
University of Ottawa Parking FAQs
How much does visitor parking cost at uOttawa?
The published standard visitor rate is $5.50 per hour. However, selected locations have a $17.50 weekday maximum, while others have no weekday daily maximum. Therefore, check your chosen lot before paying.
Which campus garages have a weekday daily maximum?
Brooks and Mann garages currently have a $17.50 weekday daily maximum. In addition, Lees G4 and selected Peter Morand locations have the same published maximum.
Is University of Ottawa parking free on weekends?
No. However, many eligible locations have a $9 weekend and holiday maximum. Always check the signs because not every parking area follows identical rules.
Can I pay with HotSpot?
Yes. HotSpot is accepted at many visitor parking locations. Nevertheless, confirm the zone number and make sure a legal space is available before paying.
Does HotSpot reserve a parking space?
No. Paying in advance does not guarantee a space. Therefore, the university recommends confirming availability before purchasing daily parking.
Can students buy a parking permit?
Student permits are subject to availability. Therefore, check the current official permit notice before relying on campus parking.
Is accessible parking free at uOttawa?
No. The university requires payment for campus parking, including accessible parking. In addition, designated accessible spaces have specific permit rules.
Where can I charge an electric vehicle?
Level 2 charging is available at Desmarais, Mann and Lees G3. In addition, Level 1 outlets are available at Brooks, Desmarais and Mann.
Can I park overnight on campus?
Overnight permission depends on the parking location, permit and season. In particular, winter snow-removal restrictions affect exterior lots. Therefore, check current regulations first.
What should I do if the garage is full?
Choose another legal visitor location or compare nearby city parking. However, do not assume that an advance HotSpot payment guarantees a space.
Official Parking Resources
Parking rates and restrictions can change. Therefore, use the following official university resources when you need current information.