Securing a coveted sunset reservation at Westboro Beach's newest winter attraction is proving to be a challenge for Ottawa residents. The recently opened The Grand Westboro Beach has installed five refurbished vintage ski gondolas on its patio, and the pods, especially during the golden hour, are booked solid for weeks.
A Dining Experience with a View
The unique concept places authentic Swiss Alps ski gondolas on the restaurant's patio, directly overlooking the frozen landscape of Westboro Beach and the Ottawa River. Unlike mountain-town gondolas that transport diners up a slope, these stationary pods offer a cozy, retro-inspired setting complete with a table, benches, heaters, and music. Co-owner David Mangano expressed surprise at the immediate popularity. "We didn't expect them to be as popular as they are," he said, noting the insane sunset view from the 4:30-5:30 p.m. slot is a major draw.
Reservations come with a fee: $20 per person for lunch and $25 for dinner, with food and drinks priced separately. Despite the added cost, demand is overwhelming. The restaurant is steps from the Kichi Sibi Winter Trail, making it an ideal apres-ski destination, though winter weather can be unpredictable.
The Revival of a Landmark Beach
The gondolas are the latest addition to a revitalized waterfront location. In 2025, the National Capital Commission completed a $21-million rehabilitation of Westboro Beach. The project included a new year-round restaurant pavilion while preserving the iconic, mushroom-shaped concrete structures designed by renowned Ottawa architect James Strutt in the 1960s. The gondolas' retro aesthetic fits seamlessly into this unique architectural setting.
Mangano and his business partner John Borsten, who also own The Grand in the ByWard Market, discovered the gondolas through a Westboro neighbour. They seized the opportunity to create a distinctive dining experience for their first expansion of The Grand brand.
A New Winter Tradition for Ottawa
The success of the gondola pods highlights a growing appetite for unique, experiential dining in the city, especially during the winter months. It transforms a summer beach destination into a year-round social hub. For locals and visitors alike, securing a spot inside one of these pods has become a sought-after winter activity, offering a warm, enclosed refuge with panoramic views of Ottawa's starkly beautiful frozen riverfront.
The combination of novelty, scenery, and comfort has cemented The Grand's gondolas as Ottawa's newest winter hotspot, proving that even in the cold, creative hospitality can thrive on the shores of the Ottawa River.
