Red Dragon Ottawa: Building Community Through Gaming in the Heart of Orléans
Tucked into the vibrant Heart of Orléans, Red Dragon Ottawa isn’t just a retail shop—it’s a gathering place, a late-night hangout, and a welcoming hub for gamers of all kinds. Since opening its doors in 2019, owner Dan Morris has been on a mission to create something many people didn’t even realize they needed: a true community space built around a shared love of gaming.
From Opportunity to Ownership
Like many great businesses, Red Dragon Ottawa started with a simple opportunity. Dan first got involved after spotting an advertisement offering a free product box to anyone who could convince a local store to carry Games Workshop merchandise. That initial connection turned into a partnership with a local shop owner—and eventually, Dan took the leap and bought the business outright.
What drove that decision wasn’t just a love of games—it was something deeper.
More Than a Store—A Community
At its core, Red Dragon Ottawa exists for one reason: connection.
Dan describes the business as “a gaming community for nerds,” but that undersells what the space really offers. It’s a place where people who may not always feel supported elsewhere can come together, find their crowd, and feel at home.
Whether you’re into Warhammer 40K, Magic: The Gathering, or just looking to meet like-minded people, Red Dragon Ottawa provides both the products and the space to play. With tables available daily and regular events, it’s as much about the experience as it is about the games themselves.
Bringing Nightlife to Orléans—Geek Style
One thing that truly sets Red Dragon Ottawa apart is its hours. Open as late as 10 PM most nights, it offers something rare in the area: an accessible evening and nighttime activity for adults who work a typical 9–5.
It’s a simple idea, but a powerful one—giving people the chance to unwind, socialize, and play during the week without having to travel far.
Why Orléans? #WhyNotOrléans
When it came time to expand, Dan had options—but Orléans stood out for both personal and practical reasons. With family in the area and a noticeable gap in the local gaming scene, the choice became clear.
As Dan explains, the area was missing a well-stocked gaming store and a strong community space to match. After navigating challenges—including leaving a previous location due to safety concerns following fire damage—he secured the current space on Voyageur Drive just in time.
Today, that decision continues to pay off—not just for the business, but for the growing community around it.
#WhyNotOrléans? Because it’s exactly where a business like this belongs.
Driven by Community
Ask Dan what makes Red Dragon Ottawa successful, and the answer is straightforward: a strong drive and an even stronger community.
It’s also his favourite part of the job. Watching friendships form, seeing people come back week after week, and knowing the space makes a difference—that’s what keeps things going.
Life Outside the Shop
When he’s not at the store, Dan keeps things simple: gaming on the Nintendo Switch, spending time with family, and hanging out with his cats. No hidden talents—just a genuine passion for the same hobby that brought the business to life in the first place.
Photo Credit: Michael Willems Photo