Probe Ottawa

Probe Ottawa is a queer-owned and operated private members club occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of 41 York St in Ottawa's Byward Market district. Founded through the vision of Miel Nannini, the club describes its core values as "exploration, community, inclusivity and accessibility," positioning itself as a multi-purpose community hub for consensual kink and adult connection rather than a conventional lifestyle venue. It operates as a private members-only space under Ontario law and maintains an active presence on Facebook, FetLife, and Instagram. The venue spans approximately 3,200 square feet across two floors with distinct characters. The 4th floor holds an open dungeon space with a custom suspension frame, a loft, and a kitchen, and serves as the main check-in point reached via an in-building elevator. The 3rd floor offers a series of more intimate rooms suited to smaller groups and private play. Showers, cleaning supplies, and fresh linens are provided throughout; members are responsible for changing sheets after each use. Probe works alongside an on-site accessibility coordinator and the entire venue is elevator-accessible and wheelchair accessible. The space is scent-free, and the programming reflects that commitment to access: a recurring "Soft and Low Play Party" format is designed specifically for attendees with sensory processing disorders or chemical sensitivities, featuring whisper-only guidelines, dim lighting, no music, and complimentary ear plugs. Probe operates only when events are scheduled — any day of the week between 8am and 2am — rather than on a fixed weekly calendar. Programming is broad: regular offerings include play parties, rope hangouts, impact labs, kink workshops, educational classes, community socials (including aromantic/asexual and queer-specific groups), trivia nights, and kinky life drawing. Most play parties require a current Probe membership; memberships run CAD $40 for three months or $120 for a year, with a $10 temporary 24-hour membership available at the door. Event tickets are typically offered on a sliding scale — Supported ($15), Sustain ($20), Standard ($25), Generous ($30), and Benevolent ($35) — so that pricing is not a barrier. The entry door locks by midnight at the latest, and new members attending their first play party must arrive within the first two hours of the event. No alcohol is sold on site and BYOB is not permitted; non-alcoholic drinks and snacks are provided at play parties.