Reviews of Golden Wave Tattoo Co. (Tattoo Shop)

Cassidy Swanston

Second tattoo from them done yesterday, service is always amazing and the fact that they take walkins is stellar. Thank you!!

Isabelle S

I got a Tattoo done by Celyne in 2016 and it was a great experience! She was efficient and a blast to chat with while on the table. I would definitely go back!

Eric Dagenais

Super tattoo shop. Always very professional...

Ripley J

Awesome experience, ive gotten 2 pearcings here and Larry the pearcing guy is grate! Will definitely be back

SLAK LAMBO

Had an apt at 11, it was 12 and dude didn't even show up. Got my deposit back

stephane boulet

The artists in this establishment are some of the best and most consistently good in Ottawa based on what I've seen on my friends and on IG. I got a tattoo from Serena on June 1st and she was fantastic, very accommodating and understanding, and she created a beautiful piece for my first tattoo . The 4 star review is for the difficulty getting an estimate before the appointment. I'm not sure if this happens everywhere but I've never heard of it being so difficult to get an estimate. Apparently larger tattoos are hard to price but I wasn't looking for an exact price, I was making a big decision and just needed help visualizing but got a lot of resistance. I also had a minor issue booking when Serena told me to call but the person on the phone told me to message Serena, which I had, so they said they'd call me back. Hours later I called THEM back and booked immediately, I thought, because 1 week before my alleged appointment I find out it was never booked. Waiting an extra month. Thanks for reading my experience, these artists really produce amazing pieces.

Lisa Glutting (lisel_pisel)

Went in for a quick walk-in tattoo for something I’ve had in mind to do for a bit. They helped me out and I was in and out in under an hour. I was quite impressed by the shop and how clean and organized everything is. Everyone was so friendly and I ended up chatting with all the employees that were in that day. While my tattoo is nothing crazy complicated I think they did an awesome job & seeing some of their other work I’d definitely recommend them!

Olivia Murphy

Got my industrial redone and my first tattoo done @ golden wave. Great customer service, reasonable prices and very comfortable atmosphere. 10/10 recommend :)!

Becca Bouchard

Got my first tattoo done here & the atmosphere the staff created... you can see why people say you can never have just one! Clean shop, friendly & talented staff I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Normally they have something playing on the TV when you go so its almost like a hang-out. Serena was the one who actually tattooed me & with the instructions she gave me for after care it healed quickly & nicely. I also really enjoyed that I was able to start booking online it made the process much easier! Great experience definitely will go back for more when I can~ Thanks guys!!

Corrina R

The service is awesome there. The front desk is friendly and made me feel super comfortable with easy conversation. Will definitely go back just because of the service. ???? (also my tattoo turned out amazing)

Maddi Beaulieu

I’ve had a tattoo and piercing done here! Super cool and super chill people. Jordan had me in and out for a piercing in 20 minutes. It was quick and painless

Krystal Lafond-Forget

Very professional, enjoyed my experience here. Got tattooed by Brittany and I would definitely request her again. Loved that she made my tattoo her own art. Absolutely love it!

Kat

Poor service. Guy who served me at the front desk was unfriendly and judged the size of my tattoo. My tattoo had an ink blowout and does not look good at all.

Meghan & Megan

I had my septum pierced by Jordan last week and he was amazing through the whole process. He did a fantastic job and made sure I was comfortable the whole time. He was sociable and made the process less intimidating, even though I have plenty of piercings and tattoos already, this experience was the best I’ve ever had & I would recommend you come here especially if you’ve never been pierced because the ease and professionalism is the best I’ve encountered.

Irfan Qadir

My daughter got a piercing today and it was nice and quick. She said it didn’t hurt and it looks great. Overall, I would recommend this place for anyone who wants a quick and easy piercing.

Valerie Laframboise

Great service. James took the time to discuss options about my tattoo. Love my tattoo!!

Krystal Dunn

Staff is friendly and extremely talented! You won’t be disappointed!

Miriam Hastings

Such friendly professional service, a bright and welcoming space, great after care offered too.

Raven Buckle

Firendley and awesome work supper clean place

Katya Cappon

I recently got 2 tattoos done here by Paul and was thrilled with both the quality of the tattoos and also the quality of the lovely people who work there! Everyone was so friendly and helpful and I cannot even express how happy I am with my new ink! Would recommend this shop to anyone. (The attached photos are unedited and ~1.5 weeks healed).

Al

Went at a walkthrough after 6pm on a Friday. Waited about an hour for my turn. It’s my first time inside since the moved to the 2nd floor. Looks bad from the outside but amazing in the inside. Paul the artist did exactly what I asked him. No complaints from my experience. I recommend.

NevaR Taonax

Amazing atmosphere, wonderful staff, and excellent tattoos and piercings.

Sarah

Great tattoo shop! Serena is extremely talented with the neotraditional style and I love how my tattoo looks. She was a lot of fun to hang with during my session! Barry is also very talented and down to earth. He has a lot of years of experience and can tattoo any style or concept you want. They make their new clients and regulars feel comfortable with great music and movies. The shop is clean and inspiring and it's a very welcoming space!

Madison Holder

Amazing service, friendly and quick 100% recommended!!

Selah Flores

Great experience! 10/10 would recommend. Larry was the sweetest, funnest and most friendly piercer I have ever had. He made getting a double helix super comfortable and safe. The walk-in was quick and easy. They have a great deal every tuesday! Great price, great environment, great people. Please let this be THE place you go to.

Daniel Marois

I have done a Sleeve tattoo at this location in the past on my left arm and now a few years later doing my other arm, the customer service is amazing and the talent in the shop is what you are looking for. Need beverage or food they will provide it to you during you're sessions, talk about taking care of clients.

quantum clinic

Had my first tattoo done there by Zach. He was amazing!! He was patient, designed exactly what I was looking for and the end result was beautiful. Very professional artist who was hygienic, gentle, and caring. Loved the atmosphere and music too. Cant recommend him enough!

Jacqueline

Always amazing service, profession and approachable staff. They really know what they're doing

Kayla Church

Went to Golden Wave in November for the first time and had a wonderful experience with Celyne! Her lines and colour are incredible, and she has the most delicate hands! The shop is well kept and clean, and all of the artists I've chatted with are all lovely. A great spot, I look forward to seeing Celyne for future pieces for sure!!

Mathilde Bijon

Got a piercing the other day, best experience I have had in Ottawa so far

Josie Chan

I've been thinking about getting tattoos for a while and I've heard the hype around GWTC. I went for my appointment and had such a welcoming experience. The service was awesome! Special shoutout to Jordan for being super helpful with price and size recommendations and John for the amazing tattoos! If I ever decide to get another one, I'll definitely be back!! 11/10 highly recommend :)

Karina M

Had an awesome experience at Golden Wave, from the moment I walked in the door, until I left with a fresh, beautiful tattoo. Everyone was kind, and easy to talk to. The place was extremely clean and inviting.

Jasmine C.

I went to Golden Wave tattoo for my first professional tattoo and it was such an amazing experience!! Such a great place with friendly faces, very professional and a really clean and neat studio!! Big thanks to James for the gorgeous tattoo!

Sherry Bower

Would definitely recommend to a friend! Great establishment and super talented staff.

Alex Boyd

Formerly Planet Ink, Golden Wave Tattoo, is the best shop in Ottawa! Right downtown, super friendly staff, and a great environment! Would highly recommend Serena for your work! She's the best!

Kyle Way

Got my cats paw prints done on my neck here amazing service and great staff

Chalsie Cook

Amazing shop! I've has 3 tattoos done by James and every time he works with me to make sure I am 100% satisfied. I plan on going back for many more pieces by him and I recommend him and the shop to everyone I know.

Francois Plouffe

Never imagined I'd have tattoos until I saw a family member come back with work done from this shop. Since then, I've logged about 50 hours of tattooing in the past 7 years and I'm looking forward to many tattoos from Golden Wave in the future. Being able to trust your artist to not only deliver creative ideas that represent what you really want in your tattoo but to do so with technical skill to make it look great for a long time is what makes me love this place. Parking is limited as shop is downtown but it is definitely worth the bus ride, trust me!

Mitch Ryans

Great guys great work great prices

Jacquelyn Beverly Aileen Duquet Simon

Love my tattoo, everyone was nice and professional. Even with a bit of a wait time I was always informed of what was happening.

Tamara Hill

Super place! Clean and great staff!

Shanya Reign

This place has really gone downhill in the last year. After nearly a decade of going there exclusively for my piercings and tattoos, I am going somewhere new. The staff always seems miserable now, and they never have what you need. There are many great places in Ottawa and unfortunately this place is no longer one of them.

L. Peyts

To start, it must be noted I am fairly heavily tattooed. Further, over the years (I'm no spring chicken) I have been tattooed by a number of artists at a number of shops in a number of cities... St. John's, NL... Carbonear, NL... Harbour Grace, NL... Halifax, NS... Dartmouth, NS... Moncton, NB... Ottawa, ON... Drumheller, AB... Edmonton, AB... Sturgis, South Dakota (yup, at the Sturgis Bike Week)... etc. Though I have been lucky to meet several fantastic artists, shared some great stories, and obtained some amazing ink, there are only two artists I have allowed to tattoo me over the past decade. Why? Because I have become particular. I am fussy. I want to receive ink not only from someone who does fantastic work - there are many tattoo artists who do great work - but someone I trust, someone with whom I enjoy spending hours upon hours while receiving skin art, someone who has taken the time to get to know MY style, MY likes, MY expectations, MY art... essentially, someone who has gotten to know me and provide a high level of customer service along with a superior level of artistic ability. One of those artists is Barry Buteau of Golden Wave Tattoo Co. (the other is Ryan Coombs, who does his work in NL); I received my most recent skin art from Mr. Buteau. Barry came highly recommended to me from several close friends who had been tattooed by him. As such, I made a leap of faith and gave him the opportunity to complete my first, and only, hand tattoo... important not only because it is visible practically 100% of the time, but more importantly because of its imperative and emotionally personal significance to me. Barry not only took the time to hear the concept of the art piece, but to appreciate the value and meaning behind it. In grasping its prominence, he adjusted his schedule to accommodate me... that was a top notch, class act. Barry tattooed from the wrist, along my hand and down my thumb. I have not been back for a touch-up as, quite frankly, it is not needed... which demonstrates his high quality work, as hand tats frequently require additional work after the initial appointment. Will I be getting more work from him? Damn straight. Barry is solid. Zero doubt. Truly. But additionally, he also insists on the same level of artistry and customer service from those who work beside him. Do I recommend Barry Buteau of Golden Wave Tattoo Co.? Absolutely. The highest recommendation I could give. Do I recommend the shop as well? Duh! Hells yeah, I do. Take it from a person who has been tattooed all over his body by artists all over the country. If you are in the Ottawa-area, stop shagging around and hit up this shop. I travelled from NS to get my tattoo from him... which should speak volumes. Barry... if you ever read this: thank you. They don't make em like you anymore, good sir. Keep up the fantastic work.

CLÉ

My favourite tattoo spot! I've been getting tattooed here for a long time, and I am super happy to see the crew do so well lately. Very warm, inviting, professional setting, and top notch artists. Love the new shop look, the newer faces, and the tattoos that you produce! I have been recommending this place a lot, and so far, everyone is thrilled with their experience! Keep it up!

Erica Doglady

Both my husband and I had our first tattoos with James today, and it was an awesome experience. It was a relaxed, fun and informative session. We knew from beginning to end what to expect, and even though our design choices presented some challenges, he found a way to give us exactly what we each wanted. Very happy with our tattoos!! Will definitely be back!

Emily MacNeil

John did my first tattoo and I adore it. Jordan at the front is so nice. I'll be back.

Des Nadeau

Very rude. First time being in the shop since it uaed to be planet ink. :( i used to love going there for piercings and tattoos. Walked in to aak some questions and no one was around at first and when they were they were very rude and were talking down to me. Plus the whole place looks like a mess. I dont know if its renovations but its not very clean. I doubt ill ever so business here, extremely sad to think this is the company that replaced one of my favourites.

Weston Arthurs

Awesome place

Kyle Broomer

A++ to summarize my experience. I had seen/used Paul, what a gem he is ????

Suzanne Methot

The only place in Ottawa to get tattooed and pierced!!! Piercing Larry is the best!!!♥️♥️♥️

Mad mac

Very friendly, professional, overall good experience

Nick McDougall

I got a tattoo on Saturday and love it. Brian was my artist and he did a great job; super nice guy, too. I will be back - I may even stop by this week.

Gabrielle Collette

Jordan is amazing!! Went to get my nose re-pierced by him and he was super chill and friendly!! Great guy and great service! I’m recommending him to everyone for piercings!!

Natalie Dagenais

Daughter booked an appointment for a tattoo 3 months in advance she also confirmed 2 weeks in advance not once did they ask her age. We got to the shop got the pitcher printed and just before she went in the told her that she needs to be 18 years old which she was turning 18 in 3 months. That was unprofessional and very disappointing. Worst service ever not go back there.

Jake Masters

Dope ass shop and amazing artists. Keep killing it guys. Much love from drama diablo \m/

bryan kirkpatrick

What an amazing experience. Very informative,laid-back. This is the place to get a tattoo.

FARES HATAHET

Don’t reply to messages and long wait for a tattoo

nadia ventura

love this place! I got my tragus and navel pierced and they did 2 for 1 Tuesday. I payed 50$ for both which was amazing :) They also changed my nose and navel bar for free! Great and friendly employees, I feel very comfortable here

Alison Doyle

Golden Wave Tattoo is the only place I ever go to for tattoos and piercings. All of the staff make you feel like you’re part of a family. They are supportive and kind and they always find a way to get you what you want - even when it’s a walk in half sleeve ( thanks Celyne ). I primarily get tattooed by Celyne and Serena, both two very talented ladies who are amazing artists. Everyone is always in a good mood and it is an amazing environment. The shop manager, James, is very kind and brightens up the shop with his big smile and constant drumming on tabletops. This is the place to go to get your first tattoo or your 20th. They’ll make you feel right at home. :)

chris henderson

I had my dog's portrait done yesterday by Barry and I am so Happy. The studio has friendly staff (they came to see the tattoo being done, asked about my dog and we even had a few laughs together while I was being tattooed), relaxed atmosphere (they play Netflix in the shop and ask if there is something you'd like to watch while being tattooed) and last but not least the quality of work is incredible!!!! I highly recommend checking out the studio weather you're a seasoned vet or tattoo newbie, I think youre going to be impressed.

Michaela Buchanan

Very cool shop, the guy was so nice when I went! All I needed was a ball for my piercing but such good customer service!

M S

Went with my friend who was getting her first tattoo, she was nervous and not great with pain but the lady doing her tattoo was not comforting at all and at times plain rude. Often my friend would ask if she could do a certain section before others because it hurt less and the lady would just say no and tell her to suck it up. Tattoo looked good but I wouldn't go back.

ryan dore

terrible place. The artists are great but the buissness its self and the customer service is the worst around.

Jeannie Temple

Best piercer I've ever met! Had over 20 from Larry and never an issue. Had my first tattoo from there too, and Paul was awesome as well. Will see you again soon!

Just Trem

Personable service. Great experience, nobody in Ottawa in my opinion has as much experience as Barry and the gang at Golden Wave. Quality ink, incredible designs. Only have good things to say about them. Did one tattoo there, and have done every other tattoo there since then!

Elise Champagne

Love this place, been coming for years. Super excited to see all the changes, shop is looking amazing. Always super friendly, very professional and accommodating. Just finished a piece and was 100% satisfied from start to finish. Highly recommend.

Linda Brown

Love what they did, looking forward to the next one

Karine Leclerc

Just started a tattoo with James and had a great experience, will definitely go back to finish it and maybe get more done! ;) The service was professional by everyone involved in the process. Would recommend to anyone.

Jocelyn Beauchamp

Great spot with great peeps! The staff is top shape and very helpful ...and the artists are very creative and competent at what they do. Looking forward to see the shop once the reno's are all done, and most importantly looking forward to book my next appointment.

Sophie Filion

This tattoo shop was recommended to me by a friend and I've been super satisfied! I've gone back twice since my first visit and I'm considering going back soon! Celyne is awesome!

Jason Andrews

Paul did an excellent job. Great shop.