A vintage arcade experience opens in Alfred, Ont., with 70+ restored pinball and arcade machines bringing the 1970s and ’80s back to life.
A Nostalgic Revival in Eastern Ontario
A new cultural gem has opened its doors in Alfred, Ont., celebrating the golden age of pinball. The Canadian Pinball Museum, launched by longtime collectors Mike Loftus and Rob Illuiri, invites visitors into a meticulously preserved space that echoes the sights, sounds, and spirit of the 1970s and ’80s arcade era.
Visionaries Behind the Project
Loftus, a pinball enthusiast from Ottawa, and Illuiri, who grew up in the suburbs of Montreal, bonded over their shared passion for vintage gaming. Together, they co-founded Pinball Medics, a repair and restoration service. Their latest venture transforms their private collection of over 70 machines into a public exhibit housed in a former roadside diner, Cardin Bar-B-Q.
The Setting That Sets It Apart
Located 70 km east of Ottawa and 120 km west of Montreal, Alfred was once a bustling stop along Highway 17. The old diner, shuttered for nearly four decades, has been painstakingly restored, maintaining original 1970s features like wood panelling, stained glass windows, and retro carpeting. Visitors are welcomed into a true time capsule — not just themed, but authentically preserved.
Why It Matters
Loftus describes the museum as “a portal back to the mid-70s,” offering a tangible, shared experience from a pre-digital era. In a world dominated by online gaming, this physical, communal setup reconnects people through the simplicity of coin-operated fun. For many, it’s a way to relive childhood memories. For others, it’s a chance to experience a cultural era they’ve only heard about.
How It Was Built
The museum’s creation wasn’t without challenges. Illuiri purchased the abandoned building just before the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed renovations. Despite setbacks, the team focused on authenticity — restoring machines to better-than-new condition and preserving the building’s original character. Now, visitors can interact with classics like Asteroids and dozens of vintage pinball games that each carry a story from decades past.
A Place Where Time Stands Still
The Canadian Pinball Museum is not only a haven for retro gamers but also a tribute to shared memory. From the mirrored sunglasses and band T-shirts of yesteryear to the analog joy of flippers and flashing lights, every detail invites guests to step back into simpler times. As Illuiri puts it, “I feel like I’m back in time… It’s like they’re here with me. Good times, when life was easy.”
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