1996 Ottawa Rough Riders season

The 1996 Ottawa Rough Riders finished fourth place in the East Division with a 3–15 record and failed to make the playoffs. This was the final season in Ottawa Rough Riders franchise history as they folded after the season ended. Jim Gilstrap was the coach through the second game of the regular season before being fired and replaced with John Payne for the remainder of the season.

CFL All-Stars

 * WR – Joseph Rogers, CFL All-Star

Eastern All-Stars

 * WR – Joseph Rogers, CFL Eastern All-Star
 * LB – Lamar McGriggs, CFL Eastern All-Star
 * DB – Kenny Wilhite, CFL Eastern All-Star