Sparks Street Mall
35 O'Connor Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5M4
613-230-0984 | Website | Email
History and shopping rolled into one!
Category:
Shopping & Services
What:
| Store Type | | Shopping Areas |
| Payment | | Interac, MasterCard, American Express, Visa |
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Centretown |
| Getting There | | from Elgin Street to Lyon Street |
When:
| The business hours vary depending on the store. |
Profile Last Updated: June 19, 2008
History and Shopping Rolled into One!
Sparks Street is Ottawa's first outdoor pedestrian mall. Adjacent to the Parliament buildings, it stretches downhill from Confederation Square to Bank Street. With more than 30 heritage buildings along the route, it is a historically significant part of the city. Complementing the historic milieu is over 150 shops and services ranging from The Astrolabe Gallery, a quaint retailer of antique maps and prints, to Darcy McGee's, a popular Irish pub, known around town for being the watering hole of Parliament Hill staff. Above all, however, Sparks Street is the place to pick up souvenirs with The Snow Goose and Canada's Four Corners offering a variety of Canadiana arts and crafts.
Stop for a Drink and a Bite to Eat
In addition to Darcy McGee's, which serves up great food and an extensive selection of draft beer, Sparks Street is lined with a number of enjoyable pubs and eateries. In the summer, seasonal patios spring up everywhere to cater to those who enjoy the combination of sun, food and people watching! On the other hand, should you wish to eat indoors and away from the crowds, the Cock & Lion serves up traditional pub fare in a cool and inviting atmosphere. Heed this warning though: Sparks Street experiences a lunch rush that can challenge even the most determined patron for a table!
Catch a Show
One of the most unique features of Sparks Street is the abundance of buskers. Virtually year round, one can enjoy the antics of these lively street performers. And for those lucky travellers who visit the Nation's Capital in early August, you have the chance to witness a world-class contingent of entertainers that comes to Ottawa to compete in the International Busker Festival. Featuring fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats and musicians, this festival draws large and appreciative crowds. Bring the kids, this show is entertaining for young and old alike—you will not be disappointed!
Sparks Street is Ottawa's first outdoor pedestrian mall. Adjacent to the Parliament buildings, it stretches downhill from Confederation Square to Bank Street. With more than 30 heritage buildings along the route, it is a historically significant part of the city. Complementing the historic milieu is over 150 shops and services ranging from The Astrolabe Gallery, a quaint retailer of antique maps and prints, to Darcy McGee's, a popular Irish pub, known around town for being the watering hole of Parliament Hill staff. Above all, however, Sparks Street is the place to pick up souvenirs with The Snow Goose and Canada's Four Corners offering a variety of Canadiana arts and crafts.
Stop for a Drink and a Bite to Eat
In addition to Darcy McGee's, which serves up great food and an extensive selection of draft beer, Sparks Street is lined with a number of enjoyable pubs and eateries. In the summer, seasonal patios spring up everywhere to cater to those who enjoy the combination of sun, food and people watching! On the other hand, should you wish to eat indoors and away from the crowds, the Cock & Lion serves up traditional pub fare in a cool and inviting atmosphere. Heed this warning though: Sparks Street experiences a lunch rush that can challenge even the most determined patron for a table!
Catch a Show
One of the most unique features of Sparks Street is the abundance of buskers. Virtually year round, one can enjoy the antics of these lively street performers. And for those lucky travellers who visit the Nation's Capital in early August, you have the chance to witness a world-class contingent of entertainers that comes to Ottawa to compete in the International Busker Festival. Featuring fire-eaters, jugglers, acrobats and musicians, this festival draws large and appreciative crowds. Bring the kids, this show is entertaining for young and old alike—you will not be disappointed!
