Sparks Street

About Sparks Street

Sparks Street is a four-block pedestrian promenade in downtown Ottawa, running from Elgin Street to Lyon Street — one block south of Parliament Hill. It became Canada's first permanent pedestrian mall on June 28, 1967, as a centennial project.

The street is named after Nicholas Sparks, who donated land for the original road in the 1840s. A seasonal pedestrian mall was first tested in 1960, returning for six consecutive summers before becoming permanent.

What to See

Heritage Architecture

• Central Chambers (1890) — The street's architectural highlight, a Romanesque Revival building in red sandstone with a corner turret
• Former Bank of Montreal — Classical stone facade with columns
• Edwardian commercial blocks (1901–1914) — Victoria Building and neighbouring structures
• Bank of Canada headquarters — Located on Sparks Street

Historical Note

Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a Father of Confederation, was assassinated outside his home on Sparks Street in 1868.

Dining and Shopping

Sparks Street functions primarily as a dining and patio destination in summer. Restaurants include Riviera, Nate's Deli, 3 Brasseurs, Darcy McGee's, and others. Several patios operate seasonally.

Events

• Ottawa International Buskerfest — World-class street performers every August
• Summer concerts — Free evening performances
• Canada Day — Parliament Hill celebrations extend to the surrounding streets

Getting There

• By O-Train: Parliament Station or Lyon Station (both on Line 1), with entrances steps from the pedestrian mall
• By Bus: Multiple OC Transpo routes on surrounding streets
• On Foot: One block south of Parliament Hill via any cross street