Sparks Street

Today, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

This day reminds us of the dark history of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities here in Canada. It allows us to reflect and educate ourselves on the injustices experienced by these communities and commit to a path of understanding and healing.

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Sparks Street was built on the traditional territory of the Algonquin-Anishinaabe Nation.

This year, we proudly celebrate and recognize the theme of "Tourism, Justice and Peace."

As a vibrant organization in Ottawa's downtown, we believe that tourism can unite communities and create a space where everyone's story is recognized and celebrated.

In 2023, Sparks Street had over 8.5 million visits, welcoming over 577k unique visitors. Each visit is an opportunity to learn, share and empower voices from diverse backgrounds.

Together, let's continue to promote a brighter and more inclusive future for tourism!

Established in 1963, The Snow Goose has made Sparks Street its home.

From the very beginning, this boutique has dedicated itself to showcasing the artistry of Inuit and First Nations cultures. Here, you can discover an array of distinctive art pieces, ranging from prints and jewelry to intricate wood carvings.

Visit them at 83 Sparks Street!

Autumn Equinox is a day of gratitude, reflection and a reminder to recognize our own equilibrium. It's the perfect time to review the light and shadow in our lives.

We hope you have a great day and take the time to stop, reflect and enjoy the beauty of the season! 🍂

Join us for the final on Sparks Street featuring a classic film everyone can enjoy!

When: Friday, September 27th @7:30pm

Where: On block 2 (Between Metcalfe & O'Connor)

On September 30th, join a Reconciling History Walking Tour of Downtown Ottawa, here on Sparks Street, to learn more about the history and significance of reconciliation.

The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society is partnering with Assembly of Seven Generations to host this historical walk, commemorating the significance of Orange Shirt Day, on September 30th.🧡
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Visit here to secure your spot: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/reconciling-history-walking-tours-downtown-ottawa-2024-tickets-1009461335027?aff=oddtdtcreator
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The Sparks Street BIA is proud to be the new home of the Terry Fox sculpture, along his original Marathon of Hope route on historic Sparks Street. This sculpture celebrates his legacy, which continues today, and is a great source of inspiration and civic pride not only for Ottawa, but for all of Canada.

Thank you to PSPC for organizing this meaningful ceremony and to everyone who attended.

Alain Miguelez - Vice President National Capital Commission
Benoit Dicaire - Chief Info Officer for the House of Commons
Jennifer Garrett - Acting Assistant Deputy Minister Public Services and Procurement Canada
Yasir Naqvi
Darrell Fox - The Terry Fox Foundation
Son of the sculptor, John Hooper.
Kevin McHale - Executive Director Sparks Street

On June 10th, the iconic Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture found its new home here on Sparks Street. It now resides on the route that Fox ran during the Ottawa portion of his Marathon of Hope on Canada Day in 1980!

Read more below ⬇️

A Canadian icon is on the move! On June 10, PSPC relocated the Terry Fox Memorial Sculpture to its new home on the Sparks Street Pedestrian Mall. This new location is the route that Fox ran during the Ottawa portion of his Marathon of Hope on Canada Day in 1980. 🏃

Read more about the planning and precision it took to move the sculpture to this historic location ⬇️
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/corporate/stories/terry-fox.html?hsid=8a0a976c-2b9a-4baa-bfb7-55d8ea51e292&utm_medium=smo&utm_source=fb&hssn=facebook&hssp=public+services+and+procurement+canada&utm_content=corporate-en



Parliament of Canada Senate of Canada - Sénat du Canada

Whether it’s the thrill of a first date or the comforts of your 10-year anniversary, Sparks Street has you covered from cozy cafes to intimate restaurants 🍸🍝 ☕️

Read more about these spots on our blog (link in bio)

Cheers to morning coffees and a sneak peak of the season of colour 🍂✨

This is a reminder about our Open House coming up, on September 5th at Moulin de Provence (30 Metcalfe Street)

Join us to learn more about the proposed BIA expansion and what it means for Sparks Street and downtown Ottawa.

Have you come across this public art installation, located on Sparks Street?

Curated by Yanaminah Thullah, 'HOW DO YOU MOVE?' highlights the work of five photo-based artists whose images weave together the tapestry of Afro-disasporan creation, culture and solidarity within various movements in the National Capital Region.

This exhibition showcases enlarged artworks by: Jordy Alpha, David D. Pistol, Dion Prints, Adrienne Row-Smith and Serena Yang.

Check it out at the Birks Building at 101 Sparks Street.

Pictured: You and the girls on your way to the Mama Mia showing on Sparks Street this weekend!
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Join us this Friday, August 23rd at 8pm.
Where: On Sparks Street, between Metcalfe & O'Connor
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Mama Mia, here we go again...with another Pop-Up Cinema on Sparks Street!

Don't miss this popular comfort movie as we celebrate the tail-end of another fantastic Summer season☀️

It's FINALLY happening! You are not going to want to miss this!

The Sparks Street BIA has increased its efforts over the past 10 years to advocate for business members, deliver diverse cultural programming and create inviting public spaces for locals and visitors alike. Growing on this recent success, the BIA is now preparing to expand its boundary beyond the historic pedestrian mall into the heart of the downtown core and continue to deliver these essential services.

Recent reports on downtown revitalization shows that many streets and businesses don’t receive the same level of local support. The need for representation, advocacy and management of public realm is more important than ever. Sparks Street BIA has a proven track record of creating positive change and advocating for its members, while creating a vibrant destination for all.

Once approved, the BIA expansion will come into effect January, 2025.

Learn more about the proposed BIA expansion and what it means for Sparks Street and downtown Ottawa.

Open House
Where: Moulin De Provence - 30 Metcalfe Street
When: Thurs. September 5th @ 4pm-7pm

For more details, visit: https://www.sparkslive.com/sparks-street-bia-boundary-expansion

Join in diverse celebrations of Ottawa's 2SLGBTQ+ community, near and on Sparks Street 🌈✨️ Below are just a few of the activities you can partake in during Ottawa's :

1️⃣ Pride Paddle and Pedal with : A biking and kayaking event. Take a scenic ride to the Rockcliffe neighbourhood and NCC River House, then stop close to the NCC River House for kayaking and paddle boarding. Enjoy a bite and drink after at a nearby pub!
August 22nd 5:30pm-8:30pm
📍 65 Sparks Street.

2️⃣ Pride Patio Party (featuring DJ LX) : Celebrate Capital Pride with food features craft cocktails, loads of biers and music by DJ LX!
August 15th 4:30pm-close
📍 156 Sparks Street.

3️⃣ Elder Q***r (2SLGBTQIA+) Storytelling Workshop: In this 5-day workshop, participants will learn some tools/skills in the art of creating a story for the stage and performing/reading/telling them. All are welcome.
August 19th 9:30am-12:30pm
📍 .cna 1 Elgin Street.

4️⃣ Friday Run or Walk (women only) with Ottawa Frontrunners: A closed space for women-identified, nonbinary, & trans people of all levels. Join the OFR women members ([email protected]) for a run/walk along the Rideau Canal.
August 20th 6:30pm-7:30pm
📍 Lisgar entrance to City Hall - 111 Lisgar Street.

Happy Capital Pride!

Tune in to for the next segment of Music City Mondays tomorrow at 8:50am ET to learn more about our partnership with 🎶

This partnership has allowed us to bring free live music to the street featuring local DJs and artists such as -who will be performing live tomorrow AND at lunch in the shed on August 13th!

Looking for a spot for dinner? We have several options along Sparks Street for you to enjoy while you experience Day 3 of !

Grab a shaded spot on one of the patios or take an AC break inside.

Looking for a way to beat the heat while you enjoy the Busker performances?

Grab a snack and a cool refreshing bevy in the shade on the patio or catch an AC break inside

Cheers🍻

Ladies aaaaand gentlemen...we present to you Buskerfest DAY ONE! 🎪🎭️🌟

We have more tricks, more fire, and more performances that will make you go "oooh" and "aaaah" than ever before!

All shows will take place from 11am-9:30pm Friday to Sunday and 11am-4:30 on Monday. If you're looking for the full schedule, check out or click the link in our bio!

Let the magic begin...

John Higby is...The Yo-Yo Guy!

Featured on David Letterman, Discovery Channel's Time Warp, Comedy Central, The Guinness World Record Show, Fetch with Ruff Ruffman on PBS, and even has his own Topps trading card, his interactive comedy yo-yo performance is not one you want to miss!

See you this weekend at the Ottawa International Buskerfest on Sparks Street from August 2-5th

Join us for the 2024 edition of the Ottawa International Buskerfest!

Experience an exhilarating weekend on Sparks Street and indulge in a diverse selection of top-notch entertainers from all corners of the world.

From clever comedy, to heart-pounding fire shows, you'll find it all right here on Sparks Street from August 2-5.

See you soon!

Ottawa International Buskerfest | Sparks Street | Buskers The 28th Ottawa International Buskerfest will play host to the biggest lineup of international street performers August 2-5! Four full days, 140+ family friendly shows. It’s all happening on Sparks Street!

When the Dr. is in, the miracles begin!

Dr. Miracle is the brainchild of Ottawa magician Chris Pilsworth. At the tender age of 12, Dr. Miracle obtained his first PhD from a very snooty British college. His research led him on a world-wide quest to seek out the strange, the weird and wonderful.

Since that time, his knowledge has grown too big for his own head. That is why, with humour, whimsy and a stunning disregard for his own personal safety, Dr. Miracle is here to share his discoveries.

Don't miss it this weekend (August 2-5)