WELCOME TO SPARKS STREET - OTTAWA, CANADA

Downtown Ottawa's linear "Town Square" and Open Air Mall in the center of Canada's Capital. Discover historical architecture, amazing shopping, great dining, and awesome events, including some of the Ottawa's biggest festivals such as Ribfest, Canada Day, International Buskerfest, Winterbrewed and a massive New Year's Eve Street Party.

Located in the Parliamentary Precinct, Sparks Street is one of Ottawa's most significant heritage streets. It was founded in the early 1800's by Nicholas Sparks - one of the City Fathers of Ottawa. He cut a path through the woods that would eventually become Sparks Street.

After Queen Victoria selected Ottawa to be the Capital of Canada, Sparks Street became the thriving commercial center for the Ottawa valley and home for government offices and parliament members.  In 1868, D'Arcy McGee, a noted Politician, was assassinated outside of his home at the corner of Sparks and Metcalfe.

Sparks Street began to thrive in the early twentieth-century. During that time a number of Beaux-Arts buildings were built - many of which still stand today.

In an attempt to improve business, a plan was introduced in 1961 to temporarily close Sparks Street to vehicular traffic, thus transforming Sparks Street into a pedestrian mall.  

The plan was a huge success and it convinced the City of Ottawa to permanently close the street to vehicles creating North America's first permanent outdoor pedestrian mall.

Today, Sparks Street is a thriving commercial center comprising many blocks and is home to some of Ottawa's best shopping and a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year.