The Ultimate Summer on Sparks Street

Summer means days enjoying the sunshine, cocktails on patios, Ottawa events, exploration days and more. Sparks Street is the perfect spot for this with its great mix of restaurants, shops, and hot spots! It’s an area I frequent during my photo walks and head to with friends whether it’s to catch up over lunch or meet for happy hour. Sparks Street has plenty to keep you busy this summer. Here’s everything you need to add to your summer bucket list:

Make Your Own Cocktail Crawl

With so many great restaurants in bars along the street, it’s the perfect opportunity for a cocktail crawl. Turn it into a night out or spread it out over the summer. Here are the cocktails you need to try:

• Rabbithole is a spot where you’ll want to try multiple cocktails. Try their ‘First Love’ cocktail  with gin, aperol, ginger syrup, lemon juice, passion fruit juice and prosecco, sounds delicious!
• Calling all Negroni fans, Riviera has a whole section of their menu dedicated to creative takes on the negroni. They have an impressive cocktail menu full of creative concoctions you’ll want to try.
• Although it’s known for its beer, for this cocktail crawl add the cider mojito at Bier Markt to your list. It sounds like the perfect refresher to enjoy on their patio.
• I love a good espresso martini. Head to Spin Kitchen and Bar and try their ‘espresso yourself’ martini.
• Enjoy a Classic Canadian Caesar at Parliament Pub while enjoying a view of Parliament Hill at the same time. Bonus, head to their patio during Parliament’s light and sound show this summer (July 9th to September 8th).

Discover Ottawa Through A Bike Tour

Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals will take you to Ottawa attractions, hidden gems, photo spots, and more! They have multiple tours available including Ottawa Express (2 hours), Ottawa Highlights (3 hours), and Best of Ottawa (5 hours). It’s the perfect way to get a lot of sightseeing done in one day and truly experience the history and beauty of Ottawa. They also have special packages such as their bike and boat tour! You can also rent a bike and use one of their self-guided maps.

Interested in buying a bike or need yours repaired? Check out Retro Rides Vintage Bike Shop and get your bike ready for a tour!

Happy Hour

Head to Bier Markt for their social hour, every Monday to Friday from 3-7pm. You can enjoy $5 wine, feature biers, and mixed drinks and 2 for 1 duck wings.

Enjoy a bucket of 4 Moosehead tall cans for $24 every day after 3 pm. They also have weekly drink specials between 3-7pm.  

Haunted Walk

The Haunted Walk takes you through the history and ghost stories of Ottawa. Grab a bite at D’arcy McGees and step next door where your walk will begin. You’ll hear all about his story and more during your Haunted Walk.

Try Some Unique Bites

You can’t go wrong with all your classics like burgers, pizzas, appetizers and more on  Sparks Street, but what about some unique bites you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s a few you can add to the list:

• The Office Pub and Restaurant has a waffle burger that includes waffle brie cheese, bacon, and Nutella!
• Brixton’s Pub has donair egg rolls.
• South Block Whiskey Bar has bourbon bbq chicken nachos
• Bier Markt has a bier, bacon and cheese dip to enjoy with their pretzel! If you’re a dessert fan, try their dessert board for a mix of everything!

Celebrate Canada

Sparks Street has plenty of souvenir shops including Canada’s Four Corners, The Snow Goose, and Parliament Souvenirs.

Pamper Yourself

Head to Ivonne Sanchez beauty to get summer ready nails, brows, and more. Complete your look and get your hair done at Society Salon and Blow Dry.

Enjoy Summer Days on a Patio

There are plenty of spots on Sparks Street where you can enjoy a brew and sunshine. Head to Riviera, Rabbit Hole, Brixton’s, Nate’s Deli, Parliament Pub, Bier Markt, D’arcy McGees and more to take advantage of summer weather.  

Rise and Shine with Breakfast on Sparks Street

Fuel up before a day of exploring with breakfast at Nate’s Deli or Spin Kitchen and Bar.  

Enjoy an Afternoon Working From a Coffee Shop

I find coffee shop days some of my most productive. Enjoy working from the Sparks Street Bridgehead with a cappuccino in front of their wall-sized window. At Moulin de Provence you can treat yourself to some sweets and enjoy their cute atmosphere.

Treat Yourself to Something Nice

Howard Fine Jewellers has been on Sparks Street for more than 50 years. You can find beautiful pieces from engagement rings, Rolex watches and more. True Bijoux is its sister store where you can find unique jewellery finds that are perfect for your style and personality. Both stores are pros in their field and are a go-to for everything jewellery related from finding pieces, cleaning, adjustments and more.

Meet A Friend for Lunch

I’ve spent many lunch hours meeting friends on Sparks Street. Everyone is out enjoying the sunshine and a bite. Need something quick?

• Enjoy a deli sandwich at Palermo Express or Vie Bella Market & Deli, Deli Kat Cafe
• Order a poke bowl try Sushi Shop.
• Choose a bowl or salad try Freshiii, Lunch
• Get Greek food try Jimmy the Greek
• A mix of everything try a buffet at Marcello’s

Hit Your Health and Wellness Goals

Head to Greco Lean and Fit or Goodlife for a workout. Their convenient location will make getting a workout in even easier. Take a minute for yourself at Peace Room where you can recharge your mind with a meditation class.

Get Ready For Your Vacation

Have a trip planned this summer? Get luggage, locks and travel accessories at Ottawa Leather Goods and Repairs. If you’re going abroad, get money exchanged at Ultimate Currency.

Go On A Photo Walk

Sparks Street is one of Ottawa’s historic districts, so not only can you get a great photo in their Ottawa sign, but take a second and admire all the historic buildings and learn about the history. You can check out their guide on the history of the buildings here. They also have a guide on things to see including sculptures and more that you can access here.

Visit Ottawa or Book a Staycation

Whether you’re on vacation or enjoying a staycation, there are plenty of nearby hotels that will keep you close to all the hot spots. You’ll have plenty of things to do to keep you busy.

Enjoy a Romantic Date Night

The first thing that will pop out to you at Rabbit Hole is the strung lights that create a nice ambiance inside. Head here for bites and drinks and then head to their speakeasy to keep the night going.

Riviera is inside an old bank which helps create a unique atmosphere to this restaurant. It’s a cool spot for date night not to mention delicious food and cocktails you’re sure to rave about after.

Watch a Classic Movie Outside

All summer long you can watch some of your favourite movies like Big and Honey I Shrunk the Kids outdoors on Sparks Street. This event is completely free and it’s a pretty cool experience to watch the movie between historic buildings. Check the movie dates here.

Find the Best Ribs in Town (June 19th-23rd)

One of the events that truly kicks off summer in Ottawa is Ribfest. My friends and I make a point of going every year. I love walking by all the different vendors. You’ll hear them chanting their own unique song each time they get a tip. It’s fun to try out the different vendors and compare. If you’re vegetarian they also have items like potato sticks and deep fried macaroni and cheese available – so good!

Canadian Stone Carving Festival (July 19th-21st)

This three-day event is a unique opportunity to interact with professional carvers, artisans, and enthusiasts as they turn blocks of limestone into one-of-a-kind works of art using traditional methods. Using hand tools only, participants will have 18 hours over three days to complete their pieces. You’re invited to meet the carvers and see their work come to life.

Ottawa International Buskerfestival (August 2-5)

This is the perfect festival to be entertained on a summer day. Ottawa International Busker Festival features Buskers from performing Sparks Street. You’ll be blown away with the talent and stunts they can pull off. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be pulled from the audience to help out with the act 😉 I always stand there in awe of the performance before me. Check it out and I guarantee you will be too! There will also be an on-site interactive aerial school and circus school, multi-performer fire show, ‘Buskers & Burlesque’ Show and more.

Mark your calendar and get ready for an incredible summer on Sparks Street.

Thank you to Sparks Street for sponsoring this blog post. As always, all opinions are my own. See you on Sparks Street 🙂