Looking for the ultimate patio spot in Ottawa? Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces, by neighbourhood.
The centrally located Elgin Street stretches from Parliament Hill to the castle-like Canadian Museum of Nature. The street is conveniently located just a few blocks from the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and provides a village-like feel coupled with vibrant downtown action.
Food + Drinks
Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burgers, Italian food, pub fare or something in between — Ottawa’s Elgin Street has it!
Enjoy fine cuisine in Beckta’s dining room or a more casual experience in its wine bar. Whalesbone focuses on fresh and sustainable fish and seafood. Vegetarians, vegans and omnivores love Pure Kitchen. El Camino serves up funky Mexican-inspired food while its sister restaurant Datsun provides a similar vibe but with an Asian twist. A local favourite spot is Elgin Street Diner — open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year! You’ll also find many shawarma and ethnic food spots throughout the area.
Arts + Culture
Located at the southernmost point of Elgin Street is the Canadian Museum of Nature, a castle-like, interactive museum the whole family will enjoy! You’ll also find public art installations along the street. See live performances at LIVE! on Elgin. Elgin Street is a hub for arts and culture in the Ottawa area!
Outdoor activities
With not one but five parks located along the street, the opportunities for picnics, throwing a ball for your dog and taking a leisurely stroll through nature are endless! Confederation Park is the largest of the five, located directly across from the Lord Elgin Hotel. Many major events are held in this park throughout the year, including the annual Ottawa Jazz Festival.
Shopping
Elgin Street offers not only incredible dining and outdoor experiences, but unique shopping experiences as well! From trendy fashion boutiques showcasing the latest styles to charming vintage stores offering one-of-a-kind items, you’ll find something you love on Elgin Street.
Check out Boogie + Birdie or The Gifted Type and pick up something special for yourself or a loved one. Grab your next novel at Perfect Books. Or head to Sole Society Ottawa and The Community Thrift Shop for consignment items. The street’s lively atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly layout make it the perfect place to shop ‘til you drop!
Nightlife
The nightlife on Elgin Street is unmatched. With restaurants that turn into bars, like Happy Fish, Lieutenant’s Pump, Waverly, the Standard and Charlotte, you can easily find the nighttime vibe you’re looking for.
If you’re hoping for a more lowkey night out, check out one of the many performances taking place at the National Arts Centre (NAC). With world-renowned performances taking place year-round, it’s a spectacle not to be missed.
Major annual events + sports
The National Arts Centre (NAC) is home to top-tier live performances. From classical orchestral concerts to contemporary dance performances, the NAC provides a stage for a wide spectrum of artistic genres taking place year-round. Head to their website to learn more about upcoming show dates and times.
Every year on November 11, The Royal Canadian Legion hosts the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to commemorate the men and women who have served in Canada’s military.
Explore Elgin Street
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How to get to Elgin Street
Discover businesses on Elgin Street
1 Elgin Restaurant
Crafting high quality meals, with artistry and the best in local and nationally sourced ingredients, 1 Elgin provides an elegant space to experience exceptional Canadian cuisine and premium wines before a performance or as a refreshing interlude during the work day for lunch.
Beckta
We believe that the experience of great hospitality doesn’t have to be reserved for special occasions.
Boogie + Birdie
Our shop, located in downtown Ottawa, focuses on Canadian designed and made goods.
Brew Donkey Tours
Meet brewers and sample lots of craft beers on a full-day or half-day tour of Ottawa-area breweries, brewpubs and bars with Brew Donkey Tours.
Broadway Across Canada
Secure your seats for Broadway’s biggest shows presented by Broadway Across Canada at the National Arts Centre (NAC) right here in Ottawa.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Explore the fascinating science related to fossils, mammals, minerals, birds, plate tectonics, Arctic discovery and more in a historic building minutes from Parliament Hill.
Find more businesses on the I Dig Elgin website.
Upcoming events on Elgin Street
Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market
Come and support local Indigenous women artists and artisans, featuring the diverse and amazing work of Métis, Inuit, and First Nations makers. Browse…
Big Bang Festival
A one-of-a-kind festival of musical adventures, inviting children and their families on a colourful journey featuring a rich array of sound concepts…
Broadway Across Canada Presents Les Misérables
Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. Set against the…
Broadway Across Canada Presents SIX
From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into a Euphoric…
Bug Adventure
It's amazing what bugs can do—and you can too—in this larger-than-life exhibition. Let the design team behind The Lord of the Rings and Avatar take…
Canada Army Run
Canada Army Run is unlike any other run in the country.
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Little Italy
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