Check out some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with outdoor spaces.
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
A Celtic Christmas Celebration
Join an unforgettable evening featuring the toe-tapping tunes of the Rideau Ramblers and the heartfelt melodies of the Ottawa Celtic Choir. Experience…
Adàwàning: Indigenous Women’s Art Market
Experience and support the work of talented Indigenous women artists and artisans at the National Arts Centre’s Gail & David O’Brien Atrium. The…
Bear Grease
Did you miss Bear Grease during its sold-out run at the National Arts Centre last year? Here’s your chance to experience it in a whole new light! This…
Beetlejuice
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Ottawa. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this…
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…
Bougie Birch Dreamcatcher Workshop
Under the guidance of Indigenous artist and educator, Ashley Clark, craft your own dreamcatcher in a 2-3 hour session. The materials will be provided…
Where to stay on Elgin Street
Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Enjoy the spaciousness of an apartment with the amenities of a hotel, all within walking distance of downtown Ottawa restaurants, shops and attractions.
Fairmont Château Laurier
Stay at the Fairmont Château Laurier hotel, one of Ottawa’s best-known historical landmarks, which overlooks Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.
Lord Elgin Hotel
This historic hotel on Elgin Street—just steps from the National Arts Centre, the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill—puts you in the middle of many of downtown Ottawa’s most popular events.
Ottawa Embassy Hotel and Suites
Enjoy a relaxing stay in a pet-friendly hotel, a short stroll from popular Ottawa attractions such as the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre and vibrant Elgin Street.
Rideau Inn
Charming bed and breakfast in a lovely Edwardian home offering comfortable, clean and economical accommodation in the downtown area.
Sonder Rideau
Apartment-style short- and long-term accommodation with hotel amenities just steps away from historic landmarks and downtown attractions.
Other neighbourhoods you might be interested in
ByWard Market neighbourhood and Rideau Street
The ByWard Market neighbourhood boasts many boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and bars making it a must-visit destination.
Sparks Street and Parliament Hill
What to see and do on Canada’s Parliament Hill and Ottawa’s pedestrian-only Sparks Street.
Centretown
What to see and do in Ottawa’s trendy and upbeat Centretown neighbourhood.
