Sparks Street Mall

Located a block from Parliament Hill, the Sparks Street Mall is Ottawa’s only outdoor pedestrian mall.  The street is completely shut off to vehicles, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors while visiting the many shops, or watching the many events that take place there.

There are a number of places to shop, including jewellery shops, a book shop, souvenir shops, clothing shops, and more.  The department store Zellers has a smaller store.  The posh Holt Renfrew also has a large shop on Spark Street.

If you get hungry, there are a number of places to eat, including places serving pub food, traditional English fair, a deli, and well, it wouldn’t be Canada if there weren’t a Tim Hortons.

The Sparks Street Mall is notable for holding many events.  In the summer there are often live concerts.  The Busker Festival is always very popular.

You can find out more about the Sparks Street Mall on their website.

Rideau Centre

The Rideau Centre is Ottawa’s main shopping center in the downtown area.  There are 180 stores there, and there will be something for everyone, from posh designer clothing stores to a dollar store.  For eating, there is a food court for fast food fare.  You can also choose a restaurant or an English style pub.  There is a small cinema with three movies showing.

The Rideau Centre is located at 50 Rideau Street.  It’s telephone number is (613) 236-6565.  (Paid) parking is available at the center, with entrances on Nicholas Street and Daly Avenue.

The Rideau Center is open on weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Saturdays, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The center is open every day of the year except for Christmas, New Year’s and Easter - on most holidays it is the only place in the city that is open.  You can find out more about the center on its website.

Byward Market

The Byward Market is a small, trendy neighbourhood in the heart of the downtown core of Ottawa.

On weekends, there is a farmer’s market there and people from across the city flock there to buy fresh produce that is regionally grown and sold at very competitive prices.

The Byward Market also contains a number of specialty shops that sell items that you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else in Ottawa.

In the evening, the Byward market is the place to hang out in Ottawa, with some of the city’s trendiest restaurants and clubs.

Byward Market is located just north of the Rideau Centre.  The Byward Market Business Improvement Area has a website with more information that you can visit.

Cosmic Adventures

Cosmic Adventures is the place in Ottawa where children love to play!

Cosmic Adventures contains a large playground suitable for all children up to the age of 12.  It offers a jungle gym, games room, and more.

There is also a cafeteria style restaurant on the premises for when you and your little ones get hungry.

Cosmic Adventures is also an ideal place to host a child’s birthday party, and they offer packages to help with this.

Admission is free for babies 0 to 11 months.  It costs $7 for children who are 12 to 23 months;  $10 for children who are 2 to 3 years old, $13 for children who are for to 12 years of age, and $3 for each supervising adult.

Cosmic Adventures is located at 1373 Ogilvie Road.  To get there, take the Queensway east until you get to the Blair Road exit, take the exit and continue until you reach Ogilvie Road, at which point you turn left.  The phone number is (613) 742-8989.  Cosmic Adventures is open 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:30 p.m.  You can find out more about the place at their website.

Babylon

Babylon is a nightclub featuring live music, in the heart of downtown Ottawa.  The club is energetic and upbeat.  Often lines to get in the club stretch for almost a block.

Recent performers in the club include Jamie Lidell, The Alkaholiks, Caribou, and more.

Various nights are themed.  Every Sunday is Mod Club night.  Every Thursday is Rock and Roll Pizza Party night.  There are also many monthly themed nights.

Babylon is located at 317 Bank Street, between Maclaren and Gilmour.  Doors open at 9:00 p.m. nightly and the club is open until 2:00 a.m. every night except Sundays when it closes at midnight.  The phone number is (613) 594-0003.  You can find out more about the club and who is playing there on their website.

Yuk Yuk’s

This is a post about Yuk Yuk’s, a stand up comedy club.

The main Yuk Yuk’s is located at 88 Albert Street, between Metcalfe and Elgin.  There is a newer Yuk Yuk’s in Little Italy at 379 Preston Street.

Every Wednesday night is Amateur Night at the downtown Yuk Yuk’s.  Come and see Ottawa’s rising comedy talents.

Admission prices at the downtown location depend on the day of the week you attend.  Wednesday is cheapest at $6 as it is Amateur Night.  Thursdays are $12.  Fridays and Saturdays are $18.  Reservations are preferred, but not necessary.  At the Little Italy location, admission is $12 (closed on Wednesdays).

Dinner is also available (except on Wednesdays) and the menu is quite extensive.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays.  Seating is on a first-come, first serve basis, so it is worthwhile going a bit earlier.

Yuk Yuk’s is open until 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, midnight on Fridays and 12:30 a.m. Saturday nights.  The club can be reached at (613) 236-5233.  You can find out more about who is performing at their website and subscribe to their email letter to get advance notice of upcoming performances by high profile comedians.

Sante

Sante Restaurant is a cosmopolitan restaurant offering Asian cuisine with an extensive wine menu and polished service.

The restaurant itself has great views, overlooking the busy intersection of Sussex and Rideau.

One of the most interesting features is that the art on the wall is borrowed from art galleries.  A new exhibit is shown each month, resulting in a new decor each time you visit.

Sante Restaurant is located at 45 Rideau Street, at the corner of Sussex - just east of Parliament Hill and almost across the street from the Rideau Centre.  Their telephone number is (613) 241-7113 and they have more information on their website.

Johnny Farina

Johny Farina is an Italian style restaurant located on trendy Elgin Street.  It is normally very busy, especially at lunch hour with the office crowd.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of delicious pizzas, and fresh homemade pasta. 

Johnny Farina is well equipped to accommodate large groups and is a popular location for office parties and get togethers. 

Johnny Farina is located at 216 Elgin Street.  Reservations are recommended.  Its telelphone number is (613) 565-5155.  You can learn more about this restaurant on its website.

Le Cordon Bleu Signatures

Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant is the only restaurant in Ottawa that has received the highest rating for restaurants by the CAA/AAA - the Five Diamond rating.  The food, service and atmosphere are impeccable.

Attached to the Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, this restaurant serves the finest French food matched with the best wines.

Signature also offers banquet and event services.  It is ideal for a fancy wedding.

Signatures is located at 453 Laurier Avenue East, just east of downtown in the popular Sandy Hills neighbourhood.  Reservations are highly recommended.  Its telephone number is (613) 236-2499.  The restaurant is only open for dinner from Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. onwards.  You can learn more about the restaurant on their website.

Arc The Hotel

Arc the Hotel is a trendy hotel in the heart of the nation’s capital.

The hotel has 112 rooms, all of which are equipped with the latest amenities, including high-speed internet access, an in-room safe that is large enough for your notebook computer, and a minibar.

There are a number of specials and package deals available, including ones during special events such as the World Junior Championships.

The hotel has both a bar and a restaurant with comfortable, elegant atmospheres and fresh food.  The bar is open until 11:00 p.m. during the week, until 1:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and closed on Sundays.  The restaurant is open for breakfast 7 days per week, lunch from Monday to Friday, and dinner from Monday to Saturday.

There are 3 large boardrooms available which are ideal for holding large group meetings, and can accommodate from 14 to 30 people.  Boardroom rental includes high-speed internet access, flip charts, and more.  There is also a well equipped Business Centre and a library with a wide array of books and newspapers.

The hotel is centrally located at 140 Slater Street, between Metcalfe and O’Connor.  The phone number is 1-800-699-2516.  You can also visit their official website.

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