Sparks Street Mall

Sparks Street Mall is a beautiful, historical pedestrian mall that is located within minutes from Parliament Hill. It is filled with specialty shops and boutiques that will suit every budget.

Apart from shops it is also filled with cafes and pubs and offers special events throughout the year.

The history of Sparks Street Mall is quite fascinating. It was founded by Nicholas Sparks in the early 1800's and is one of Canada's oldest pedestrian malls. Thomas D'Arcy McGee who was part of the Canadian Parliament was assassinated on Sparks Street on April 7, 1868. Just steps away from the place where he was assassinated, at the corner of Elgin and Sparks, is D'Arcy McGee's Irish pub.

If you are planning on doing some shopping then here are some of the shops that you will find:

• Canada's Four Corners - great place to go if you are looking for high quality Canadian souvenirs
• jewellry stores
• souvenir shops
• clothing stores
• book stores
• shoe stores
• and much more

Who can forget the special events take place here every year? Some will get you all dressed up, some will get you laughing and some will get you filling your face with some of the best barbecued food out there. Here are a few of the events that liven up the Street:

• Mardi Gras - takes place very February
• International Buskerfest
  • July 31 - August 4, 2008
  • some of the most talented street performers in the world perform during this festival in the summer
• Chicken & Rib Fest
  • June 18 - 22, 2008
  • come and try some delicious chicken & ribs
• Summer Concerts
  • concerts will be held every Friday night throughtout the summer between Metcalfe & O'Connor. Admission is free
• Christmas Lights – don't forget your cameras because the street lights up at this time of year

Are you hungry or thirsty after your busy day of shopping and walking around? Here are some of the pubs that we recommend:

• D'Arcy McGee's Irish Pub
• Parliament Pub
• The Cock and Lion
• Brixton's Pub
• or try one of the outdoor cafes so you can get some fresh air and take in your surroundings

We love going down to Sparks Street Mall a few times each year. There is so much history and the buildings have so much character. There is also a great selection of places to have a relaxing meal. We sure hope you enjoy it just as much as we do.

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