Elgin Street runs parallel to the Rideau Canal through the heart of Centretown, and together they form one of the most pleasant corridors in Ottawa. The street has restaurants, pubs, cafes, and shops with a character that feels more lived-in than the ByWard Market. The canal offers a green, car-free pathway that connects to some of the prettiest parts of the city. Combine the two and you have a day that is easy, unhurried, and genuinely enjoyable.
Morning: Brunch on Elgin
Start your day with brunch at one of the restaurants along Elgin Street. The strip has a good selection of breakfast and brunch spots, ranging from classic diners to more polished restaurant brunches. The atmosphere on Elgin is relaxed in the morning, with locals walking dogs and heading to yoga, and you can eat without feeling rushed.
After brunch, walk south along Elgin. The street passes Confederation Park (a small green space that hosts seasonal events), the courts and tribunals district, and several blocks of independent shops, pubs, and restaurants. The architecture is a mix of older stone buildings and newer infill, and the street has a distinctive urban feel that contrasts with the tourist-focused Market area.
Midday: Canal Walk
From Elgin Street, cut over to the Rideau Canal pathway at any of the cross streets south of the Queensway overpass. The canal here is broad and tree-lined, with well-maintained paths on both sides. Walk south toward Dows Lake, enjoying the water views and the quiet green corridor that the canal provides.
This stretch of the canal passes through some of Ottawa's most desirable residential areas. In spring, the tulip beds along Commissioner's Park (near Dows Lake) are spectacular. In summer, the pathway is popular with cyclists, joggers, and families. In autumn, the mature trees along the canal produce some of the best urban fall colour in the city. And in winter, if the canal is frozen for skating, this is a magical stretch to glide along.
Afternoon: Dows Lake and the Arboretum
Dows Lake is a wide basin at the southern end of the canal's urban section, and it makes a natural turnaround point or a destination in its own right. The Dows Lake Pavilion has a restaurant with a waterfront patio, and in summer you can rent kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats. The lake is surrounded by parks and gardens, including the Dominion Arboretum, which is one of Ottawa's loveliest green spaces.
If you have the energy, walk through the arboretum. The research garden covers 26 hectares and features thousands of tree species in a parklike setting with rolling paths and quiet benches. It is rarely crowded and feels worlds away from the busy downtown core.
Late Afternoon: The Glebe
From Dows Lake or the arboretum, it is a short walk to the Glebe neighbourhood. Bank Street, the Glebe's main commercial strip, crosses the canal nearby and runs south through blocks of independent shops, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants. The Glebe has a quieter, more residential feel than the Market or Elgin Street, and it is worth an hour of browsing.
If you are visiting on a Sunday, check whether the Lansdowne Farmers' Market is running at the Lansdowne complex on Bank Street. The market features local producers selling seasonal food, baked goods, and artisan products.
Evening: Dinner on Elgin
Walk back to Elgin Street for dinner. The street has a strong pub culture, with several establishments that have been neighbourhood fixtures for decades. But it also has excellent restaurants ranging from Italian to Thai to contemporary Canadian. In summer, the patios along Elgin are among the best in the city, shaded by trees and set back from the sidewalk.
After dinner, the canal pathway is beautiful in the fading light. The walk from Elgin Street back to the ByWard Market area takes about twenty minutes along the canal and provides a quiet, reflective end to the day. The reflections of lights on the water and the silhouette of the Chateau Laurier make for a memorable evening walk.
Seasonal Notes
This day works in every season, but the experience changes significantly. Summer is the best time for patios and canal activities. Fall brings extraordinary colours to the canal pathway and the arboretum. Winter offers canal skating and cozy pub meals. Spring is unpredictable but often rewards the optimist with tulips and warm sunny days.
For a broader view of Ottawa's neighbourhoods, see our neighbourhood guide. If you want to combine Elgin Street with the ByWard Market, our 48 hours itinerary covers both areas over two days.