Freeze Frame
Make room for the arts Sum Artist’s José Bautista mural at 99 Spadina.
The Chambers,
Steps away from Ottawa’s most iconic sights, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, The Chambers buildings are witness to Canadian history on display. But the neighbourhood is also where artists, chefs and entrepreneurs are imagining what’s next for the capital. Jim Dean, creative director of The Haunted Walk, shares a few top (and spooky) spots nearby.
BY: Sara Frizzell
Illustration by: Bryce Aspinall
1. Little Victories Coffee Roasters
44 Elgin Street
Walking and running clubs meet at this elegant coffee shop before heading off down the Rideau Canal’s paths, and the spot is peak people-watching for tourists and parliamentarians.
2. Ottawa Art Gallery
50 Mackenzie King Bridge
After decades in cramped quarters, the Ottawa Art Gallery has new spacious digs. The whole block comes alive when it and the 20-some art, theatre and dance groups in the Arts Court put on the Pique festival four times a year.
3. Pot & Pantry
254 Elgin Street
Perfect your negroni or knife skills in a class or, if Wednesday, indulge in bread and chewy, salty cookies from Almanac Bakery at this charming kitchen and home-goods store.
4. Thali
136 O’Connor Street
At his latest restaurant, Ottawa celeb Joe Thottungal’s introduced the city to thali, which puts sweet, salty, sour and spicy Indian flavours all on one plate.
5. Perfect Books
258 Elgin Street
A cozy space to spend time, this independent bookshop is always hosting readings, drawing in local authors and poets. Catch the staff at Ottawa International Writers Festival events, too.
6. Knyota
104 Bank Street
This bottle shop is doing something different: nothing it sells is alcoholic. Owner Benson Mutalemwa gives good recos and the store has the best selection of zero-proof drinks, bar none.
Top Spots
From the Haunted Walk’s Jim Dean
7. Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau Street
“Constructed by the Grand Trunk Railroad, Ottawa’s grand castle was to be opened by its president, Charles Melville Hays, in 1912. Tragically, he perished on the Titanic, and today, the suite bearing his name is notorious for paranormal sightings of Hays himself.”
8. Beckta Dining & Wine
150 Elgin Street
“Once the home of a physician to the governors-general of Canada, a figure has been spotted at an upper window, and unseen hands have sent objects flying. As a peace offering, the restaurant leaves cognac and a cigar on the mantel for the doctor.”
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