Public Art & Heritage Monuments – Iconic Downtown
- Arts & Culture
- See & Do
June 19, 2025 / 2 minute read
Step into the heart of downtown Ottawa and you’ll find more than shops and cafés. You’ll discover a story told in bronze, stone, and steel. Whether you’re visiting the Capital for the first time or exploring your own city with fresh eyes, this self-guided walk reveals the people, moments, and values that helped shape our country, all within a short and scenic downtown route. Explore iconic downtown.
Monuments
Lord Stanley's Gift
Elgin Street & Sparks Street
At the corner of Elgin and Sparks, this contemporary monument celebrates Canada’s most iconic sports trophy, the Stanley Cup. Created by artist Linda Covit, landscape architect Bao-Chau Nguyen, and architecture firm NORR, the installation marks Ottawa’s place in hockey history.
East and West Memorial Buildings
284 & 344 Wellington Street
Located at 284 and 344 Wellington Street and linked by the Memorial Arch, these buildings were designed in 1962 by Allward & Gouinlock to honour soldiers who served in World War II.
National War Memorial (“The Response”)
Elgin Street
A cenotaph at Elgin Street commemorating all Canadian Armed Forces personnel. It’s the focal point of the National Remembrance Day ceremony, observed every November 11.
Valiants Memorial
Elgin Street
Created by Arlene Hilton Moore and John McEwen in 2006, this monument pays tribute to Canada’s military heroes.
Garden of the Provinces and Territories
412 Sparks Street
Situated at 412 Sparks Street at Wellington, designed by landscape architect Donald W. Graham and built 1961–62, it symbolizes the unity of the provinces and territories.
Territorial Prerogative (The Bear Sculpture)
90 Sparks Street
Crafted by Bruce Garner in 1990 and located at 90 Sparks Street, this playful bronze bear (once featuring cub and salmon additions) embodies the region’s wildlife and spirit.
Historic Plaques
Thomas D’Arcy McGee Plaque
136 Sparks Street
Marks the spot on Sparks Street (136 Sparks) where the Father of Confederation was tragically assassinated in 1868.
The Canadian Phalanx Plaque
284 & 344 Wellington Street
Located near the Memorial Buildings (284 & 344 Wellington), this plaque commemorates the century-old volunteer militia unit.
Statues & Fountains
Terry Fox Statue
197 Sparks Street
Placed between O’Connor and Bank on Sparks Street, this life size bronze by John Hooper (1983) memorializes Terry Fox’s Marathon of Hope. Despite fighting bone cancer, Fox ran 143 days before passing away in 1981. His perseverance still rallies support for cancer research worldwide.
Homeless Jesus
414 Sparks Street
This powerful sculpture by Tim Schmalz sits near Christ Church Cathedral. It depicts Jesus as a homeless person sleeping on a bench, inviting reflection on compassion and social justice.
Twelve Points in a Classical Balance
Sparks Street & Bronson Avenue
A 1981 piece by Chung Hung, showcasing graceful geometric abstraction.
Tree Fountain & Great Lakes Fountain (1962)
Garden of the Provinces and Territories (412 Sparks Street)
Designed by Norman Slater and Emil G. van de Meulen, respectively, these copper fountains add an artistic, aquatic dimension to Sparks’ public spaces.
From commemorating wartime sacrifice to honouring Canadian icons like Terry Fox and the Stanley Cup, the monuments, plaques, and sculptures throughout downtown Ottawa add rich layers of meaning to the city’s identity. Their walkable locations make it easy to explore history, art, and culture at your own pace. Best of all, these works are open and accessible year-round, offering a free and inspiring way to connect with the stories that have shaped our capital.
