New Sparks Street murals are celebrating Canada’s landscapes
Posted Jun 5, 2026 08:30:00 AM.
Last Updated Jun 4, 2026 03:14:00 PM.
As the heart of the country’s federal political system, downtown Ottawa is used as the backdrop to celebrate Canada and Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Throughout June, residents will be seeing artists along Sparks Street create murals that pay tribute to the 10 provinces and three territories that make up the country. Each of the paintings will portray “sweeping landscapes,” showcasing the “breathtaking beauty” of each part of the country.
It’s being called the Canadiana Block, and it’s expected to be done by July 1. The murals are not impeding foot traffic along Sparks Street, and people are being encouraged to watch what the artists do best.
The paintings will go onto a concrete strip that stretches 5.8 metres and is two metres high. The pedestrian roadway was chosen because of its proximity to Parliament Hill and the connection the street has between Lebreton Flats and the Ādisōke Library.
It’s expected to stay until August 2027.
“When completed, the art installation will immerse pedestrians in the vastness of Canada’s natural diversity,” the press release notes.
This idea was chosen in 2025 by a jury that reviewed over two dozen submissions from professional artists across the country. The final design was created by Dan Bergeron and Gabriel Specter, who named the project Coast to Coast to Coast.
The City of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), are funding the project.
“The Canadiana Block is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to beautifying, enhancing and animating its public spaces,” the municipality notes. “These special installations elevate the downtown experience for workers, residents, visitors and businesses through innovative and engaging public projects, including public art.
