Registry Office

Complete Guide to Visiting the Registry Office in Ottawa, Canada: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Nearby Attractions

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Registry Office in Ottawa stands as a physical record of Canada’s civic evolution—a Victorian-era architectural gem that once served as the city’s land registry hub. Built between 1873 and 1874, this historic building is one of only four remaining 19th-century registry offices in Ontario and is protected under the Ontario Heritage Act. While its interior is currently closed for redevelopment, its exterior and storied past continue to attract visitors, history buffs, and architecture enthusiasts. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Registry Office: its history, current status, visitor information, accessibility, nearby attractions, and tips for a rewarding experience.

For the latest updates on access, restoration, and heritage events, refer to Heritage Ottawa, City of Ottawa, and Ottawa Tourism.

Historic Overview
Visitor Information
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
FAQs
Summary and Planning Tips
References

Historic Overview

Origins and Construction

The Registry Office at 70 Nicholas Street is a prominent example of 19th-century civic architecture in Ontario. Constructed from 1873-1874, the building was designed by the architect known as “Mr. Hudson.” Its robust red-brick exterior, symmetrical Victorian façade, and arched windows reflect ideals of permanence and public service, while innovative fireproofing techniques—including thick stone floors and steel shutters—protected vital land records (Heritage Ottawa).

Civic Role and Museum Era

For decades, the Registry Office functioned as Ottawa’s principal land records center, where property deeds and legal documents were registered and archived. In 1917, the Women’s Canadian Historical Society of Ottawa established the Bytown and Ottawa Historical Museum within the building, making it a focal point for heritage preservation and public history (Heritage Ottawa).

Ownership Changes and Preservation

The building changed hands multiple times throughout the 20th century—from the City of Ottawa to the federal government, later hosting the Ottawa Tourist and Convention Centre and community organizations. It was officially designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1978, protecting it from demolition or inappropriate alteration (Heritage Ottawa). Despite its protected status, the building was vacated in 1980 and remained empty for decades, with local heritage advocates pushing for its preservation.

Current Status and Redevelopment

In the 2010s, Cadillac Fairview, owner of the adjacent Rideau Centre, acquired the building and announced plans to relocate it slightly north to integrate it into a new mixed-use high-rise development (Capital Current). As of June 2025, the Registry Office remains closed to interior visits, but its future is the subject of ongoing public consultations and city planning. Restoration efforts focus on preserving its architectural integrity while adapting it for new uses.

Visitor Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: 70 Nicholas Street, Ottawa, Ontario (historic building)
The operational Land Registry Office for legal transactions is now at 161 Elgin Street, 4th Floor (Chamber of Commerce).
Getting There: Both locations are easily reached via OC Transpo bus routes and O-Train Line 1 (Parliament or Rideau stations). The Nicholas Street site is a short walk from the Rideau Centre, ByWard Market, and other key downtown landmarks.

Accessibility

The exterior viewing area on Nicholas Street is pedestrian-friendly and wheelchair-accessible.
The operational registry office at Elgin Street is fully accessible, with elevators and accessible washrooms (Ottawa.ca).

Visiting Hours and Admission

Historic Registry Office (Nicholas Street)

Interior Access: Currently closed to the public due to restoration and redevelopment.
Exterior Viewing: Accessible year-round; best viewed during daylight hours.

Operational Land Registry Office (161 Elgin Street)

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (standard government hours).
Admission: Free to enter; fees apply for specific services such as title searches or certified copies (Ontario.ca Land Registry Overview).

Services and What to Expect

At the Historic Site

No on-site services at 70 Nicholas Street until restoration is complete.
Photography: The classical façade and architectural details are best photographed in the morning or late afternoon.
Heritage Interpretation: Historical plaques and information panels may be present during special events.

At the Operational Office

Services: Title searches, registration of property documents, certified copies, and access to property surveys.
Atmosphere: Modern, professional government setting with service counters and waiting areas.
Staff: Bilingual (English/French) service; knowledgeable staff available for assistance.

Guided Tours and Events

Doors Open Ottawa: The Registry Office participates in Ottawa’s annual heritage event, sometimes offering guided tours and historical displays (Ottawa.ca Doors Open Ottawa).
Other Tours: Local organizations occasionally include the Registry Office in walking tours of Ottawa’s legal and heritage district (Ottawa Tourism).

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Former Nicholas Street Jail (now Ottawa Jail Hostel): A short walk from the Registry Office, this historic site offers tours and unique accommodations.
Carleton County Courthouse: Another 19th-century landmark in the same precinct.
Rideau Centre: Ottawa’s major downtown shopping and dining complex.
ByWard Market: A bustling historic market area filled with shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Parliament Hill, Supreme Court, National War Memorial: All within walking distance and add to the city’s rich heritage landscape.

Travel Tip: Public parking is limited; use public transit where possible, especially during special events. For the best photos, capture the Registry Office’s façade from Nicholas Street during golden hour.

FAQs

Q: Can I visit the interior of the Registry Office?
A: As of June 2025, the interior of the Registry Office at 70 Nicholas Street is closed due to redevelopment. The exterior remains accessible for viewing.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No fee to view the exterior or enter the operational office. Fees apply only for specific registry services such as document certification.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours are occasionally offered during Doors Open Ottawa and by local heritage organizations.

Q: Is the site accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: The exterior viewing area and operational office are accessible. Contact the City of Ottawa for specific accommodation requests.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Both locations are downtown and accessible by foot, public transit, or bike. Parking is limited.

Q: Can I do land registry searches online?
A: Yes, many land registry services are available online via the Ontario government portal.

Summary and Planning Tips

The Registry Office in Ottawa is both a monument to the city’s legal and civic history and a symbol of ongoing heritage preservation. While interior access is currently on hold due to restoration and redevelopment, the building’s exterior and its story remain integral to Ottawa’s downtown landscape. Pair your visit with nearby heritage sites, and plan to attend special events such as Doors Open Ottawa for a deeper experience. For up-to-date information on hours, tours, and the future of the Registry Office, consult Heritage Ottawa, the City of Ottawa, and Ottawa Tourism.