The southern section of the road is a freeway between the Queensway (Highway 417) interchange and Laurier Avenue intersection. Between Laurier and Daly Avenue, Nicholas is a one-way southbound road, while traffic northbound from Laurier is diverted to Waller Street. Rideau Street is the northern terminus of Nicholas Street.
The Rideau Canal parallels Nicholas Street to the west. Colonel By Drive is situated between the Canal and Nicholas. The OC Transpo bus Transitway is a parallel facility situated to the east for much of Nicholas Street's length.
It is named for Nicholas Sparks, a prominent early citizen of Ottawa.