Stroll through Ottawa's Byward Market

The ByWard Market is a huge covered market covering around four square blocks. Inside you'll find museums, bohemian cafés, delicatessens, trendy boutiques, art galleries, great restaurants, friendly pubs, lively nightclubs, hair and beauty salons, and much more! It's Ottawa's most popular tourist attraction. The market attracts thousands of visitors all year round, from early in the morning until late at night!

Ottawa's first market was established in 1826. It was founded by Lieutenant-Colonel John By, the same man who built the Rideau Canal. He designed a large market where the streets could accommodate the horse-drawn carriages that supplied the market every morning. At the time, Ottawa was known as Bytown. The neighbourhood quickly became a vibrant place to live. The workers building the Rideau Canal needed to eat and relax. So bars, restaurants, cafés and more sprang up. Originally built of wood, the original market building was demolished in 1842. In 1848, the market reopened thanks to demand from local residents. It is a place of community and convergence. There is a high concentration of Irish and French speakers.

Just as eclectic as it was in its early days, the ByWard Market is an important part of life in Ottawa, and a must-see in Canada's capital, whether you're visiting as a family with children or as a romantic getaway.

York Street Farmers' Market

Every Saturday morning, sample local, seasonal produce from ByWard Market producers. The York Street Farmers' Market is open from May to October.

The summer night market

Join the ByWard Market's newest tradition, the Night Market, for an array of creations, souvenirs and delights to enjoy with family, friends, couples or solo! The Night Market is a high-season attraction, from May to October only.

Shopping and souvenirs

The streets of the ByWard Market are teeming with small designer boutiques, international brands and galleries. Along Sussex Drive, you'll find :

• Frou Frou by Pat: a quirky and welcoming clothing shop.
• D'aku Designs: beautiful cuts and fabrics for exotic and colourful inspiration.

ByWard Market restaurants

The ByWard Market is full of culinary treasures, thanks to its origins and Canadians' taste for quality cuisine. No matter what type of cuisine you're looking for, the ByWard Market has what you're looking for.

• Chez Lucien: a cosy bistro bar decorated in wood, where the food is generous.
• Back to Brooklyn: a trendy restaurant and cocktail bar serving ethnic cuisine.
• Das Lokal: a trendy bistro with Germanic inspiration.
• Ipho Vietnamese Restaurant: for fans of pho soup, the emblematic soup of Vietnam.

Drinks in Ottawa

Looking for a bar to have a drink in Ottawa? The ByWard Market is the liveliest night spot in town. We recommend Château Lafayette, also known as "The Laff", the city's oldest tavern, founded in 1849.

The sumptuous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Ottawa

Just a stone's throw from the ByWard Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral is Ottawa's largest and oldest cathedral. It's an architecturally impressive monument that's a pleasure to visit. The cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where is the ByWard Market located?

The market is located in the centre of Ottawa, slightly to the west. The area is easily accessible on foot.

Where can I park?

In total, there are over 3,000 parking spaces in the car parks and on-street parking spaces around the ByWard Market.

How long can I stay?

You can stay for hours over brunch with the family, chat over cocktails with friends, or at least stroll through the pretty streets of the ByWard Market. To have time to do and admire almost everything, we recommend a minimum of two hours.

Who is this activity for?

There's something for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest, at the ByWard Market.