Byward Market

The ByWard Market is one of Canada's largest and oldest public markets. Colonel John By, the famous builder of the Rideau Canal, laid out the plan for the market. To accommodate the creation of a public market and gathering place, he designated both George Street and York Street to be extra wide. The ByWard Market District is home to delicious cuisine, shopping, arts, entertainment, and professional services in the city of Ottawa. It’s also a unique heritage destination for tourists and ranked number one in the National Capital Region. 

You will find this public market packed with artisans and culinary delights all year round. On average, the Market welcomes around 50,000 visitors per weekend when it is peak season. There are over 600 businesses in the district and it has something for everyone. 

The peak season is between May and October and you will see the market in its full glory. Outside the Market Hall, you will find many small business owners gathering and turning the area into a great outdoor shopping place. Moreover, you will experience the joy of music and art throughout the whole area, making your trip even more enjoyable. 

 

What to Know

ByWard Market is mostly famous for its outdoor farmers’ market stalls that sell fresh produce including fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and whatnot. Moreover, there are also specialty food shops that sell delicious Canadian Cheese and heavenly maple-infused chocolate. 

You will also find various local designers showcasing their clothes. It’s also known for its beautiful colorful street art and hip stores filled with crafts. And don’t forget to try the special shawarma from the surrounding eateries. Also, the delicious BeaverTails, which are actually not the tails of the beavers —but sweet fried pastries in the shape of a beaver’s tail. 

Inside the market, you’ll find the most delicious poutine with a perfect golden gravy and delicious cheese curds. You can find lots of different foods and drinks in this market. There are also some bars and clubs in the area. You can also find museums, galleries, pubs, hair and aesthetics salons, and much more. Everything is easily accessible by public transit and car, or even if you’re walking. 

Moreover, you can also find lots of parks surrounding the ByWard Market, where you can enjoy lots of outdoor activities. You will love Major’s Hill Park, with its gorgeous views of the Ottawa River. You can also see Parliament Hill from the park which is a beautiful oasis with historic monuments and captivating nature. Also, there is Confederation Park which is a cultural location hosting various festivals and events all around the year.

In ByWard Market, located on Clarence Street, you can find the most famous Irish Village, also commonly known as The Heart & Crown. It consists of five bars under 1 roof and six patios. It has Irish-inspired food, live music, entertainment, sporting events, and a lot more. 

During market season, it is bustling with visitors from all around the country. So, it is better to go early as the outdoor vendors are mostly set up for 9 am and will close around 5 pm, depending on the weather conditions.

 

How to Get There

Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the ByWard Market area is a perfect place for you. If you’re traveling there in your private car, you will find both free and paid street parking in the Market. Moreover, if you’re looking for public transit then VIA Rail and Ontario Northland are your best options. They provide a great transit service to Ottawa. In the city, take the OC Transpo 1 bus to Rideau — and then walk for six minutes north which will take you to the ByWard Market. Another way of going to this market is as part of an Ottawa tour package. That way, you can also check out other top spots in the city! 

 

Best Time to Visit 

The ByWard Market neighborhood and Rideau Street offer a unique experience like no other. No trip to Ottawa is complete without visiting this amazing place. The best time to visit the Market is between the months of May and October. The weather is really nice around this time and all the small business owners gather around the Market Hall to sell their goods. Also, it’s best to visit the Market at nighttime to experience its vibrant nightlife. You can find lots of bars, comedy clubs, theatres, and more.

 

Features and Highlights 

- Features local artisanal products including arts and crafts, exquisite jewelry, home decor items, and more.

- Outdoor farmers’ market and specialty food shops featuring Canadian cheese and maple-infused chocolate.

- Mostly famous for BeaverTails, also known as Canadian Donut. 

- Features Molly McGuire’s and The Rainbow for theatre and performances.

- Features Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club and The Earl of Sussex, a Jazz Bar.

- Features the Irish Village, also known as The Heart & Crown, with delicious Irish-inspired food and live music. 

- The National Gallery of Canada, home to one of the finest collections of Canadian art in the world, is within walking distance from ByWard Market. 

- In the surrounding neighborhood, there is Major’s Hill Park with great views of Ottawa River and Confederation Park. 

- During Market Season, all the vibrancy of the Market spills out, and different local vendors come out in the Market Hall.