Shopping & districts
ByWard Market
ByWard Market
Located in downtown Ottawa near Parliament Hill, this historic market district serves as a hub for shopping and dining. Visitors go here to browse open-air stalls selling fresh produce, flowers, local crafts, and souvenirs, or to visit the permanent shops and restaurants that line the streets.
Getting There
The market is situated within the city centre. Depending on your starting point downtown, it is accessible via a short walk or a brief trip by public transit. Most visitors staying in the core can reach the area on foot within 10 to 20 minutes.
Duration: 2 to 4 hours. This allows enough time to walk through the market stalls, explore the surrounding side streets, and stop for a meal or snack.
When to Visit
The district is open year-round. Morning and early afternoon are the primary times for fresh produce and flower stalls. The area becomes crowded on weekends and during major city festivals. Visitors should expect higher pedestrian traffic during the summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the market can be combined with several other sites within a 0.4km walking distance:
- Major's Hill Park: A public park offering views of the city and river.
- Confederation Square: A central plaza and landmark.
- Valiants Memorial: A monument commemorating military service.
- Peacekeeping Monument: A memorial dedicated to international peacekeepers.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors