Shopping & districts
Lower Town
Lower Town
Established in 1826, this is the oldest neighborhood in Ottawa. It is divided into two distinct sections: the southwest side is a commercial hub centered around the ByWard Market, while the northeast side consists of quiet residential streets. Travelers visit this area to experience the city's early urban layout and to access the shops and eateries of the market district.
Getting There
The neighborhood is located adjacent to the city centre. Depending on your starting point downtown, it is accessible via a short walk or a brief ride on local public transit. The trip typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.
Time Allocation
Allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the area. This provides enough time to walk through the residential streets and spend time in the commercial district.
When to Visit
The commercial areas are most active during the day and early evening. The neighborhood gets crowded, particularly during weekends and summer months when foot traffic increases around the market. Visiting on a weekday morning is a quieter option for those avoiding crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, this neighborhood can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (0.5km)
- Peacekeeping Monument (0.6km)
- National Gallery of Canada (0.7km)
- ByWard Market (0.7km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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