ByWard Market: explore the neighbourhood as well as the stalls
Covered shops, lively streets and places to pause for food in Ottawa.
ByWard Market turned out to be a whole neighbourhood, not just one building of stalls. We enjoyed wandering between its different parts.
Its history is connected with the construction of the Rideau Canal and the settlement once called Bytown, named after John By. A market serving a developing town grew into a central part of Ottawa’s urban life.
There is a covered market area with souvenirs and crafts, but do not stop there. Much of the atmosphere is outside in the surrounding streets.
It is a convenient area for food during a day on foot in Ottawa. We found it a natural continuation after the government and Parliament district.
Treat it as a neighbourhood to explore rather than a place for one quick photograph. Even without a shopping list, the streets and façades give the walk interest.
There is no single opening time for the entire area. Shops, stalls and evening venues operate differently, so plan around the businesses that matter to you.
Practical notes
Explore outside the covered market too.
Check individual business hours rather than one general market time.
Planning and booking
More from our Canada trip
Major’s Hill Park: a green pause in central Ottawa
Ottawa’s Parliament district: an exterior walking visit