ByWard Market
ByWard Market is Ottawa’s premier shopping and dining destination.
This popular area contains a farmers’ market, unique boutiques, galleries, pubs, restaurants, bars, bakeries, coffee houses and street art. Over 600 businesses call the market area home.
During the day, enjoy shopping, dining and special events. At night, the ByWard Market is the perfect date location, with music, dancing and other entertainment venues.
ByWard Market | Destination Ontario
How to get to ByWard Market
Location: 55 Byward Market Square, Ottawa
By car: Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, close to the banks of the Ottawa River. Limited paid and free ByWard Market street parking is available.
By transit: VIA Rail and Ontario Northland provide transit service to Ottawa. In the city, take the OC Transpo 1 bus to Rideau, then walk six minutes north to ByWard Market.
Know before you go
The public market inside Market Hall is open daily, year-round. Between May and October, the market expands onto the streets, turning the area into a bustling outdoor market.
Hours of operation will vary for individual shops and businesses.
Things to do at ByWard Market
Discover more activities and experiences.
Visit the iconic sign
Snap a selfie in front of the famous Ottawa sign in York Street Plaza, surrounded by colourful Muskoka chairs and trees decorated with lights.
Browse the market
Explore a vast assortment of food vendors, artisan products, handcrafted items, flowers and more at the ByWard farmers’ market.
Enjoy the nightlife
Several restaurants and entertainment venues transform the area into Ottawa’s nightlife hub with outdoor dining and live music performances.
Feast on international fare
With over 100 restaurants and eateries, like Beavertails and Zak’s Diner, you’ll find an array of culinary treats.
Stroll through outdoor events
Participate in lively ByWard Market events, including dancing on Salsa Sundays, listening to R&B at Living Room Concerts 010 and browsing Indigenous artisans at the Night Market
Take in outdoor art
Admire stunning murals along Dalhousie Street and 14 bronze cat sculptures around the Murray Street parking garage.
Articles and itineraries
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Interesting facts about ByWard Market
ByWard Market was established in 1826. Lt. Col. John By, the nearby Rideau Canal builder, laid out the street plan himself.
The area quickly developed into a major commercial hub buoyed by the workers building the Rideau Canal. As the market expanded, more buildings were added, and some original buildings from different eras remain today. The blend of different architectural styles helps give the area its eclectic and trendy vibe.
Last updated: September 13, 2024