ByWard Market Profile

Photo credit: Creative Commons

The core of downtown Ottawa is known as the ByWard Market, or as we often shorten it to: The Market. The area is a highly saturated, cultural hub of street art, buskers, street vendors, hotels, eclectic shops, restaurants, bars, and its main attraction, the Rideau Mall. You name it, and it’s probably in The Market’s 5-block radius.

This neighbourhood truly has something to offer for everyone. It is a great place for strolling aimlessly, shopping, grabbing a beaver tail, supporting local farmers by buying home-grown produce, trying some frozen yogurt, stopping for a drink, going dancing, skating on the canal, admiring the street chalk murals, checking out The National Art Gallery, getting a tattoo, and if you’re in the mood for giving, there is a homeless shelter right around the corner with plenty of folks who could use the help. The list goes on, but I’m sure you get the picture. The Market is a major attraction for people of all ages, tourists, students, families, shopaholics, nightlife enthusiasts, artists, and foodies. Whether it’s morning, afternoon or night, there is always something to do, or something to eat. Whatever it is you’re craving, you’re probably just a 2-minute walk from a restaurant that serves just that.

If you’re fortunate enough to live in this neighbourhood, that means you’re lucky enough to experience the excitement of downtown right outside your doorstep, and the convenience of knowing that anything and everything you need is within a walkable distance. If it’s not, there is easy access to the highway, plenty of major bus stops, or taxis nearby, and the strong likelihood that your Über will arrive in under 3 minutes.

The ByWard Market is a vibrant focal point that represents the entire city, showing off our identity, diversity, heritage and genuine unity.