ByWard Market, Ottawa: Address, Phone Number, ByWard Market Reviews: 4.5/5
ByWard Market
ByWard Market
4.5
About
WITHIN an area roughly four blocks square, you'll find museums, cafes, specialty food shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, pubs, hair & aesthetics salons and more! Easily accessible on foot, by transit or by car, the ByWard Market offers a unique experience for all. ESTABLISHED by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, the ByWard Market is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. The legendary builder of the Rideau Canal, Colonel By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George Street and York Street to be extra wide to accommodate the creation of a public market and gathering place.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Byward Market Area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,431 within 3 miles
La Bottega Nicastro
550
0.2 mi$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

The Brig Pub
263
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Pub • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

BeaverTails
2,633
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Canadian

Play Food & Wine
1,845
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Wine Bar • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly

Courtyard Restaurant
478
0.3 mi$$$$ • International • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly

Kochin Kitchen
274
120 ft$$ - $$$ • Indian • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Ottawa Market
735
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Canadian

Fatboys Southern Smokehouse
525
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Southwestern • Bar

Chez Lucien
463
59 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Sidedoor Contemporary Kitchen & Bar
545
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
205 within 6 miles

Galerie St-Laurent + Hill
1
265 ftArt Galleries

Notre Dame Basilica
1,348
0.2 miReligious Sites

National Gallery of Canada
3,085
0.3 miSpeciality Museums

Major's Hill Park
358
0.3 miParks

L.A. Pai Gallery
1
0.2 miArt Galleries

Ottawa Locks
782
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Royal Canadian Mint
1,166
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Government Buildings

Peacekeeping Monument
66
0.2 miMonuments & Statues

Rideau Canal National Historic Site
5,288
0.4 miBodies of Water

Nepean Point
117
0.3 miLookouts
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,985 reviews
Excellent
2,407
Very good
1,818
Average
597
Poor
121
Terrible
44
lovetotravel876
Georgina, Canada205 contributions
We visited in late October and enjoyed browsing and being entertained by some talented musicians. There is a wide choice of restaurants in the area and many places to just have a drink or a quick snack. We parked in the garage which cost just $6 for the few hours we spent there.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shumona
Dhaka City, Bangladesh8 contributions
Urban and rural farmers alike joins this vibrant community to sell fresh produce, maple syrup, handicrafts and many more truly Ottawan crafts. One has to go back again and again. Its an atmosphere of bliss that stays forever in this little street market at the heart of Canada's capital!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rather_Nomadic
Panama City, FL1,886 contributions
Solo
Stopped here for a late morning snack and found a great selection of tasty options. The prosciutto and provolone sandwich was tasty and warm. The raspberry pastry was perfectly made and the fresh coffee was good. Fair prices and friendly service. I’ll be back.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Globalina
Toronto123 contributions
Couples
We just returned from our 4 day stay in Ottawa. It my husband’s first visit to the city, while I was there about 15 years ago last time. We stayed next to the ByWard Market, which I remembered to be a very vibrant spot of the city, full of restaurants, cafes, unique shops, galleries and much more, but this visit it left us with a very bitter taste. The whole area is a crumbling mess, extremely dirty and smelly. We were shocked by the number of homeless people living on the streets of this neighbourhood and everyone is ignoring this problem. Last night we booked a restaurant located in a courtyard just off York Street. The place was lovely
and unique looking, surrounded by the stone buildings, but the alley leading to the courtyard smelled awful of human waste. There was another restaurant patio located right by the alley. How could anyone sit and eat there? It was beyond disgusting experience spending time in ByWard Market and we will definitely not be back.
Also pretty much the rest of the city was dirty except few streets around Parliament Hill.
and unique looking, surrounded by the stone buildings, but the alley leading to the courtyard smelled awful of human waste. There was another restaurant patio located right by the alley. How could anyone sit and eat there? It was beyond disgusting experience spending time in ByWard Market and we will definitely not be back.
Also pretty much the rest of the city was dirty except few streets around Parliament Hill.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ramez
Ottawa, Canada1 contribution
Family
The byward market has a lot of potential but unfortunately it is a full of crack heads, panhandlers and drug dealers. It is unsafe place to roam around if you have a family with kids. People are cursing and using inappropriate language on the sidewalks and outside the restaurants.
Anyway, Ottawa is a very outdated city and it feels like you are in a 3rd world country, so if you have kids, avoid going to byward area or downtown area.
The restaurants in the byward Market are sooo boring and they are so sterile.
I advise to avoid downtown Ottawa and head to Montreal (2 hrs drive) since Ottawa has nothing to offer to tourists and it is a very unwelcoming city with unfriendly people (specifically for non canadian tourists)..
Anyway, Ottawa is a very outdated city and it feels like you are in a 3rd world country, so if you have kids, avoid going to byward area or downtown area.
The restaurants in the byward Market are sooo boring and they are so sterile.
I advise to avoid downtown Ottawa and head to Montreal (2 hrs drive) since Ottawa has nothing to offer to tourists and it is a very unwelcoming city with unfriendly people (specifically for non canadian tourists)..
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elizabeth A
9 contributions
Walking through the Byward market is very enjoyable. Many different restaurants to select from. If you love exploring by foot this is recommended. Parliament Hill building is also near by along with many other attraction
Parking is little difficult to find. But there are parking garages with daily parking.
Parking is little difficult to find. But there are parking garages with daily parking.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
fPisces3
Canada55 contributions
I found the area to be very busy, considering it is a market place. Many large and small eating places, some seating around, but not enough for the crowds on a week-end. There were line-ups, but considering Covid and distancing rules, fewer people could be accommodated. There was also some construction going on around the streets, so I didn't find the area good for walking. Good variety of stores.
Written September 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ruth
London, Canada277 contributions
Couples
The Byward Market building was good for a washroom visit and cooling off. Inside was very quiet with many areas closed. Outside the area has brightly coloured space with many restaurants and shops. We were looking for more of a traditional market, not a shopping district.
Written September 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freely Adventure
Edmonton, Canada166 contributions
I love the Byward Market, one of my favourite places in Ottawa. There are always entertainers, buskers to watch, lots of great food and my favourite the freshly squeezed lemonade. My two children and myself, enjoyed our evening watching performers and walking around.
You can walk from the Parliament Hill to the Byward Market in about 10 minutes
If you're in Ottawa, I would make the effort to check it out! Also, take a stroll on the Rideau cannel, is also nice too.
You can walk from the Parliament Hill to the Byward Market in about 10 minutes
If you're in Ottawa, I would make the effort to check it out! Also, take a stroll on the Rideau cannel, is also nice too.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark B
Sudbury, Canada81 contributions
A food, pub, restaurant area that is touristy and has traditional farmers type market feel to the area. This is where to for craft beers and pub grub. I enjoy the international food options here as well.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
what Time is market open
Minniepoohtoo
Montreal, Canada20 contributions
It varies, depending on what you are looking for.
Kelly M
London, Canada
Good dinner spot in the market area?
SamreenAhsanCanada
Toronto, Canada520 contributions
Lots of local food to select. There are plenty of options. It depends on your choice
Lila L
Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne, Canada
Where is a good restaurant for breakfast in the byword market area.
Epicure30
Terrebonne, Canada35 contributions
Hi, Dunn’s is a nice and cheap place to eat a great breakfast, the Highlander pub serve a « kilt filler » and my favourite Zack’s diner. I hope this helps
Felipe V
2 contributions
Hasta qué hora está abierto?
ByWard Market
Ottawa, Canada10 contributions
Hello,
The ByWard Market is home to over 600 individual businesses, all responsible for their own hours of operation. Outdoor vendors are typically set up between 9-5, weather depending.
It is best to contact a business directly to make sure you visit is the best it can be.
Thank you!
occams-razor
Antioch, IL89 contributions
is this 1 building with stalls, etc. inside it or is it a "neighborhood" or area encompassing many streets? thanks!
IAN W
St Helens, UK3,615 contributions
Its both in and out
What time do shops close
JBMartiniguy
Hartford, CT640 contributions
Out door market closes at 18:00, the shops between 18:00 and 21:00, the pubs and restaurants close between midnite and 2:00AM
donaleerothwell
Burlington, Canada
Where can we park?
ByWard Market
Ottawa, Canada10 contributions
Hi laughingwoman6, thanks for asking about parking. You're right, the ByWard Market is incredibly walk-able, and we love to see people out and about!
In total, there are over 3,100 parking spaces in the ByWard Market, including on-street and parking garages. On-street parking is recommended for short-term visits (1-2hours), while guests are encouraged to use the parking garages and lots for longer stays (2+ hours).
There are two City-owned parking garages on Clarence Street, one between Parent & William, and the other off of Dalhousie. These garages are comparable to paying for on-street parking, only you don't have to worry about feeding the meter.
There is also a Vinci parking garage off of George Street. Pricing information can be found on our website under "Maps - Plan Your Visit".
I sincerely hope this helps with your next visit. Please let us know if you would like more information. It would be our pleasure to be of further assistance.
Thank you,
Katherine
Marketing & Comms
ByWard Market BIA
Hi there
November 18th weekend we are coming the Saturday night for our girlfriends bachlorette... what would you recommend for a dinner spot before we head out to the bars??
REL_11
Ottawa, Canada98 contributions
Hmm, it really depends whether you are in a hurry, if you want meat or veg, if you want fancy or casual...because Ottawa has everything! The previous suggestion of 18 is a good one - good service and casual. If you have more details, let me know!
donatella v
Florence, Italy2 contributions
Orario di apertura e di chiusura
ByWard Market
Ottawa, Canada10 contributions
Hello Donatella, there are over 600 shops, restaurants, galleries, and outdoor vendors in the ByWard Market, and each business is responsible for their own hours of operation. Was there one in particular we can help with?
Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions about ByWard Market
- We recommend booking ByWard Market tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 ByWard Market tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience ByWard Market:
- Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water (From $30.00)
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour (From $59.53)
- Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour (From $87.27)
- Ottawa Private Day Tour from Montreal (From $257.97)
- Ottawa's Pioneering Days: A Self-Guided Audio Tour (From $5.20)
- Hotels near ByWard Market:
- (0.08 mi) Byward Blue Inn
- (0.10 mi) Auberge des Arts
- (0.15 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown
- (0.16 mi) Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
- (0.20 mi) Ottawa Backpackers Inn
- Restaurants near ByWard Market:
- (0.01 mi) Blue Bird Coffee
- (0.01 mi) Chez Lucien
- (0.01 mi) Benny's bistro
- (0.02 mi) The Shawarma Place
- (0.02 mi) La boulangerie francais
- Attractions near ByWard Market:
- (0.12 mi) C'est Bon Cooking
- (0.07 mi) Amaze Ottawa Escape Game
- (0.15 mi) Jigsaw Escape Rooms
- (0.05 mi) Workshop Studio & Boutique
- (0.04 mi) Upward Dog Yoga Centre