Whether you’re a local heading downtown or a tourist looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon in Ottawa, the ByWard Market is likely to be a stop on your list.
The year-round public market, starting its outdoor season in May, offers a variety of attractions for everyone.
Lined with unique shops, tasty treats, and streets filled with activities for the whole family, the market is always abuzz with something to do.
Activities and celebrations
- Taste your way through the market with C’est Bon Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour! Enjoy a mix of savoury and sweet dishes as you learn about some key spots in the neighborhood
- Located in ByWard Heritage building, Gallery 55 showcases unique artwork while overlooking the market
- Celebrate Mexican culture with mariachi performances, folkloric dances, live music, piñata-making class, traditional Mexican food, and much more at the Cinco de Mayo celebration May 4 & 5
- Check out the local artisans and retailers at the opening of the outdoor public market on May 11
- In the midst of the tulip festival, a Pollen-Palooza Night Market is taking place in the historic ByWard Night Market on May 18. The free event features TIMEKODE & Friends, the ultimate funk and soul DJ collective!
- Running from May 26 to October 27, the York St. Market by Minerva Ottawa is uniting local crafters for a handmade fair, where candles, resins, paintings, bath & body products, and clothing will be sold
- Spending Father’s Day with Dad? Check out Daddy’s Day Out: A Father’s Day Market being held on June 16
- A7G (Assembly of Seven Generations) hosts an Indigenous night market on June 21
- What better way to celebrate Canada Day weekend than in downtown Ottawa? Pop by the market on June 29, 30, and July 1 to check out Fly Market Vintage and Ooh Festival, including SOLÉ, the music lovers’ daytime dance party
- Downtown Ottawa’s favourite vintage shopping experience, Ooh Festival x The Real Fly Market, is taking place once again on August 10
- Pamper your furry friend at the ByWard BARKet on Sept 29, with specialty vendors to treat your pet!
- Looking ahead to fall? Stay tuned for the Harvest Market, with a date being announced soon
- Experience the culture of Mexico at the Day of the Dead Festival from Nov 1-3 with food, drinks, and entertainment for the whole family
Grab a bite
- Stop by Starling Restaurant & Bar to admire its stylish interior, unique cocktails and fresh menu
- A Quebec wine bar in the heart of the market, Buvette Daphnée is a recent addition to the neighbourhood that is worth a visit
- Play Food and Wine boasts an extensive small-plates menu, perfect for sharing and sampling their locally-sourced menu
- Inspired by the street food of Southeast Asia, Sidedoor is a place where families can dine, eating seasonal produce, oceanwise seafood, and ground curries
- Restaurant e18hteen is a steak and seafood lover’s dream, offering a large wine and beer list
Unique finds
- Looking for clothing, jewelry, or accessories? Milk Shop is a trendy, independent boutique catering to those who want to spice up their look
- Crossing the lines of cultural boundaries, D’aku Designs aims to blend functionality with flare
- Stop by Adaawewigamig for an authentic shopping Indigenous experience
- Specializing in Moroccan decorative art, Marrakeche Designs is a unique retail experience specializing handcrafted ceramics
Parkdale Public Market milestone
This year also marks a major milestone for the city’s Parkdale Public Market, which is celebrating its 100th season. To celebrate, there will be a host of specialty events throughout the year, in addition to the regularly scheduled market, which is open from May through October. The market then transforms into a holiday tree market for November and December!
- Parkdale’s 100th Market Season opens – May 11
- Flower Market – Select dates from May 11 – end of October
- Mother’s Day Market – May 12
- Vegans Who Snack – May 31
- Parkdale Night Market Series – Wednesdays – June 5 to Oct 9
- Night Market: 100th Birthday Party Edition – July 10
- Pride Night Market – Aug 17
- Night Market: Our 100th Harvest – Oct 9
- Holiday Trees + Decor – Nov 23 to Dec 24
