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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Neighbourhood: Byward Market Area
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1,305 within 5 kms
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232 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- AH0624Toronto, Canada92 contributionsNice place but seems dangerous at night.This is regular tourist spot with outdoor markets and restaurants so you every visitor basically ends up there. However, I would say you should likely visit during daylight hours. Lots of homeless people and drug addicts are walking around so it doesn’t seem very safe. When I went at night I left after a few minutes because of safety. Having said that, it is an interesting place worth visiting…just go in the afternoon.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2023
- marc16 contributionsA nice idea, rough around the edges!It was a nice area in concept, but there was a lot of vagrants, some shops and artisans were vary clean and well kept, and others were not. The smell of pot permeates the air, I know pot is legal, but here you might think it’s required… Lots of shops and art, and food. We picked up a few things along the way, Nearby parking was very easy. It’s honestly not a place I’d take the kids…but two adults did just fine.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten September 2, 2023
- hairybear007Tipton, United Kingdom4,163 contributionsWorth a visit.Personally I think it’s worth a visit both day/ night ,makes a change from all the chains. Found this lovely cafe, doing fabulous cakes,sandwiches etc became almost our daily visit. Lots of choice for restaurants,plenty of tourists and nice to walk around at your own pace. Felt very safe ,security visible ,it’s an open space with locals who have issues shall we say ,might be off putting for some ,but not for us . The independent shops need the support and we enjoyed our daily visits.Visited September 2023Written October 1, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
5,017 reviews
Excellent
2,411
Very good
1,824
Average
606
Poor
123
Terrible
53
Kane M
Lakewood, CO50 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
I loved this area. Lots of options for food, coffee, souvenirs , etc. they had live music on Sunday morning right before Halloween. Lots of options..
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Citytour2011
North Vancouver, Canada169 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Some shady looking characters around. Not a comfortable feeling when walking around. We would not go at night. Looks a bit like a flea market.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hairybear007
Tipton, UK4,163 contributions
Sep. 2023
Personally I think it’s worth a visit both day/ night ,makes a change from all the chains.
Found this lovely cafe, doing fabulous cakes,sandwiches etc became almost our daily visit.
Lots of choice for restaurants,plenty of tourists and nice to walk around at your own pace.
Felt very safe ,security visible ,it’s an open space with locals who have issues shall we say ,might be off putting for some ,but not for us .
The independent shops need the support and we enjoyed our daily visits.
Found this lovely cafe, doing fabulous cakes,sandwiches etc became almost our daily visit.
Lots of choice for restaurants,plenty of tourists and nice to walk around at your own pace.
Felt very safe ,security visible ,it’s an open space with locals who have issues shall we say ,might be off putting for some ,but not for us .
The independent shops need the support and we enjoyed our daily visits.
Written October 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HankOttawa
Ottawa, Canada22 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
Once a pleasant area to go for shopping, food and drink the market has devolved into a dangerous place rampant with drug use, vagrancy and crime. Avoid, especially at night.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marc
16 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
It was a nice area in concept, but there was a lot of vagrants, some shops and artisans were vary clean and well kept, and others were not.
The smell of pot permeates the air, I know pot is legal, but here you might think it’s required…
Lots of shops and art, and food. We picked up a few things along the way,
Nearby parking was very easy.
It’s honestly not a place I’d take the kids…but two adults did just fine.
The smell of pot permeates the air, I know pot is legal, but here you might think it’s required…
Lots of shops and art, and food. We picked up a few things along the way,
Nearby parking was very easy.
It’s honestly not a place I’d take the kids…but two adults did just fine.
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire A
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Not safe. My partner and I visited the market in the evening and it was full of drug addicts shooting up on the benches. I would not recommended this place at all, but particularly avoid if you have children or with elderly people. It is disgraceful, there was blood, human poo on the floor. I have never seen people injecting on streets before, never mind at a supposed food market. We went for beaver tails, grabbed one and then left ASAP and avoided the next night.
Written September 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lovefood S
Ottawa, Canada10 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
The market is absolutely disgusting. It is overrun with homeless people and drug addicts and there are cars everywhere. Most of the restaurants are awful, but I feel sorry for the few good ones and other nice shops there -they are surrounded by misery and locals like me will certainly never go. Time to clean it up, Ottawa.
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VJ5
Sarnia, Canada47 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Picked up excellent cheese, bread and enjoyed some shopping for tourist items. Walkable and fun . There is also a little spot that makes delicious fresh lemonade and smoothies
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Ottawa, Canada66 contributions
Aug. 2023
My mother's 84 year old cousin is visiting from Alberta and wanted to see the Byward market and get a beaver tale. I drove my mother's cousin to the market and parked on George Street. My wife went to get a parking ticket and I witnessed a man bare chested with a t-shirt around his neck approach a 20 something tourist and scream at her. The bare chested man really really scared the young "tourist" so I walked over and told the bare chested man to stop. The bare chested man started threatening me and a truck driver came over and offered support. I called 911 and explained I was being threatened and finally they said they would send an officer. No officer showed and later I was able to talk to a security guard and appears that this person is known.
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dimas r
4 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Friends
The homeless population is growing so fast and this is their home ,there is a new building being built on king Edward, there are soooo many homeless people around byward , zombies , drug addicts , so dirty !!! They are everywhere man! On every single corner , they fight they yell like crazy, not safe or nice going to the market anymore
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
what Time is market open
Minniepoohtoo
Montreal, Canada20 contributions
It varies, depending on what you are looking for.
Elin K
Goffstown, NH
What time does the market open on Saturday
Carolyne S
Woodstock, Canada230 contributions
At least 8 or earlier as they have the farmers market and they often open early. Enjoy!
Kelly M
London, Canada
Good dinner spot in the market area?
SamreenAhsanCanada
Toronto, Canada545 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, UK4,080 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!
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Claim your listingBYWARD MARKET - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about ByWard Market
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience ByWard Market:
- Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water (From C$46.41)
- 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour (From C$81.54)
- Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour (From C$123.85)
- Ottawa Private Day Tour from Montreal (From C$395.31)
- Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour (From C$46.41)
- Hotels near ByWard Market:
- (0.13 km) Byward Blue Inn
- (0.16 km) Auberge des Arts
- (0.25 km) Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown
- (0.25 km) Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
- (0.32 km) Ottawa Backpackers Inn
- Restaurants near ByWard Market:
- (0.02 km) Blue Bird Coffee
- (0.02 km) Chez Lucien
- (0.02 km) Benny's bistro
- (0.03 km) The Shawarma Place
- (0.03 km) La boulangerie francais
- Attractions near ByWard Market:
- (0.20 km) c'estbon Ottawa
- (0.25 km) Jigsaw Escape Rooms
- (0.12 km) Amaze Ottawa Escape Game
- (0.09 km) Workshop Studio & Boutique
- (0.06 km) Upward Dog Yoga Centre