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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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ByWard Market Summary
| Public website: | www.byward-market.com |
|---|
Canada – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Canadian Dollar (CAD) £1 ≈ CA$1.87 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, and mobile payment options like Apple Pay are popular.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Canada, with a typical tip of 10-20% in restaurants. Tipping is also expected in taxis and for hotel staff, usually 1-2 CAD for bellhops and housekeepers. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking laws vary by province, but it's often allowed in designated areas such as festivals or certain parks. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited indoors in public spaces and in most outdoor spaces in urban areas. Some provinces have stricter laws than others. |
| Canada Day (July) |
The country celebrates with fireworks and festivals. Expect crowded tourist spots and high demand for accommodations. |
|---|---|
| Thanksgiving (October) |
A major family holiday with many businesses closed, especially in rural areas. |
| Christmas (December) |
Festive markets and winter activities are popular, but expect higher accommodation prices and busy cities. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Lyft, Bolt |
| Other: | Canada is vast, so be prepared for long distances between cities and varying weather conditions depending on the region. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for ByWard Market, Canada
Outdoor market stalls run mainly May to October, many patios close in winter
Winterlude runs three weekends in February, Rideau Canal skating depends on ice conditions
Don't miss
- 🍓 Taste fresh local produce and artisanal foods
- 🎶 Enjoy live music and street performances
- 🛍️ Shop handmade crafts and unique souvenirs
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets, established in 1826. The area spans four blocks filled with vibrant shops, eateries and open-air stalls that showcase a diversity of local produce, crafts and culinary delights. It’s a place where history meets contemporary city life.
The market is especially lively during summer when outdoor vendors fill the streets, while winter brings festive markets and indoor warmth. The neighborhood also offers an arts and entertainment scene with galleries, music venues and theaters.
While generally safe and welcoming, caution is advised at night as the area can attract pickpockets or become rowdy during certain events. Staying alert and avoiding isolated spots after dark is recommended.
Recent investments in security and urban renewal have improved safety and cleanliness, making the market a thriving cultural hotspot that draws both locals and tourists for its distinct vibe and rich experiences year-round.
Knowledge before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes. The market spans several walkable blocks.
- Visit early morning for freshest produce and fewer crowds at the public market stalls.
- Check event calendars online for festivals, night markets or seasonal activities happening during your trip.
- Try iconic BeaverTails pastries from the stand; they're a sweet Canadian tradition best enjoyed fresh and warm.
How to travel to ByWard Market
ByWard Market is located in downtown Ottawa, close to Parliament Hill. The best way to reach it is via Ottawa’s public transit system, with stops at or near Rideau Station and Parliament Station. International visitors usually fly into Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport and can take taxis, airport shuttles or public transit to downtown.
Access summary
- From Ottawa Airport (YOW): Taxi or bus/LRT to downtown, about 20–35 minutes.
- From downtown Ottawa hotels: Walk or short bus/LRT ride, roughly 5–20 minutes.
- From Montreal: Intercity train or bus to downtown Ottawa, then walk/transit, about 2–3 hours.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near ByWard Market
Ottawa’s downtown core offers many accommodation options from boutique hotels to international chains, making it convenient for visitors exploring ByWard Market and surrounding attractions.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for ByWard Market
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧼
Hand sanitiser
🛍️
Foldable shopping bag
👛
Cash in small denominations
👜
Anti-theft bag
🔋
Power bank
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 12% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CAD) is 10% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is cheaper compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Ottawa’s ByWard Market is generally safe, with a strong police presence and well-lit streets. Petty crime like pickpocketing is rare; stay vigilant in crowded areas, keep valuables secure and follow local advisories for a worry‑free visit.
Accessibility
ByWard Market in Ottawa offers mixed accessibility: most stalls and cafés have ramps, wide aisles and accessible restrooms, making it friendly for wheelchairs and strollers. However, uneven cobblestones, narrow doorways and limited curb‑cutting can pose challenges for mobility aids.
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