The ByWard Market is where Ottawa was born. 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; Lt-Col. By himself laid out the street plan of the Market, designating George and York Streets to be extra wide to accommodate the horse-drawn carriages that brought foodstuffs to the market every day.
TODAY
The ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction, and is the premier destination for shopping, dining, arts, entertainment and profession services for residents and visitors.
This area averages 50,000 visitors per weekend in the summer months.
It is home to both a local farmer’s market and artisans with over 260 stands, as well as over 500 businesses. In 2009, the ByWard Market will play host to 6.3 million of the 7 million visitors expected to visit the Nation’s Capital in 2009.
BUSINESS HILIGHTS
88- Restaurants, including 3 - 24 hour restaurants (Mello’s, Zak’s and Dunn’s)
35 – Food Retail Establishments
23 – Nightlife and Entertainment Venues – including:
The Chateau Lafayette – Ottawa’s oldest tavern, established in 1849, and the home to the ‘Lucky Ron Show’
25 – Arts, Culture and Education Facilities – and home to:
The National Gallery of Canada
Notre Dame Basilica – Ottawa’s oldest and largest church – opened in 1885
11 - Books and News Shops
57 – Fashion Shops –
Home of designer Richard Robinson’s shop and haute couture school
18 – House and Home Shops
19 – Boutiques
39 - Health and Beauty Salons
43 – Services
HISTORY
