• Now Hiring: Market Ambassadors

    Experience the rich heritage of Ottawaโ€™s oldest public markets at ByWard and Parkdale as a summer ambassador.

  • Colour Your World

    Unleash your inner artist and decorate these intriguing canvases with your unique palette. Join us in Gallery 55 on the second floor of Heritage Hall.

  • Experience the ByWard Market

    SHOP โ€ข TASTE โ€ข PLAY

  • Women in Business

    Throughout the month of March, the ByWard Market is proud to announce a special initiative to highlight the remarkable women of our district.

  • Chef Ric's Soup Initiative

    On the final Tuesday of every month, members of the ByWard Market team, in collaboration with culinary students from The Ottawa Mission's food training program, serve warm soup to the community outside our Heritage Hall.

  • Become a Vendor

    Applications are open for the 2024 season

Welcome to ByWard

The ByWard Market district is Ottawaโ€™s unique heritage destination for cuisine, shopping, arts, entertainment, and professional services for residents and visitors alike - making it the number one tourist attraction in the National Capital Region. The area is home to a year-round public market packed with artisans and culinary delights. With over 600 businesses in the district and an average of 50,000 visitors per weekend during the high season, the ByWard Market has something for everyone. 

Between May and October, the market's vibrancy spills out onto the streets. Small business owners gather outside the Market Hall, turning the area into a bustling outdoor market metropolis. Music and art can be seen and heard throughout the area, delighting the senses of all who experience it.

Make sure the ByWard Market is on your list when visiting Canadaโ€™s capital.

Be part of tradition!

Community

NEARLY 200 YEARS

Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1827, the ByWard Market is one of Canadaโ€™s oldest and largest public markets.

Stop by and check out great local retail businesses and market offerings in the heart of Canadaโ€™s capital!

ByWard Public Market

INDOOR HERITAGE HALL

55 ByWard Market Square
7 days a week | 363 days a year!

SEASONAL OUTDOOR MARKET

ByWard Market Square & William Street
7 days a week | May to Oct & Holidays

District

HOURS

During market season, outdoor vendors typically set up for 9 a.m. and will close around 5 p.m., depending on the weather.

There are also over 600 unique businesses in the district, all of which are responsible for their hours of operation. For more information, check out our directory

ByWard Buzz

  • BUSK-A-MOVE

    Street performers, including buskers and Circle Show Performers, bring vibrancy and energy to our public spaces, contributing to an engaging atmosphere.

    Performing at the market is free!

    Before participating, please review our community guidelines and feel free to showcase your talents at the ByWard Market.

  • ORGANIZE AN EVENT

    The ByWard Market stands out as one of the city's most iconic and historic areas, often regarded as the birthplace of Ottawa.

    Whether you're planning a community event, a small festival, or a marketing event for your business, we offer distinctive and iconic spaces for you to consider.

  • SHOWCASE YOUR ARTWORK

    Are you searching for a distinctive exhibition space to display your work in the heart of Ottawa's ByWard Market District? Gallery 55 invites a global audience to explore its second-floor location within the iconic Market Hall building.

  • HOST A COMMUNITY STAND

    Community stands provide not-for-profits and community groups with a space to fundraise, recruit, and raise awareness. We are excited to assist you in sharing your vision with the residents of Ottawa and with a truly global audience as the capitalโ€™s number one tourist destination.

  • ILLUMINATE THE OTTAWA SIGN

    If you're seeking a distinctive way to raise awareness, promote your cause, or celebrate a significant achievement, consider illuminating the iconic Ottawa sign located on York Street at the entrance to Major's Hill Park.

  • BECOME A VENDOR

    Sell your products daily, weekly, or monthly and become part of a community with over 250 small businesses at our public market.

    These spaces provide farmers and small businesses a cost-effective entry point to build and grow their ventures. Public markets are free from the high overheads associated with selling in large retail outlets allowing for a more engaged, creative, and sustainable production models prioritizing quality over price alone.

  • PATIO & CAFร‰ SEATING PERMITS

    BMDA is the permitting authority for right-of-way permits for patios and cafรฉ seating in the ByWard District.

  • BECOME A SPONSOR

    As the not-for-profit municipal services corporation responsible for revitalizing and overseeing the historic public markets and the ByWard District in the City of Ottawa, we are excited to contribute new positive energy to the capital. We are pleased to have you as a partner in this endeavor.

  • STAY IN THE LOOP

    Not looking to partner with us but still want to stay aware of all the great things happening in the area? Subscribe to our newsletter, โ€œSharing the ByWord,โ€ to stay current on all programming and events in the ByWard District.

Stay Connected

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