Getting to the ByWard Market District
By: Sophie Daly
The ByWard Market is a lively district in our Nation’s Capital, filled with shops, restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere. There are numerous ways to get to ByWard Market due to the growing amount of transit and active transportation options. Whether you’re coming from the University of Ottawa campus or the other side of the Ottawa River, public transit and other sustainable transportation methods offer a way to explore the area without worrying about parking.
Here’s a guide to getting to the ByWard Market using active transportation:
O-Train
Line 1 (LRT): If you’re between Blair or Tunney’s Pasture, O-Train Line 1 can easily take you to the ByWard Market. Get off at Rideau Station and take the exit to William Street.
Line 2 (LRT): If you’re between Riverside South and Little Italy, the O-Train Line 2 can easily take you to Bayview Station where you can transfer to Line 1 to Rideau Station.
Line 4 (LRT): If you’re down by the airport, the O-Train Line 4 can take you to South Keys where you can hop on Line 2 and head towards the ByWard Market.
Buses
OC Transpo offers a variety of routes throughout the city to get riders to or near ByWard Market. With so many options, buses are a great alternative to driving your car downtown. You can visit the Travel Planner on the OC Transpo website or download the Transit app to help navigate the bus system.
Cycling
Ottawa is a bike-friendly city with well-maintained dedicated cycling lanes. Additionally, the downtown area has bike parking for people to chain their bikes to while exploring the ByWard Market. For those who don’t own a bike, there are also a couple of places to rent one
Escape Bike Rentals: Located at 65 Sparks Street, Escape Bike Rentals is a great option for bike rentals. With options of renting for one hour up to two weeks, it is very versatile. Additionally, rented bikes come with a helmet, lock, map and a bag or basket.
RentABike: Located at 2 Rideau Street, below the Plaza Bridge, RentABike is another great option for bike rentals. With options of renting for one hour up to three weeks, so many bike options and repair services, it makes biking around Ottawa easy. Additionally, rented bikes come with a helmet, lock and map.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
If you want a more private trip down to the ByWard Market, a taxi or ride-sharing service can do the trick.
Blue Line and Capital Taxi are two reliable taxi services in Ottawa. With both services, you can book via calling, texting or booking online.
Uber is a great on-demand service. As long as you have the app, you can request a ride from wherever you are down to the market.
Walking
The ByWard Market is close to many other areas downtown, so walking can be a wonderful way to enjoy the many exciting areas around the ByWard. If you’re spending the day in Gatineau, the Alexandria Bridge has a walking path that takes you down near the market. Other places like the University of Ottawa campus and Major’s Hill Park are also within walking distance. So, regardless of where you are downtown, make a stop in the ByWard Market district. Take a look at this map for more trails around downtown.
E-Scooters
For those who want to zip around the city, e-scooters are a great option. Ottawa has partnered with Bird and Neuron, two app-based e-scooter companies. After downloading the app, you can locate the closest e-scooter, pay and start riding. Another option is renting an e-scooter. Escape Bike Rentals offers e-scooter rentals for one hour up to three days, including a helmet and map.
Walking Tours
If you want to learn more about the ByWard Market and downtown, here are some walking tours that are offered.
Ottawa Walking Tours: Book a spot on the guided Historical Highlights Tour and learn all about the history of downtown Ottawa. In a group, walk around downtown and learn about the capital's history. This guided tour is two hours long and $35. Dress accordingly, tours run rain or shine.
Ottawa’s Hidden Stories: Download the audio tour and learn about the hidden history of downtown Ottawa. This audio tour can be done alone or with a group. The tour takes an average of one hour and is $10.
Why Choose Transit or Active Transportation
Active transportation, such as walking, biking, and using public transit, offers numerous benefits beyond just getting from place to place. It promotes physical health by incorporating movement into daily routines, supports mental well-being by reducing stress and increasing energy levels, and fosters a stronger connection to the local environment. Public transit also enhances accessibility, allowing people to travel efficiently while enjoying a more relaxed and productive commute. Additionally, it encourages social interaction, strengthens community ties, and allows for a more enjoyable and engaging way to experience neighbourhoods, parks, and public spaces.
