Welcome to
ByWard Market
The ByWard Market District is Ottawa’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. Now, in its inaugural year, you can experience the outdoor market during the winter months with our new ByWard Winter Market festival — taking place from November to early January the market turns into a winter wonderland, thanks to the generous donation of the Destination Development Fund from Ottawa Tourism.
Make sure the ByWard Market is on your list when visiting Canada’s capital.
Be part of the tradition!
Community
NEARLY 200 YEARS
Established by Lt-Col. John By in 1827, the ByWard Market is one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets.
Stop by and check out great local retail businesses and market offerings in the heart of Canada’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 in the News
What’s up in ByWard
District Boundary
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 capital’s number one tourist destination.
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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.
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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.
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PATIO & CAFÉ SEATING PERMITS
BMDA is the permitting authority for right-of-way permits for patios and café seating in the ByWard District.
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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.
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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, “Sharing the ByWord,” to stay current on all programming and events in the ByWard District.
Subscribe to The ByWord
Sign up below for The ByWord - a monthly newsletter filled with market events, concert listings, and local business updates!
Subscribe to the Business Insider
Sign up for Business Insider to stay informed about the ByWard Market District Authority's work and initiatives, as well as updates from area stakeholders.
