Surrounded by restaurants and cafés, the ByWard Market is a lively central hub known for its namesake bazaar. This entertainment and shopping district is in the center of the city, on the eastern side of Major’s Hill Park, overlooking the Ottawa River. Get a sense of local culture and attractions by strolling along the avenues of the district.

Arrive in ByWard Market Square in the district’s heart. The plaza has a rich history as the setting for a battle between Tories and Reformers in the 19th century. Visit the ByWard Market, which has been taking place in this spot since the early 1800s. Stop at various bars and restaurants here and gaze up at the nearby skyscrapers.

Roughly 600 vendors fill stalls outside and in the interior of the ByWard Market building. Purchase food and souvenirs and investigate the works of art, pastries and other eccentricities. The market opens daily from early morning until evening, with stalls and vendors generating a buzz for most of the day. Some spots are open late, including several all-night restaurants.

The area also has several historic and important structures. Appreciate the elegant design of the Embassy of Denmark, which reflects Danish architectural styles. Most of the construction materials were imported from Denmark.

Find the nearby Embassy of the United States and gaze up at its imposing structure. Stroll across the Alexandra Bridge and snap photos of the Ottawa River. Here you’ll also see the National Gallery of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mint.

The district is small and rectangular-shaped, lying between the areas of Lower Town and Sandy Hill in Ottawa. Travel by train to the Rideau train station and get around this area in the center of Ottawa on foot or by bus. Explore the surroundings for other interesting sights such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the National War Memorial and the Embassy of Japan.