10 Best Markets in Ottawa

With markets at different locations across the city, Ottawa Farmers’ Market is the destination for foodies visiting the Canadian capital. Featuring 150 vendors – all from within a 100 km radius of Ottawa – this is the place to sample local produce, from cupcakes and sweet treats to fruit, bread, meats, and cheese. There are also a number of artisan arts and crafts for sale here too.

Opening every Sunday, the original market is located at Lansdowne Park, the market’s year-round home – and housed for the winter in the Aberdeen Pavilion. The other 3 locations are at Westboro, Orleans, and Barrhaven. As well as produce to buy, there’s a great choice of eateries, where you can enjoy meals to eat there or take away.

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Ottawa, Byward Market is not to be missed on your stay in the city. This huge market area spans 4 blocks, brimming with shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars. The area is home to 600 businesses as well as a farmers’ market selling speciality foods and local produce.

One of Canada’s oldest public markets – dating back to 1826 – Byward Market attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s a vibrant area to explore – think colourful street art, fashionable boutiques, artisan crafts, and eclectic eateries. There’s also a lively nightlife here with wine bars, pubs, theatres, and clubs. Located close to Parliament Hill, it’s a great place to visit on your tour of the city’s sights.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different, 613 Flea is a non-profit market offering a great choice of eclectic, unusual goods. Whether you’re on the hunt for antiques and vintage clothing, handmade gifts or artisan food; the market stalls are ever-changing with plenty of one-of-a-kind items on sale.

Located in Ottawa’s famous Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park, 613 Flea is easy to find and a great addition to your Ottawa trip itinerary. It aims to support the local creative community and showcases many colourful, quirky things to buy – making it a great spot to find a unique souvenir from your trip to Ottawa. The market is open on a different Saturday each month so be sure to check the website before you visit.

If you’re hunting for antiques, be sure to check out the Ottawa Antique Market – the number 1 antiques market in Ottawa. There are 25 professional antique dealers selling a wide range of items – with everything from Victorian and Georgian Folk Art to vintage records and classic toys.

The Ottawa Antique Market is located on Bank Street in the heart of Old Ottawa South, one of the best areas for antique shopping in the city. Whether you’re looking for vintage jewellery or a Persian rug, you could browse all day with the massive selection of antiques on offer here and you’re sure to unearth a hidden gem or 2.

If you’re touring the sights of Ottawa’s Main Street in the Old Ottawa East area, be sure not to miss the Main Farmers’ Market. Supporting farmers in the local community, the market showcases the produce of local farmers within a 160 km radius of the market – so you can try plenty of local flavours here.

From organic fruit and vegetables to bread, pies, pizzas, and preserves, there’s a mouth-watering array of food to stock up on at the Main Farmers’ Market, which trades on a Saturday morning. There’s also a great choice of non-edible wares, including homemade soaps, wooden crafts, and leather goods – this is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir on your trip to the Canadian capital.

If you’re looking for local organic produce in Ottawa, head to the Ottawa Organic Farmers’ Market on Riverside Drive. This small, friendly market sells organic meat, fruit, and vegetables – as well as speciality organic items such as olive oil, flower essence, and soaps.

Featuring vendors who are passionate about organic farming, the Ottawa Organic Farmers’ Market is a great place to find quality organic food on your trip to the city. The market is open on Saturday mornings but – unlike many other markets – it runs all year round and sets up in the Riverside United Church during the colder months.

The Alta Vista Market provides a great opportunity to ‘shop local’ in the family-friendly area of Alta Vista in Ottawa. This lovely Saturday morning market serves up delicious local produce, bread, and craft beer with a welcoming, community atmosphere at St Thomas’ Church.

Part of the Ottawa Streets Market family, the Alta Vista Market also allows you to shop from 40 vendors online, to be delivered to your home, or to pick up at the Saturday market. Choose from a wide selection of meats, cheeses, bread, chocolate, and condiments – plus, jewellery, stationery, greeting cards, and crafts. The on-site market also features a schedule of events so you might catch some live music, kids’ face painting, or a yoga session.

Head to the west of city centre to find the Parkdale Public Market, a great little farmers’ market to find tasty, local produce in Ottawa. From pasture-raised chicken to farm-fresh eggs, fruit, and vegetables – you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite here. Plus, the market sells fresh, seasonal flowers and plants too.

The Parkdale Public Market is open every Saturday morning but for something a bit different, visit the night market on selected Wednesdays from 5 to 9pm and weekly throughout the summer. The night market offers a wide selection of different vendors and is perfect for some twilight people-watching. If you’re visiting with the kids, be sure to check out Parkdale park with a playground and splash pool.

Located in Nepean in the West of Ottawa, Abby Hill Farmers’ Market is the place to go for locally grown fruit and vegetables. From squash and corn to apples and strawberries, expect to find a wide choice of freshly picked produce to buy here.

If you’re visiting Ottawa in the fall, Abby Hill Farm – on Bankfield Road in Manotick – provides plenty of family-friendly fun. As well as the opportunity to pick your own pumpkins – from a huge selection of all shapes and sizes – there’s a corn maze, hayrides, bouncy castle, and mini train to keep the kids busy. Plus, you can buy all the usual tasty local fruit and vegetables from the farm stands.

Visiting Ottawa at Christmas? Be sure to visit the Ottawa Christmas Market for a magical market experience. The market takes over the outdoor plaza at Lansdowne in Aberdeen Square – and is sure to fill you with the Christmas spirit as you wander through snow-capped chalets, covered in decorations and twinkly lights.

The perfect place for some holiday shopping, the Ottawa Christmas Market has 45 vendors selling seasonal food, drinks, and gifts. It’s also family-friendly with a programme of events, music, and entertainment – and plenty of festive fun. If you have little ones, make sure you visit Santa’s Workshop for some Christmas craft-making.