7 Things You Can Expect To Find At Ottawa’s Old & New Markets This Year
Seven days a week.
Heading to the outdoor markets, supporting local businesses and taking home bags overflowing with goodies are some of the best things about living in Ottawa. This year, your Ottawa Markets are bursting with local vendors bringing you treats, eats, gifts, goods, crafts, art and much more.
Ottawa's oldest and most historic markets, the ByWard and Parkdale Markets, are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Can't get out before 5 p.m. during the week? That's what the Parkdale Night Market is for. From June to August, vendors will set up shop in the Parkdale Market from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Wednesday so you can peruse the stalls a little later.
Visitors are asked to wear a mask, stay distanced and sanitized for a safe and positive market experience. Bringing reusable bags is also encouraged. If you're curious about what you might find at the markets this year, this is a sneak peek.
Explore Authentic Global Cuisines
Satisfy your appetite for Mexican street food at Mad Mexican or Corazon de Maiz; fill up on Caribbean cuisine and grab some gifts at Afrotecture; embrace spice at Le Casablanca, a Moroccan eatery; then head over to Arepas Place for some authentic Venezuelan gluten-free fare.
Finish up the day with some treats from Alkadour Sweets, a shop owned by a pastry chef from Syria and featuring traditional Middle Eastern desserts like baklava, sesame cookies and more. There's an eatery for any craving at the Ottawa Markets, and you just might find yourself discovering a new favourite food.
Take Home A Piece Of Canadiana
Cold Canadian brews, maple syrup, BeaverTails, leaf art and other authentic Canadian-made artwork — the ByWard Market is a one-stop destination for all things Canada, eh?
Pick up a litre of Canada's treasured syrup at Maple Country Sugarbush, stop by DaBaby for some locally made, witty gear for you and the babies in your life, and then pick up a pastry from BeaverTails on the way home.
Find Sustainable Indigenous & Global Handcrafted Goods
Removing barriers for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour is the goal of the BIPOC Farmers' Initiative at Ottawa Markets, which makes it easier for you to support local BIPOC craft makers and small businesses. Kick things off with a visit to Eight50 Coffee, a proudly Black-woman-owned Canadian brand sharing the love for organic, single-origin coffee, hailing from the birthplace of coffee (Ethiopia).
Then stop by Quichua Crafts Inc. and Andes Arts to shop their Indigenous-crafted and sustainable products from Ecuador. Finally, feel free to browse the timeless knitwear fashions found at ByWard Market's D'Aku Designs, which incorporate the vibrant flair of owner Florence Aku Sevor's hometown in Ghana, West Africa.
Bite Into A Sweet Treat (Or Two) & An Artisan Loaf
Arguably the best part of visiting the markets is the chance to try all the tasty artisanal treats on offer, and there's no shortage of these at the Parkdale and ByWard locations.
At Parkdale, you can find IO Bakes, a shop that specializes in nut-free snacks plus some gluten-free options. Check out their Instagram for the dates you can find this Asian-owned bakeshop at the market.
At ByWard, you can find Tom's Pantry, Cafe 55 and The Midnight Baker. Take home a collection of delicious baked goods or follow your nose to whichever vendor smells the most heavenly.
Indulge In Some Self-Care & Wellness
With soothing products like teas, essential oils and soaps available, the market is the place to be if you want to pick up unique and beautiful handmade goods to help you relax and show yourself some love.
At the ByWard market, you'll find Provence en Couleur, which sells artisan lavender products including gorgeous bouquets, sachets, soaps and essential oils. Teastore on York Street carries a big selection of specialty teas sourced from China to Japan, Kenya, India and Sri Lanka. If you haven't tried a blooming tea yet, now's your chance.
Pick Up A Plant-Based Bite
Parkdale Market is home to a small but mighty selection of vegan vendors. If you're itching for a plant-based meal on the go, check out Hungry Babe, which specializes in ready-made meals for summer days where you'd rather be anywhere but the kitchen.
Potatoes are life at the Hot Potato Company, serving up made-to-order baked potatoes and wedges with plant-based toppings sourced from local farmers. They also have a clothing company selling tees and other goods.
Pick Up A New Plant (Or Several)
If your obsession with houseplants took off in the last year, you're not alone. With nurseries like Green's Creek Organic Nursery (ByWard) and The Produce Aisle (Parkdale), Ottawa Markets might be where you find your next leafy housemate — be it some fresh organic herbs or tropical plants with names you have to Google.
While you're looking for the next addition to your collection, you can also pick up a floral bouquet from vendors like The Ottawa Flower Market (a collective of local flower farmers popping up monthly at the Parkdale market) or LBA Floral at ByWard.
A trip to the markets is a great way to support local businesses, get out of the house and celebrate summer all at the same time.
At Ottawa Markets, you can support local BIPOC-run businesses, pick up a new plant to test your green thumb, or just reconnect with the joy of mingling at a market (from a distance). From farmers' produce to local crafts and goods of all kinds, the Ottawa Markets have it all.