Byward Market; a second century of melding rural and urban Ottawans.

Byward Market; it boasts well more than a century of bringing rural and urban Ottawans together.

When Ottawa was just growing it's first humble logging-town roots, the Byward Market, established by Lt-Col. John By back in 1826, was formed. And now, with Ottawa being truly one of the great cities of the world, the Byward Market bustles on, bringing ever more to the visitor and native alike.

From in front of the Parliament Buildings and facing the Peace Tower, look to your right. You will see where Wellington Street becomes Rideau St. in front of the Chateau Laurier hotel. Walk a few hundred meters (yards) that way, past the Chateau, and you'll see what shows in this picture.

And no, I don't know why that driver suddenly screamed into a 'U' turn on very busy Rideau Street in downtown Ottawa.

In the photo you are looking at the head of Rideau Street, and, to the left of the overhead walkway the buildings mark the beginning of the Byward Market area, located just in behind.

In fact, if you walk just a little farther along, past the overhead walkway shown in the picture, on your left you will find Byward Market Square which is a delightful and inviting entranceway to Byward Market from Rideau Street, and you will encounter this little fountain.

Even with the bustle of Rideau Street immediately behind you, the tinkling and splashing soothes the soul.

Of course, you need only walk a little further into the Square to find - at last count - more than sixty restaurants, dining establishments and pubs throughout the Byward Market where you can slake your thirst - well deserved for walking all this way :-) - or fill your belly!

Finished eating and drinking for now?







Time to visit some of the cultural establishments at the Byward Market. There are more than ten galleries within the Market.

Ready for a little high fashion? How about stopping in a the more than 80 specialty shops, boutiques, dress shops, footwear stores, jewellery shops, book stores, news kiosks and much more.

The Byward Market truly is an all-day destination.

So much to do, and I haven't even mentioned the market stalls as yet. These stalls, some of them owned by the same families for generations, are the reason that the Byward Market even exists. Whether it's early spring or late fall flowers, many market stalls are burgeoning with floral display.

As the year advances the stalls will offer vegetables in season, the benches and tables groaning under their load of tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage, celery, green and yellow beans and squashes of all kinds. Not in the market for fruits, veggies or flowers?

A lot of the stalls now offer artistic works, crafts of all kinds. As you wander, keep your eyes open for real deals on home-made and imported....well... almost anything!

Ottawa is a great city to bicycle in. There are so many bike paths and walkways criss crossing the beautful parks and waterways of Ottawa, that there will be a page on this site dedicated to that alone.

I mention this here as, if you are bike-touring Ottawa and cycle to the Byward Market, you will find supervised bicycle parking spots where you can leave your two-wheeled trusty steed as you wend your way through the buildings on the nine or so streets that make up the greater Byward Market area.

Don't worry about getting lost there. During the summer months the Byward Market offers locals and tourists alike "uniformed" Byward Market goodwill ambassadors. Watch for them! Their uniforms (at least in 2006) are bright yellow T-shirts and from May through to Labour Day (early September) they wander the market providing folks with tips, directions, much tourist info, and if the need arises, they're even trained to apply first aid.

Get the picture yet? Well, let me leave you with one more. Don't visit the Byward Market (or during the winter on the frozen canal) without tasting one of Ottawa's most well known treats; a Beaver Tail! This delightful concoction is a pastry which is flattened somewhat into the shape of a... well... er .... a beaver tail. The beaver is Canada's national animal. The faux animal tail is cooked with almost any topping you can think of. It can be a dessert with icing and maple syrup, it can be a meal with pizza sauce and toppings. It's good to eat, soul satisfying...and no, it's probably not good for you! But heck, you're on holiday, right?

So far I've only talked about the day-time activities.

The Byward Market is surrounded by excellent hotels, motels and other lodgings where you can stay and be in close proximity to the wide variety of night life that the Market boasts. That way, no need to drive anywhere after an evening of frivolity and indulgence in your favourite libation.

During 2006 visitors to the Byward Market night life scene had no less than twenty-two places to enjoy what the evening and late night had to offer. And that's not counting some of the more risqué or alternative night spots.

There's tons more information available about the Byward Market from their official site: www.byward-market.com.







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