Shopping in Ottawa
Trade and commerce has a long history in Ottawa, in fact this capital city was founded by explorers seeking a trade route to India and East Asia. The Ottawa River and its tributaries were used to move furs and timber then later, minerals and grains. The establishment of the Rideau Canal in 1832 provided a secure trading route to Kingston, from where goods could be moved on to Montreal and beyond. Today, Canada exports and imports goods from around the world and these treasures can be found in Ottawa's department stores, shopping malls and especially in the city's unique shopping districts.
BIG-CITY SHOPPING
Shopping malls provide an enjoyable and easy day out, especially during Ottawa's cold winter days. This city has over half a dozen large shopping centres, typically housing over a hundred shops and services, featuring popular chain stores, convenient eateries and anchored by large department stores.
The Rideau Centre, a multilevel shopping centre, is conveniently located downtown and next to major attractions, including the Rideau Canal and Byward Market. Both the iconic Hudson's Bay Company (The Bay) and Eatons can be found in the Rideau Centre. The Bay holds a special place in Canada's retail history; established by fur traders, it has grown to become a national chain and is the oldest commercial corporation in the world. Eaton's, another retail pioneer, established two revolutionary retail practices in Canada: fixed pricing and catalogue sales.
Enjoy a bright, airy shopping experience at Bayshore, a three-storey shopping centre in Ottawa's west. The vaulted atriums and glass ceilings house over 150 retail outlets and six anchor stores. Despite its size, Bayshore has a relatively simple layout making it easy to navigate.
OPEN-AIR MARKETS
Ottawa's most unique and popular shopping experiences are its open markets. Byward Market is Canada's oldest public market. The old-world charm of Byward Market is that there are no chain stores, only quaint cafes, colourful pubs, eclectic galleries and specialty shops. Shoppers will be delighted to find a range of unique treasures in this marketplace, including Ontarian specialties. Maple syrup cakes and pastries are sweet treats to be enjoyed while shopping and bottled syrup and cookies are memorable gifts and keepsakes to take home. Byward Market is especially well suited to families; cheery buskers and street performers entertain children and adults alike, and parents will appreciate the child-friendly amenities. This destination is centrally located, next to the Rideau Centre and Rideau Canal.
Sparks Street, another outdoor shopping district, is well situated for visitors, just one block from Parliament Hill. Sparks Street is full of one-of-a-kind kiosks, specialty boutiques and kitschy souvenir shops. Visitors can find all sorts of Canadian memorabilia, from fine jewellery to powerful artworks, and traditional First Nations crafts, especially leather goods, pottery and glassware. Dream catchers and moccasins are especially popular souvenirs, given their classic beauty and generally affordable price. Specialty bookstores and shops also sell Canadian literature and music.
Bank Street Promenade, also known as the Downtown Bank, is an outdoor shopping district stretching over 15 city blocks and featuring stores, services, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Redevelopment of Bank Street began in 2006 and the changes continue, emphasizing a focus on arts and entertainment. This edgy and modern shopping area appeals to young people and features many unique businesses. Ottawa's burgeoning gay village is also situated in this area, characterized by several retail outlets catering to the gay community.
INDOOR MARKETS
Ottawa has a large number of indoor markets, mostly farmers' markets and flea markets but also some niche markets such as those specializing in antiques. The Capital Flea Market situated off St. Laurent Boulevard is a good all-round market with a nice mix of shops, eateries and activities for children. The larger St. Jacobs Farmers' Market hosts 600 vendors in its outdoor and indoor areas. Here, foodies will appreciate the variety of cafes, kiosks and bakeries, many of which feature products made from organic and locally grown ingredients. Chefs will revel in the variety of fresh meats, pungent cheeses and perfect produce available at grocery stands.
The Ottawa Antique Market on Bank Street hosts over 50 antique and collectible dealers every day, selling a variety of items, including china, jewellery and furniture. Visitors can enjoy haggling over a good price for a curio or trinket at the Bentley Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market, a smaller market focusing more on collectibles.
ETHNIC DISTRICTS
Ottawa has a cosmopolitan population. The original First Nations population is small; the city is largely built by immigrants who have been coming to the area for over 300 years. There are several ethnic shopping districts, the largest being represented by Chinese, Indian and Italian groups.
Little Italy on Preston Street is packed full of charming stores, cafes and restaurants. The eclectic eateries feature authentic Italian specialties like pastas, breads, meats and cannoli. There are also numerous events held each year in this district that celebrate Italian heritage, including Italian Week and the Preston Street Grape Harvest.
On Somerset Street, Chinatown is a fast, dynamic environment. Shoppers and bargain finders will find everything from delicate silk fabrics to cheap, tasty dumplings. The rich sights and sounds are added to by the many banquets, celebrations and art shows featured in this district.
Little India blends seamlessly into Chinatown as shoppers wander farther down Somerset Street West. The majority of retail outlets in the Indian district are those selling food, jewellery and clothing. Grocery stores are the best place to find staples, but for a real treat, there are many sweet houses, which serve food as well as sell colourful sweet and savoury treats. Glittering jewellery and rich saris beckon shoppers inside stores to choose an extravagant piece. For those on a budget, many sari stores also sell cloth by the metre, including affordable silk fabrics.
BIG-CITY SHOPPING
Shopping malls provide an enjoyable and easy day out, especially during Ottawa's cold winter days. This city has over half a dozen large shopping centres, typically housing over a hundred shops and services, featuring popular chain stores, convenient eateries and anchored by large department stores.
The Rideau Centre, a multilevel shopping centre, is conveniently located downtown and next to major attractions, including the Rideau Canal and Byward Market. Both the iconic Hudson's Bay Company (The Bay) and Eatons can be found in the Rideau Centre. The Bay holds a special place in Canada's retail history; established by fur traders, it has grown to become a national chain and is the oldest commercial corporation in the world. Eaton's, another retail pioneer, established two revolutionary retail practices in Canada: fixed pricing and catalogue sales.
Enjoy a bright, airy shopping experience at Bayshore, a three-storey shopping centre in Ottawa's west. The vaulted atriums and glass ceilings house over 150 retail outlets and six anchor stores. Despite its size, Bayshore has a relatively simple layout making it easy to navigate.
OPEN-AIR MARKETS
Ottawa's most unique and popular shopping experiences are its open markets. Byward Market is Canada's oldest public market. The old-world charm of Byward Market is that there are no chain stores, only quaint cafes, colourful pubs, eclectic galleries and specialty shops. Shoppers will be delighted to find a range of unique treasures in this marketplace, including Ontarian specialties. Maple syrup cakes and pastries are sweet treats to be enjoyed while shopping and bottled syrup and cookies are memorable gifts and keepsakes to take home. Byward Market is especially well suited to families; cheery buskers and street performers entertain children and adults alike, and parents will appreciate the child-friendly amenities. This destination is centrally located, next to the Rideau Centre and Rideau Canal.
Sparks Street, another outdoor shopping district, is well situated for visitors, just one block from Parliament Hill. Sparks Street is full of one-of-a-kind kiosks, specialty boutiques and kitschy souvenir shops. Visitors can find all sorts of Canadian memorabilia, from fine jewellery to powerful artworks, and traditional First Nations crafts, especially leather goods, pottery and glassware. Dream catchers and moccasins are especially popular souvenirs, given their classic beauty and generally affordable price. Specialty bookstores and shops also sell Canadian literature and music.
Bank Street Promenade, also known as the Downtown Bank, is an outdoor shopping district stretching over 15 city blocks and featuring stores, services, cafes, restaurants and nightclubs. Redevelopment of Bank Street began in 2006 and the changes continue, emphasizing a focus on arts and entertainment. This edgy and modern shopping area appeals to young people and features many unique businesses. Ottawa's burgeoning gay village is also situated in this area, characterized by several retail outlets catering to the gay community.
INDOOR MARKETS
Ottawa has a large number of indoor markets, mostly farmers' markets and flea markets but also some niche markets such as those specializing in antiques. The Capital Flea Market situated off St. Laurent Boulevard is a good all-round market with a nice mix of shops, eateries and activities for children. The larger St. Jacobs Farmers' Market hosts 600 vendors in its outdoor and indoor areas. Here, foodies will appreciate the variety of cafes, kiosks and bakeries, many of which feature products made from organic and locally grown ingredients. Chefs will revel in the variety of fresh meats, pungent cheeses and perfect produce available at grocery stands.
The Ottawa Antique Market on Bank Street hosts over 50 antique and collectible dealers every day, selling a variety of items, including china, jewellery and furniture. Visitors can enjoy haggling over a good price for a curio or trinket at the Bentley Antiques and Collectibles Flea Market, a smaller market focusing more on collectibles.
ETHNIC DISTRICTS
Ottawa has a cosmopolitan population. The original First Nations population is small; the city is largely built by immigrants who have been coming to the area for over 300 years. There are several ethnic shopping districts, the largest being represented by Chinese, Indian and Italian groups.
Little Italy on Preston Street is packed full of charming stores, cafes and restaurants. The eclectic eateries feature authentic Italian specialties like pastas, breads, meats and cannoli. There are also numerous events held each year in this district that celebrate Italian heritage, including Italian Week and the Preston Street Grape Harvest.
On Somerset Street, Chinatown is a fast, dynamic environment. Shoppers and bargain finders will find everything from delicate silk fabrics to cheap, tasty dumplings. The rich sights and sounds are added to by the many banquets, celebrations and art shows featured in this district.
Little India blends seamlessly into Chinatown as shoppers wander farther down Somerset Street West. The majority of retail outlets in the Indian district are those selling food, jewellery and clothing. Grocery stores are the best place to find staples, but for a real treat, there are many sweet houses, which serve food as well as sell colourful sweet and savoury treats. Glittering jewellery and rich saris beckon shoppers inside stores to choose an extravagant piece. For those on a budget, many sari stores also sell cloth by the metre, including affordable silk fabrics.
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