ByWard Market

Why People Love
Living Here

The ByWard Market is Ottawa's oldest and most vibrant downtown neighbourhood, a historic district where 19th-century architecture, world-class dining, cultural institutions, and urban condo living converge to create one of Canada's most exciting residential experiences. Founded in 1826 by Lieutenant Colonel John By as a public market, the ByWard Market has evolved over two centuries into a mixed-use destination that draws visitors and residents alike to its cobblestone streets and heritage buildings. The neighbourhood's culinary scene is unmatched in Ottawa. From the ByWard Market Building itself — home to artisan food vendors, specialty shops, and fresh produce — to the surrounding streets lined with restaurants, patios, and bars, the area offers a density of dining options found nowhere else in the city. Beckta, Play Food & Wine, and Riviera represent the fine dining tier, while the market's casual eateries and international food options cater to every palate and budget. The neighbourhood is also Ottawa's nightlife centre, with clubs, lounges, and live music venues creating energy well into the evening hours. Residential options in the ByWard Market are predominantly condominiums, ranging from converted heritage buildings to modern glass towers. Loft-style units in former warehouses and commercial buildings offer unique living spaces with exposed brick, high ceilings, and industrial character. Purpose-built condo developments provide contemporary amenities including fitness centres, rooftop terraces, and concierge services. The condo market in the ByWard Market attracts young professionals, investors targeting short-term rental potential, and downsizers seeking a vibrant, walkable lifestyle. The neighbourhood's cultural assets are extraordinary. The National Gallery of Canada, the Canadian War Museum (nearby), the Shaw Centre, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica are all within walking distance. Major festivals including Winterlude, Canada Day celebrations, and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival animate the market's streets throughout the year. The Rideau Canal and Ottawa River are minutes away on foot, and Rideau Station on the Confederation Line provides LRT access to the rest of the city. For residents who want to live at the centre of Ottawa's social, cultural, and culinary life, the ByWard Market offers an experience no other neighbourhood can match.