ByWard Market, Ottawa (must see)

Founded by Lt-Col. John By in 1826, ByWard Market is one of the largest and oldest public markets in the Canadian capital, commonly regarded as the birthplace of Ottawa. John By, responsible for engineering the Rideau Canal, laid out the market plan. While working on the town grid, he arranged for George and York Streets to be extra wide. The aim behind this was to make way for the horse-drawn carriages that daily transported grocery to the market.

ByWard has largely preserved its historical Victorian heritage. Since the 1840s, it has been a major commercial hub. Today, ByWard Market attracts tourists and locals alike.

Famous for its chic boutiques, high-end restaurants and glamourous nightclubs, the ByWard Market area only two-three decades ago was mostly a blue-collar Lower Town district inhabited by workers of Irish and French descent, predominantly lumbermen, supplying construction materials for the canal works in Hull.

Greatly adapted to the trends of today's Canadian society, ByWard Market is a prominent tourist destination in Ottawa. It is the foremost place for eating out, shopping, and entertainment, dotted with numerous restaurants and bars that have mushroomed in recent years. Swarming with street performers also, it is one of the liveliest places in the city, seeing on average 50,000 visitors each weekend during the summer. There are more than 260 stalls held by local farmers and artisans along with the stands of over 500 businesses. Other amenities found in the area include a community center, child care facilities, schools, parks and places of worship.

Why You Should Visit:
Touristy area which on a good day is very crowded but still fun to enjoy the different stores and eateries.
Amazing bakery, cheese shops, maple syrup and candies, as well as the oldest bar in Ontario...

Tip:
Make sure you taste the famous beaver-tails – unless you're a weight-watcher, of course! :)