Back to School, Back to ByWard
Welcome back, students. And welcome, newcomers!
All settled in yet? We hope your first full week of classes went smoothly. And more importantly, we hope to see you soon in the ByWard Market!
For those who already know us, you know what’s waiting for you: a lively atmosphere, amazing local products, and delicious eats for every craving. We’re counting on you to spread the word.
And for those who have never visited… here’s what a full day in the area could look like. But be warned: once you’ve experienced its magic, it’s hard to imagine life without it.
(Oh, we spoke with Ottawa students who are regulars here, and we’ve curated together the best spots to spend time in the District.)
It’s Saturday. After a long week of classes and assignments, the weekend has finally arrived.
But first… coffee.
What better way to wake up, really? No matter where you are in the area, you’ll always find a cozy café around the corner. Planet Coffee, The Hub, and Miss Bean Café are student favourites, and their pastries are worth the stop too. Plus, pumpkin spice latte season is here. (Too early? Not soon enough?) If you’ve never had one, this is your chance!
More of a tea person? Don’t worry; Tea Store has you covered (keep an eye out for their fortune-teller… who knows what fate has in store).
Now that you’re fuelled up and ready to go, let’s take a stroll through the District, shall we?
Let’s stroll.
Start your day in the ByWard Market Heritage Hall, home to shops filled with local products and mouthwatering meals from around the world. Head upstairs and you’ll find a bright open space where you can enjoy your meal while looking out over the market below, catch up on some studying, or just hang out with friends.
If you’re an art or photography fan, you’ll love our gallery, where we showcase work on different themes. And don’t miss the chance to ring our nearly two-hundred-year-old bell; it still resonates like it was cast yesterday. Just ask one of our ambassadors (you can’t miss them; they’re the ones in red with a big ByWard Market logo on their back).
Shopping time!
Shop local? Check. Eco-friendly? Check. Sustainable? Absolutely.
When you visit the ByWard Public Market’s vendors and merchants, you can tick all those boxes with ease. From thrifted fashion finds to handmade jewelry, fresh flowers, and zero-waste household goods, there’s no shortage of student-friendly treasures waiting for you.
Time to grab a bite!
We get it. As students, every dollar counts. But don’t worry, you’ll be able to eat your fill in the area without breaking the bank.
La Bottega Nicastro serves up paninis and pizzas that hit the spot every time, Lil Z’s Pizza has hearty gourmet pizzas, Lapointe Street Food is famous for their affordable bites (if you ask for their poutine, get the fries extra crispy), Continental Delicatessen and their European delicacies are a must-try, and Shawarma Time & Place (open until 2 a.m.) is a lifesaver when you’re craving that much needed after-party eats.
These are just a few of the budget-friendly spots where you can eat well without emptying your wallet.
Catch the vibe.
Afternoons are when the area truly comes alive. The streets are bustling with people, vibrant colours, delicious aromas, and the sounds of laughter and conversation all around. Buskers perform on street corners, filling the air with music and energy. Shoppers browse local street vendors, friends gather on patios to enjoy snacks and drinks under the sun… it’s the perfect time to soak up the ByWard Market in full swing.
But if you’d rather unwind with a book, or simply sit back and enjoy some quiet, our courtyards offer a calmer escape in the middle of it all:
Clarendon Courtyard: a leafy little oasis where you can pause, relax, and recharge away from the bustle. (While the courtyard itself is under construction, all the shops are up and running – go show them some love!)
Jeanne d’Arc Courtyard: home to the Dancing Bear sculpture, a playful landmark that’s become a student favourite for photos and meetups.
Tin House Courtyard: a hidden gem showcasing Ottawa’s history, with its striking tin façade and cozy benches perfect for a break.
Beaux-Arts Courtyard: a cultural corner often used for art displays and events, where creativity and community meet.
Sun goes down… fun goes up!
It’s a whole new world out here as soon as the sun goes down. Lights and music everywhere. Everyone’s putting on their best look for the evening, and there’s no shortage of places to make your nights in the Market memorable: Heart & Crown, where Irish pub vibes meet packed dance floors, The Lookout, Ottawa’s iconic LGBTQ+ bar with drag shows and late-night fun, and Sky Lounge, a rooftop spot perfect for sipping drinks under the stars.
And to make sure your night flows smoother than your chardonnay, our Night Ambassadors are out and about, ready to guide you, answer your questions, and give you a hand with anything you might need so your night is nothing but good vibes and great memories.
One day in the ByWard Market is never quite enough... but it’s a start! Jokes aside, whether you’re here for food, shopping, music, or just good vibes with friends, we're always ready for you.
So, grab your friends, pick a spot, and come experience the ByWard magic!
