The ByWard Market, Ottawa's oldest and most visited commercial district
Ottawa's oldest and most visited commercial district, and the neighbourhood our block calls home.
The ByWard Market is Ottawa's oldest and most visited commercial district, attracting a year-round mix of residents, office workers, government employees, and visitors. It functions as both a daily destination for the surrounding community and a key stop for national and international tourism, established in 1826 and still one of Canada's largest public markets.
Located within Ottawa's historic Sussex corridor, the district sits steps from Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint, and the Rideau Centre. It's also a short walk from History Ottawa, Live Nation's new entertainment venue opening in 2026, further strengthening the area's role as a cultural and visitor destination.
In 1961, the National Capital Commission set out to purchase and preserve the century-old properties along Sussex Drive, establishing what became known as the "Mile of History." Our block sits directly within that protected stretch, alongside some of Ottawa's most significant heritage architecture.
25.6MAnnual visits (2025), tourists, residents & workers
600+Independent businesses in the district
#1Tourist destination in the National Capital Region
The ByWard Market, Ottawa's oldest and most visited commercial district