Ultimate Ottawa shopping guide

ByWard Market

Ottawa’s ByWard Market is one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in the country.

Located in the downtown core, the market was originally a focal point for Ottawa’s French and Irish communities. It is home to one of the city’s oldest Roman Catholic churches and an array of 19th-century historical architecture.

At the centre of this famous neighbourhood is a market building bustling with vendors and open-air stalls, surrounded by a four-block radius of restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Cultural and eco-friendly pieces

Adaawewigamig is a social enterprise supporting Indigenous youth, artists and community, and the first Indigenous-owned store in the ByWard market.

To look good and support the environment, shop sustainably made, eco-friendly fashions at Adorit.

For more culturally inspired fashion, check out Daku Designs, inspired by the vibrant fabrics of West Africa and handcrafted locally for women of every size and stage in life.

Quichua presents handmade art, fashion and accessories from over 80 Indigenous artists. Browse styles for summer and winter, one-of-a-kind gifts and an array of Alpaca wools and plushies.

Women’s fashion

Find a high-end, timeless piece at Judith & Charles, born of a love story between a fashion lover and an entrepreneur who merged European craftsmanship with Canadian sensibilities.

Visit Justine’s Studio, a small, curated boutique run by a stylist who was once chosen to design and style the RCMP women’s uniforms, as well as many high-profile women in the corporate, political and arts world.

Schad is a lofty warehouse-style boutique offering highly curated clothing and footwear for women.

One-of-a-kind gifts

For one-of-a-kind gifts and conversation pieces, Milk is a much-loved independent boutique curating clothing, jewellery and accessories.

So much more than a stationery shop, Paper Papier has purveyed the finest papers, writing instruments and design ideas for the last four decades. Inspired by global trends, it is the largest retailer of fine writing instruments in Ottawa and is famous for its vast collection of greeting cards.

At Disegno Jewellery, find inspired jewellery created by passionate, highly trained gemologist Pamela Coulston, whose pieces have been sold worldwide. 

Downtown Rideau

Downtown Rideau Street is one of Ottawa’s oldest streets. Attached to the ByWard Market, it’s home to several iconic buildings, including the picturesque Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Mall finds

One of the first streets in Ottawa to host businesses, Rideau Street is a major retail thoroughfare that has featured many famous department stores over the years. Today, it draws considerable crowds to the central CF Rideau Centre, home to famous Canadian retailer Simons.

Sportswear

If streetwear and sneakers are your vibe, head to Ottawa’s famous apparel and footwear boutique NORML. From Nike, Air Jordan and Aimé Leon Dore, there is a wide selection to choose from.

Snacks and cosmetics

For international flavours, Axia Station is a vibrant emporium carrying Korean, Japanese and Chinese snacks, drinks and cooking supplies.

Sparks Street

Sparks Street is an outdoor pedestrian-only experience featuring dining options, works of art, shops and historical architecture. It runs alongside the city’s business district, one block from the Parliament buildings.

Boutique jewellery, artwork and gifts

Visit True Bijoux, a Canadian-owned and operated company that features a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces for every price point and style.

Canada Four Corners is a boutique store offering Canadian gifts, artwork and souvenirs. Choose from a wide range of Indigenous sculptures, jewellery, dreamcatchers, carvings and moccasins and delicious maple snacks.

The Snow Goose has been celebrating art and goods from Inuit and First Nations communities since 1963. Browse prints and drawings, jewellery, wood and stone carvings, as well as an array of other Canadian gifts, including pewter and recycled glass from British Columbia.

Personalized tailoring

Founded by a master tailor trained in Italy, Morgante Menswear is a second-generation, family-owned company that has operated in the Ottawa-Gatineau community since 1978.

The Glebe

Just south of downtown, The Glebe is a vibrant neighbourhood with tree-lined residential streets surrounding a mix of restaurants, independently run boutiques and specialty stores along Bank Street.

Women-owned clothing shops

Inspired by elegant French style and summers by the lake, Viens avec moi is all about easy-to-wear women’s clothing that fits every occasion, from lounging to brunching to a big night out. Escape Clothing is one of the longest-operating women’s clothing stores in the city, known for affordable, timeless fashions and friendly service.

If you’re looking for a great pair of shoes or boots, step into Glebe Trotters for the highest-quality footwear.

Eco-friendly and ethically conscious

For high-quality and highly conscious fashion, visit Stomping Ground, an independently owned lifestyle boutique. Focused ethically made products, it offers a curated mix of apparel, footwear, grooming, accessories, books and home goods.

Sisters Mart is a holistic market featuring environmentally friendly cleaning products, plant medicine and supplements. Grab a nourishing bite or beverage from the ceremonial matcha and cacao bar. Visit Sister Mart’s Instagram page for products and store hours.

Find the perfect pre-loved item at The Clothes Secret. This women’s consignment boutique has been curating the top brands from Eileen Fisher to Banana Republic to Max Mara and more for over three decades.

Unique finds

For a stationery shop you’ll never forget, The Papery is a neighbourhood institution with a vast array of heartfelt handmade cards, high-quality journals and charming decor pieces.

Witch Chest offers a more ethereal experience, specializing in tools and supplies for practitioners and appreciators of witchcraft and other energetic rituals. Candles, crystals, herbs and other accessories make great gifts for the witch-curious on your list.

Named after the Ukrainian word for “fairy tale”, find unique toys, puzzles, games and baby gifts designed to nurture a child’s imagination at Kazka Toys. Inspired by the longevity of European craftsmanship, the owners believe in buying fewer, higher-quality toys that will last for generations.

Wellington West

West of Downtown Ottawa, Wellington Street West spans two popular shopping neighbourhoods, Hintonburg and Wellington Village.

The strip brims with eclectic boutiques, knick-knack shops and furniture stores, where you’ll uncover unique keepsakes and conversation pieces. Wellington West is also home to a thriving arts scene with several galleries and outdoor murals.

Handcrafted gifts and fashions

Animal lovers, this one is for you. Kindred Shop & Studio offers a mix of Canadian-made clothing, handcrafted jewellery, home goods and apothecary supplies with one goal in mind: to support the community’s Cat Rescue Network.

Maker House sells products made by Canadian artisans and woodworkers from across the country. Unique products include apparel, bath and body, games, housewares and a range of Indigenous-made goods.

Workshop & Flock Boutique is pure whimsy and joy. The two female owners and designers launched a shop full of everything they love: picnic-approved dresses, bold skirts, adorable housewares and fun jewellery. Keep the fun going at Motif Boutique, owned by a passionate entrepreneur celebrating colour, creativity and community. It features goods from over 40 local makers and a mix of carefully crafted, handpicked goods that will make you smile.

Sustainable and vintage styles

Victoire Boutique is owned by best friends who share a love of good fashion and good ethics. They’ve championed sustainably made clothing and accessories for almost two decades. Another supporter of eco-friendly fashion, Muriel Dombret sells a clothing line made with superior materials sourced from European ateliers.

Browse the carefully curated selection of previously loved and vintage garments from local designers at Trove Fashion. With a spotlight on local businesses, JV Studios is a BIPOC-owned boutique specializing in thoughtfully designed lifestyle pieces.

Stop in at The Recollective, a secondhand shop known for “Instagram shopping,” selling gently worn clothing, handbags and accessories through daily drops in their Instagram stories.

For ideas on how to embrace a more eco-friendly life, visit terra20 for healthy, sustainable and biodegradable products. You can also stock up on cleaning and personal care products at the ecobar, Ottawa’s largest refill station.

Family-friendly shopping

If you’ve got a little one or one on the way, visit Extraordinary Baby Shoppe & Hintonburg Kids. This independent boutique offers a variety of essentials, including educational toys and gifts to support growing babies and entertain curious kids. The experienced staff can also share tips on getting the most out of their products. 

Westboro

Further west from Wellington is the lively Westboro or Westboro Village. Packed with cafés, wellness shops and independent boutiques, Westboro is also home to a concentration of outdoors and athletic stores, including Mountain Equipment Co-op and Lululemon Athletica.

Stylish women’s fashion

Three Wild Women is a boutique that prides itself on carrying stylish, comfortable fashions for women of all ages and sizes. The wide range of Canadian collections is timeless, comfortable and something you’ll want to wear year after year.  

The mother-daughter duo who own Manhattan West love to style their customers in uniquely designed garments that fit each personal style. They curate brands from all over the world, always prioritizing quality and originality.

La muse is a boutique that’s big on self-expression through fashion, staffed by a team who will help you find the perfect look with options from over 65 international brands.

Unique gifts that give back

Copper Alley is a gift boutique dedicated to supporting small businesses that prioritize giving back. Home decor, beauty products, jewellery, handbags, and novelties are made by local artisans and fairly traded from around the world.

Pokoloko carefully selects ethically traded items. Each product comes with a story that connects the maker, collector and earth.

Find the perfect card for any occasion at The Village Quire, from happy times of celebration to difficult moments that call for a token of support. The shop is best known for its infamous “cheeky and offensive” section with cards that will undoubtedly make an impression.

Outdoor gear and supplies

Bushtukah is Ottawa’s go-to for outdoor gear. Get everything you need for biking, running, hiking, camping or skiing.

Ottawa’s charming neighbourhoods offer a unique and diverse shopping experience, from trendy boutiques in Westboro to artisan finds in the ByWard Market.