The complete Ottawa shopping guide
From high end stores to farmers’ markets, this Ottawa shopping guide will help you hunt down the best bargains and treasures in Canada’s capital.
Shopping centres in Ottawa
CF Rideau Centre
The Rideau Centre is one of Ottawa’s premier shopping malls, offering more than 200 restaurants, shops and services visited by over 20 million shoppers each year. Refuel at one of the many restaurants in the food court, discover deals and shop to your heart’s content at stores like Aldo, Anthropologie, BlueNotes, Pandora, Magpie Jewellery and Mat & Nat among others.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Rideau Centre is easily accessed by transit and within walkable distance from Parliament Hill. In fact, the three-level shopping centre is also close to the ByWard Market, Mackenzie King Bridge, Nicholas Street and Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa, so you can swing by after checking off some of the other must-see items on your Ottawa bucket list.
Tanger Outlets
If you’re looking for great bargains on name-brand and designer clothing and goods, the Tanger Outlets on Campeau Drive offer a wide assortment of choices at discounted prices. Some of the popular stores include Adidas, Aerie, American Eagle Outfitters, Call It Spring, Dynamite/Garage, ECCO, Fossil, Kate Spade, Levi’s, Boathouse, Calvin Klein, Brooks Brothers and Roots.
Bayshore Shopping Centre
West of downtown in the Nepean district, Bayshore Shopping Centre is home to familiar brands like H&M, MAC, Zara, Pandora and Aritzia, as well as Canada’s famous athletic lifestyle brand, Roots.
Ottawa’s shopping districts and neighbourhoods
Sparks Street Mall
Right on historic Sparks Street, this pedestrian only walkway features unique boutiques, luxury stores and inviting restaurants. You’ll be able to find an array of souvenirs, fine jewellery, luxury attire and crafts made by local artists. Shop, socialize and enjoy the vibe of the neighbourhood.
Wellington West
The super trendy neighbourhoods of Wellington Village and Hintonburg make up Wellington West, west of the downtown core. Soak in the artistic spirit of this community while exploring its boutiques, galleries, theatre, cafes and clubs.
The Glebe
South of downtown, The Glebe is centered around Bank Street and home to unique shops, hip eateries, neighbourhood pubs and gorgeous heritage homes. Bank Street serves as Ottawa’s 2SLGBTQI+ Village, so in addition to great queer-owned businesses, the street becomes even more lively each summer during Capital Pride.
ByWard Market
One of Canada’s most well-known neighbourhood attractions, the ‘market’ is a bustling retail and entertainment district that spans several blocks just a stone’s throw east of Parliament Hill. You could easily spend a day browsing shops, cafes and food stalls, sampling everything from craft beer to BeaverTails.
Farmers’ and flea markets in and around Ottawa
Carp Farmers’ Market
Shop local at Carp Farmers’ Market on Carp Road with a variety of fresh produce as well as baked goods, pottery, specialty foods, meats, poultry and dairy, handicrafts, arts and crafts, horticulture and gardening supplies, specialty farm goods, homemade pet products and so much more.
The market was conceptualized by local resident Hildegarde Anderson, who fondly remembered her Saskatchewan childhood on a prairie farm. Carp Farmers’ Market recreates that local spirit so it doubles as a cultural experience.
Stittsville Carp Road Flea Market
The Stittsville Carp Road Flea Market opened in 2005 with a mix of vendors hawking everything from second-hand goods to genuine antiques. Discover gorgeous furniture, sports cards and memorabilia, toys, collectibles, fine china and silver, vintage goods, fine jewellery, paintings and décor, books, clocks, belts, and even treats like homemade fudge and jams.
Ottawa Farmers’ Markets
The Ottawa Farmers’ Markets take place in four locations. Each one has different hours, so there are a few options to fit into your itinerary while you’re in Ottawa.
The Westboro Market at Byron Linear Park is open Saturdays from May to October between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and offers vendors such as 5 Cupcakes, Art-Is-In Bakery, Donagh Farm, Just Farms, Joseph Henri Cutting and Serving Boards and La Fromagerie les Folies Bergeres.
Orléans Market is open Thursdays from May to October between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., with vendors from Avonmore Berry Farm, BearBrook Game Meats Inc., Just Farms, Garland Sugar Shack, Needham’s Market Garden, Poppa Bean Coffee Roastery and the Piggy Market.
Lansdowne Market at Casino Lac Leamy Plaza is open outdoors Sundays from May to October between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and is a produce-only market — the only one within Ottawa. The market is open at Ottawa Farmers’ Market Lansdowne location during winter months every Sunday with a specialty Christmas market on Saturdays and Sundays during December.
Barrhaven Market is open May to October between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with offerings from Dunrobin Distilleries, Haico Hot Sauce, Rochon Garden, the Great British Pastry and Pie Co and others.
Find even more farmers’ markets in Ottawa.
High end shopping in Ottawa
Schad on Sussex Drive
For those looking for upscale men’s and women’s footwear and apparel, Schad on Sussex Drive is your go-to. With designs from John Varvatos, Mackage, Smythe, Wings + Horns, Set, Camper, Mackage, Kuwallatee, AG Jeans, Coclico, Chie Mihara, Cole Haan, Miista, Mih Jeans, Aigle, American Vintage, Line, Fine Collection, SAM New York, Denham, Neuw Denim, Naked & Famous Denim, Theory, The Kooples, Fidelity and more, you’ll find more options than you could possibly bring home. Each season, Schad carefully curates their selection of the best, most sought-after and unique styles and fashions.
Vincent Boutique on Preston Street
Vincent Boutique offers a well-travelled selection of luxury, contemporary women’s attire. Your choices range from comfortable, high-end t-shirts to premium denim and unique jewelry pieces. The shop is located in Little Italy, where it was established in 2013. The shop is owned by two sisters who relish sharing their uniquely curated discoveries.
Last updated: August 9, 2024