Olivia TaylorBeing the capital of Canada, it only makes sense that Ottawa is one of the best havens for shopaholics. From high-end fashion brands to fresh produce, antiques and more, the things you can shop for in the city are seemingly endless.
This begs the question, where do I start shopping? Luckily, we’re here to share our ultimate shopping guide to help you find the best spots to go shopping for your needs and wants.
We’ve also separated each one into five categories to make your shopping experience way easier, so read on!
Best Shopping Centres in Ottawa
CF Rideau Centre
Website: https://shops.cadillacfairview.com/property/cf-rideau-centre
Address: 50 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-236-6565
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
CF Rideau Centre should be on the radar of any shopaholic visiting Ottawa, as it’s one of the capital’s premier malls. Consisting of over 200 stalls of food, clothes, gadgets and anything in between, this mall will satisfy any kind of shopper!
Speaking of shoppers, this mall is visited by over 20 million of them each year—how crazy is that? It’s not hard to see why though. Aside from featuring a plethora of stores, this mall is located in the heart of Ottawa, making it an accessible destination for both locals and tourists.
It’s also worth noting that the aforementioned 200+ stores are spread out over three different levels, so it’s best to wear your comfy sneakers. All the walking will be worth it though, as you’ll find brands like Aldo, Pandora, Magpie Jewellery and more!
| Pro tip: Be sure to check out their website regularly! It’s here where you’ll find a handy map of the mall to guide you through the different floors as well as the promotions page where you can see all the current specials and offers with their food. |
Bayshore Shopping Centre
Website: https://bayshoreshoppingcentre.com
Address: 100 Bayshore Dr, Ottawa, ON K2B 8C1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-829-7491
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Dubbed as Ottawa’s favourite mall, Bayshore Shopping Centre is one of the city’s top destinations for shopaholics. It’s not hard to see why too, as this bustling mall houses some of the most famous international brands like H&M, Nike, Zara and MAC.
They also offer a variety of designer brands so if you’re looking to splurge, this is the place to be!
Aside from the abundance of stores found here, we can see how it’s favoured by many because of its amazing restaurants and cafes. This selection makes for a great pit stop for those times when you need a breather from walking.
| Pro tip: If you want a break from the glitz and glamour of the shopping mall, you can head out to Bayshore Park and enjoy fresh air and beautiful scenery. There are also some benches here so you can catch your breath after walking for so long. |
St. Laurent Shopping Centre
Website: https://stlaurentshoppingcentre.com
Address: 1200 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-745-6858
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Located not too far away from CF Rideau Centre is St. Laurent, a one-stop shopping centre that locals and tourists love to visit because of its complete package. From sportswear to gadgets, toys, collectibles and anything in between, this mall offers just about everything you can think of.
It’s also beloved by its visitors because of its wide selection of dining options, ranging from Chinese to Western, Middle Eastern and more. This type of variety is also why foodies love going here!
Lastly, St. Laurent is flocked by visitors because of its accessible location. It stands near Montreal Road, which can easily be accessed via car and public transportation.
| Pro tip: St. Laurent Shopping Centre holds regular events throughout the year, some of which can entertain or teach you something new! Check out their website before visiting and see if you can time your visit to one of its much-anticipated events. |
Best Outlet Malls in Ottawa
Tanger Outlets Ottawa
Website: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/ottawa
Address: 8555 Campeau Dr, Ottawa, ON K2T 0K5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-435-0850
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
If you ask any local where they score the best steals on their favourite brands, they’ll most likely answer with Tanger Outlets Ottawa. They’re not wrong either, as this place is where you’ll find the most ridiculous special offers!
What’s more impressive is that these deals aren’t just offered by an unknown brand. Instead, they’re offered by big-name companies like Columbia, Under Armour, Adidas, Levis and so much more.
If you’re lucky, you can even score some great discounts on high-end products like Coach, Michael Kors, Fossil and more. Just be sure to get there as early as possible, as the prices can be slashed up to 50% and you know people will immediately gravitate towards this.
| Pro tip: If you don’t want to waste your visit and end up with a lacklustre shopping experience, we recommend checking the promotions tab on their website to see the current promotions they’re holding. |
Ottawa Train Yards
– Media credit: vanessadewson
Website: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/ottawa
Address: 165 Trainyards Dr, Ottawa, ON K1G 6M8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-723-7490
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frugal shoppers in the capital know that Ottawa Train Yards is the place to be if you’re looking for high-quality products that are offered at great discounts. More specifically, the mall offers various well-known fashion outlets such as Marshalls and Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW).
These fashion outlets are great if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe without breaking the bank. In fact, you could probably build an entire outfit without spending money on regular-priced items!
| Pro tip: If you don’t have a car, the next best way to get here is by riding the train and getting dropped off at the Ottawa Train Station. |
Best Neighbourhood Markets in Ottawa
Sparks Street Mall
Website: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/ottawa
Address: 200-100 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada, Ontario
Contact details: +1 613-230-0984
Sparks Street is one of the liveliest markets you’ll ever come across in Ottawa. It’s a pedestrian-only street that’s lined with numerous boutiques that sell anything from jewellery, clothes, souvenirs and even luxurious goods!
What makes this street special, however, is the variety of events it holds throughout the year. These events transform the street with its themes, and it refreshes the shopping experience for visitors from around the globe.
The overall vibe of the neighbourhood is worth highlighting as well, as it gives off a sense of community that adds to the overall shopping experience. Furthermore, live artists often set up their busking spots along the street to provide you and other shoppers with good music.
| Pro tip: While you’re here, don’t miss out on visiting Centennial Flame, located just across Sparks Street! This historical landmark serves to honour Canada’s 100th anniversary of confederation back in 1967. |
Wellington West
Website: https://ottawatourism.ca/en/about-ottawa/neighbourhoods/wellington-west
Address: Wellington St. West, Ottawa, Canada
If you’re looking to be immersed in the art scene of Ottawa, shopping at Wellington West is one of the best things you can do.
This is because aside from local shops and restaurants, the neighbourhood features some of the most beautiful mural art in the capital. Plus, it also has its fair share of art galleries that showcase some of the local artists’ beautiful artworks.
As for shopping, you won’t be disappointed as well! This is thanks to the neighbourhood’s selection of antique, jewellery and clothing shops.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out the street’s beloved and iconic restaurants like Ottawa Bagel Shop, Supply and Demand, and Bridgehead Coffee while you’re here. |
ByWard Market District
Website: https://www.byward-market.com
Address: 55 ByWard Market Square; Ottawa, Ontario; K1N 9C3
ByWard Market District should be on your checklist even if you’re not planning on buying anything particular, as it’s one of Canada’s most famous neighbourhoods. It’s so well-known to the point where it’s considered more of an attraction than your plain old market!
It’s not hard to see why it has garnered this much fame though, as it’s oozing with entertainment, culture and of course, interesting shops. These shops span over multiple blocks so make sure to wear some comfortable shoes.
If you want to make all this walking bearable, you can treat yourself to one of the street foods being offered by the stalls here. This way, you can snack on delicious food while browsing the shelves!
| Pro tip: This market district is located just a couple of blocks away from the historic Parliament Hill so make sure not to miss it before or after your shopping spree here! |
The Glebe Ottawa
Website: https://www.byward-market.com
Address: 55 ByWard Market Square; Ottawa, Ontario; K1N 9C3
The best word that describes The Glebe is trendy, as it features hip cafes and restaurants that are begging to be added to your IG feed. These cafes are also great for regenerating your energy after spending countless hours browsing the different stores along The Glebe.
It’s also a haven for vintage lovers, as it features various stores that sell old vinyl, clothes and other collectibles.
This is also a great place to enjoy nightlife, as the neighbourhood is lined with various pubs that serve refreshing cocktails and craft beer!
| Pro tip: If you want to see this market in its liveliest state, we suggest visiting during the summer when it holds its Capital Pride event. |
Best Farmers’ Markets in Ottawa
Carp Farmers’ Market
Website: https://carpfarmersmarket.ca
Address: 3790 Carp Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0, Canada
Carp Farmers’ Market is always a great place to go if you’re looking to score some fresh produce at crazy low prices. Whether you’re looking for fresh vegetables, local handicrafts, poultry and dairy goods and more, this market is bound to have it!
The market has been around for over 30 years now and remains the go-to place for foodies in and out of Ottawa. This isn’t just because of the fresh artisanal products, as the market is also home to must-try restaurants like Alice’s Village Cafe and The Swan at Carp.
Plus, it’s worth noting that the people running this place are all locals! This means that not only will you be getting the freshest products in the city, but you’ll also get to support these honest workers—a win-win!
| Pro tip: Carp Farmers’ Market isn’t open throughout the entire year so be sure to check their website regularly to see its updated calendar. Furthermore, it’s also on this site where you can find handy information such as upcoming events and amazing cooking recipes! |
Ottawa Farmers’ Market
Website: https://ottawafarmersmarket.ca
Address: 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7, Canada, 185 Main St, Ottawa, ON K1S 1C3, Canada, 579 Byron Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 0E4, Canada
Ottawa Farmers’ Market is the ultimate spot for those who want to buy local artisan goods and fresh produce at great deals. These markets are divided into 4 locations throughout the city, namely: Westboro, Orleans, Lansdowne and Barrhaven.
These locations allow Ottowans to shop conveniently based on their location. Furthermore, some of these markets offer far greater quality for a certain product compared to others.
For instance, if you’re looking for the best farm produce, we recommend starting your shopping spree at the Landsdowne Market. Meanwhile, the three other markets are well known for their freshly made pastries and other artisan products.
| Pro tip: If you’re visiting the Lansdowne Farmers’ Market, make sure to stop by Sylvia Holden Park to see some of the most beautiful views in Ottawa! It can also be a great spot to experience temporary serenity after going through droves of crowds in the farmers’ market. |
Best Clothing Shops in Ottawa
Clothes Encounters Of A Second Time
Website: https://clothesencounters.ca
Address: 67 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1M 1L8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-741-7887
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
If you want to still look fly without breaking the bank, Clothes Encounters Of A Second Time may have something that would fit you. Simply put, it’s a store that sells preloved goods, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that you’ll be ending up with something cheap!
It may sound cliche but the items being sold here are good as new! They don’t put things up for sale that aren’t too worn out—plus, they also have some impressive restoration techniques up their sleeves.
| Pro tip: Consider visiting this place if you’re in the market for some layers for the winter. They often hold promos for these pieces during the off-season. |
Schad on Sussex Drive
Website: https://schad.ca
Address: 459 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1N 6Z6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-769-8626
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Schad on Sussex Drive is a must-visit for shopaholics and fashionistas alike because of its wide variety of upscale designer clothing.
Their collection mostly focuses on women’s clothes, footwear and accessories, each of which is designed by brands like John Varvatos, Mackage, Smythe and more. So if you’re looking to spice up your wardrobe with some high-end clothing pieces, this is the place to visit!
Furthermore, Schad also refreshes their selection every once in a while to make sure that they’re updated with the latest trends.
| Pro tip: Looking to score some beautiful pieces but don’t want to pay the steep price? Check out the clearance tab on their website! |
