Best Farmers' Markets in Ottawa

Ottawa has one of the best farmers' market scenes in Ontario. From a year-round flagship market at Lansdowne to neighbourhood markets across the city every weekend, there's a market within reach of almost every part of Ottawa from May through October.

This guide covers the major markets, what makes each one worth visiting, and the practical details you need to plan a visit.

Understanding Ottawa's Markets

Before diving in, it helps to know the difference between the types of markets in Ottawa:

• Producer-only markets — Vendors must grow, raise, or make everything they sell, typically within 100 km of Ottawa. What you buy comes directly from the person who produced it
• Public markets — A mix of growers and resellers. You'll find local produce alongside imported goods and prepared foods

Both types are worth visiting, but if buying directly from farmers matters to you, look for producer-only markets.

Year-Round Markets

Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne

Lansdowne is Ottawa's flagship farmers' market and the city's only year-round market at a fixed location. Run by the Ottawa Farmers' Market organization, it's strictly producer-only — over 150 vendors from within 100 km of Ottawa sell here across the year.

• Outdoor season: Sundays, 9 AM–3 PM, May through October (Aberdeen Square, outside Aberdeen Pavilion)
• Winter season: Sundays, 10 AM–3 PM, January through April (inside Aberdeen Pavilion)
• Holiday market: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM–4 PM, November through December
• What to find: Fresh produce, meats, dairy, eggs, baked goods, prepared foods, honey, preserves, artisan crafts
• Parking: Underground parking ($4/hour); free street parking on Sundays
• Address: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way

Tip: The outdoor season (May–October) has the widest vendor selection and the best atmosphere. Arrive before 10 AM for the best produce selection.

ByWard Market

The ByWard Market is not a farmers' market — it's a historic public market district, one of Canada's oldest, founded in 1826. But it's an essential part of Ottawa's market scene.

• Indoor Market Building: Monday–Saturday 9 AM–5 PM, Sunday 10 AM–4 PM (year-round)
• Outdoor vendors: Daily, approximately 10 AM–6 PM, May through October. Produce, flowers, crafts, and souvenirs along George, York, ByWard, and William streets
• Night Market: Thursdays, 5 PM–9 PM, July through September
• Address: 55 ByWard Market Square

The outdoor season is when the market is at its best — local farmers set up alongside the permanent indoor vendors, and the surrounding streets fill with food stalls, flower sellers, and artisans. Over 50,000 people visit on busy summer weekends.

Note: ByWard Market uses a colour-code system: green tags mean the vendor is the grower, red means reseller. Look for green if you want farm-direct.

Saturday Markets (May–October)

Westboro Farmers' Market

The Westboro market is the Ottawa Farmers' Market organization's second-largest location, with 60+ vendors in a park setting. It's producer-only.

• When: Saturdays, 9 AM–3 PM, mid-May through October
• Where: Byron Linear Park, 579 Byron Avenue
• What to find: Seasonal produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts

A good market to combine with a walk or bike ride along the Ottawa River pathway, which runs right through the neighbourhood.

Carp Farmers' Market

One of the largest producer-based farmers' markets in Eastern Ontario. Carp draws over 100 vendors during the regular season and is worth the 30-minute drive from downtown.

• When: Saturdays, 8 AM–1 PM, May through late October
• Where: Carp Agricultural Fairgrounds, 3790 Carp Road
• What to find: Local produce, meats, baked goods, artisan crafts, prepared foods
• Extras: Live entertainment on market days. Special events include an Easter Market (April), Garlic Festival (August), and Christmas Market (November)
• Admission and parking: Free

Beechwood Market

A smaller, neighbourhood-feel market in New Edinburgh, near Rideau Hall and Rockcliffe.

• When: Saturdays, 9 AM–1 PM, June through October
• Where: New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue
• What to find: Produce, farm eggs, cheeses, meat, poultry, coffee, baked goods

Metcalfe Farmers' Market

A popular rural market south of Ottawa that has won the Ottawa Awards for Best Farmers' Market multiple years running.

• When: Saturdays, 8 AM–1 PM, mid-May through October
• Where: 8th Line Road, Metcalfe
• What to find: Local produce, meats, baked goods, preserves

Manotick — The Lot

A scenic market on the bank of the Rideau River, near historic Watson's Mill.

• When: Saturdays, 9 AM–2 PM, June through October
• Where: 5525 Dickinson Street, Manotick (Carriage Shed parking lot)

Other Neighbourhood Markets

Several more markets operate across Ottawa's suburbs:

The Orleans market is notable as the only major weekday market — useful if you can't make weekends.

Specialty Markets

Parkdale Public Market

A city-operated public market in Hintonburg (not producer-only). Open daily May through October with produce, flowers, plants, and shrubs. A Wednesday night market (5–9 PM) runs June through October.

• Where: Parkdale Avenue at Wellington Street West
• Hours: Daily, 10 AM–6 PM, May through October

Ottawa Organic Farmers' Market

Ottawa's only entirely certified organic market. Small and focused — about a dozen vendors selling organic produce, meats, baked goods, and prepared foods.

• When: Saturdays, 10 AM–noon, year-round (closed only around Christmas)
• Where: Riverside United Church, 3191 Riverside Drive

Tips for Market Shopping

• Bring cash and bags — Not all vendors accept cards, though most larger markets have a mix. Bring your own reusable bags
• Go early for selection — Best produce goes first, especially at popular markets like Lansdowne and Carp. Aim for the first hour
• Go late for deals — Some vendors reduce prices in the last 30 minutes rather than pack unsold produce home
• Seasonal peaks — Strawberries in June, corn and tomatoes in August, apples and squash in September/October. Each month has different highlights
• Combine with activities — Lansdowne is on the Rideau Canal pathway. Westboro is near the Ottawa River pathway. Carp is near the Diefenbunker. Manotick is near Watson's Mill. Plan a market visit as part of a day out
• 2026 dates — Most markets announce exact opening dates in April or May. The schedules above reflect typical patterns — check individual market websites for confirmed 2026 dates