Ottawa: Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour

The "Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour" invites visitors to experience the culinary delights of Ottawa’s bustling marketplace. This 2.5-hour walking tour takes participants on a flavorful journey, offering a chance to savor local specialties, learn about the market’s rich history, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re a foodie or simply curious about the city’s cultural offerings, this tour promises an unforgettable evening of exploration and indulgence.

About Your Stay

• This 2.5-hour evening food tour explores Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, featuring tastings at local restaurants, a bakery, and insights into the market’s history and culture.

• The tour includes three savory dishes showcasing regional flavors, a modern interpretation of a classic Canadian staple, and a fusion plate celebrating multicultural influences.

• Participants can sample one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage, such as local craft beer, house red wine, or non-alcoholic sparkling cider, to enhance the food experience.

• The tour is wheelchair accessible and accommodates dietary restrictions with advance notice, starting at the Totem Pole of Canada and including 15 minutes of sightseeing.

• The tour is priced from 908 SEK per person, available in English and French, and has a 4.5-out-of-5 rating based on customer reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Tour

The evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour offers visitors a 2.5-hour exploration of one of Ottawa’s most vibrant culinary destinations.

Explore Ottawa’s vibrant culinary scene with the 2.5-hour evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour.

Priced from 908 SEK per person, the tour is available in English and French and is wheelchair accessible.

Guests start at the Totem Pole of Canada and visit local restaurants, the ByWard Market, and a bakery, sampling savory and sweet dishes.

One stop includes an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage.

The tour provides insights into the market’s 350+ food-related businesses and history.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at the Totem Pole of Canada outside the Ottawa School of Art on 35 George St.

Guests will visit a local restaurant for a food tasting, followed by another stop for beer, wine, and more tasting.

The tour then heads to the ByWard Market for a 30-minute food sampling.

After, guests will visit a local bakery for a sweet treat.

There are also brief sightseeing stops totaling 15 minutes.

Throughout the 2.5-hour tour, guests will learn about the ByWard Market’s rich history and culture, known for its over 350 food-related businesses.

Savory Dishes Sampled

Three savory dishes are sampled during the tour. Guests delight in a range of local flavors, from hearty comfort foods to innovative culinary creations.

Guests delight in a range of local flavors, from hearty comfort foods to innovative culinary creations.

The experience offers a diverse taste of the ByWard Market’s vibrant food scene:

• A signature regional dish showcasing the area’s agricultural bounty

• A modern interpretation of a classic Canadian staple, blending traditional and contemporary elements

• An artisanal specialty from a beloved local hotel, highlighting the market’s entrepreneurial spirit

• A fusion plate that celebrates the area’s multicultural influences and culinary creativity

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

One stop during the tour includes an alcoholic drink, either a beer or wine, or a non-alcoholic substitute for those who prefer. The alcoholic beverage is served alongside a food sample, allowing participants to experience how the flavors complement each other. The table below outlines the beverage options:

| Beverage | Alcohol Content | Pair With |

| — | — | — |

| Local Craft Beer | 5-7% ABV | Savory Dish |

| House Red Wine | 12-14% ABV | Savory Dish |

| Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Cider | 0% ABV | Savory Dish |

This beverage stop is an opportunity for tour-goers to sample local drinks and learn how they enhance the overall culinary experience.

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Dessert Stop

After the savory tastings, the tour culminates with a visit to a local bakery for a delectable dessert.

The group savors a sweet treat, such as:

A flaky, buttery croissant; a rich, fudgy brownie; a fluffy, cloud-like éclair; a vibrant fruit tart – a satisfying end to the culinary journey.

• A flaky, buttery croissant

• A rich, fudgy brownie

• A fluffy, cloud-like éclair

• A vibrant fruit tart

This final stop provides a satisfying end to the culinary journey, leaving participants with a lasting impression of the ByWard Market’s diverse and mouthwatering offerings.

Sightseeing and Cultural Insights

As the group savors the delectable dessert, the tour guide leads them on a captivating exploration of the ByWard Market’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Visitors learn about the market’s origins, dating back over 150 years, and its evolution into a thriving hub of food-related businesses. The guide shares insightful stories, highlighting the market’s unique architecture and the diverse communities that have shaped its character.

Stops along the way allow participants to admire local landmarks and gain a deeper appreciation for the market’s role in Ottawa’s culinary and cultural landscape.

Important Logistical Details

The tour meeting point is at the Totem Pole of Canada outside the Ottawa School of Art on 35 George St, where a guide with a Cest Bon tote bag will greet participants.

The tour meeting point is at the Totem Pole of Canada outside the Ottawa School of Art on 35 George St, where a guide with a Cest Bon tote bag will greet participants.

Attendees should wear comfortable shoes and avoid bringing large bags, alcohol, or drugs. Dietary restrictions must be noted when booking. The tour isn’t suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

• Participants can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

• The tour is wheelchair accessible and offered in both English and French.

• Each stop includes water, restaurant taxes, and tips.

• Umbrellas are provided in case of rain.

Customer Feedback and Impressions

What do customers have to say about the ByWard Market Food Tour? According to reviews, the tour generally earns high marks.

Customers praise the knowledgeable guides and the excellent value. Many enjoyed the insights into the market’s cuisine and history.

However, some felt the tour was a bit pricey relative to the food offerings. The tour boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 11 reviews.

Customers highlight the enjoyable experience and recommend the tour as a great way to explore the renowned ByWard Market.

Questions About Your Stay

Are Restrooms Available During the Tour?

The tour itinerary does not explicitly mention restroom availability. However, as the tour visits multiple food establishments, customers likely have access to restrooms during the stops. The availability of restrooms may vary across the different venues visited.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with stops at several food-related businesses in the ByWard Market area. Participants can expect to walk around 1-2 km during the 2.5-hour experience, taking breaks for food and sightseeing along the way.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Special Dietary Needs?

The tour can be customized for special dietary needs. Guests are asked to list any restrictions when booking, and the tour provides appropriate food samples to accommodate various dietary requirements.

Is Photography Allowed During the Food Stops?

Photography is allowed during the food stops on the tour. However, visitors are asked to be mindful and courteous when taking photos, especially during interactions with the restaurants and food vendors.

What Happens in Case of Extreme Weather Conditions?

In case of extreme weather conditions, the tour operator will provide umbrellas and make adjustments to the itinerary as needed to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for participants. Cancellations with full refunds are also available up to 24 hours in advance.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The "Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour" offers a delightful culinary experience in Ottawa’s lively market district. Participants savor savory dishes, sip local libations, and indulge in sweet treats while learning about the area’s rich history. With its accessibility, dietary accommodations, and rave reviews, this tour provides an unforgettable evening of food and culture in the heart of the nation’s capital.

You can check availability for your dates here: