Lowertown – Byward Market

One of Ottawa’s original neighbourhoods, Lowertown/Byward Market is the social hub of the city with the largest concentration of restaurants and entertainment venues including bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Much of the Byward Market real estate in this area was built between 1890 and 1930 with attached homes added in the 1980-90s. Detached single-family houses range from $400-$525K and attached homes from $260K-$650K.

From hiking or cycling the paths along the Ottawa River to visiting the grounds of the Parliament Building, museums, art galleries and plenty of parks—there is no shortage of activities for residents of all ages. The area also includes a public library, community garden, sports fields, tennis courts, a wading pool and splash pad, children’s playgrounds, and skating rinks and tobogganing hills for wintertime. In addition, Lowertown holds a yearly winter festival with food, entertainment, and activities for the whole family.

Canada’s oldest operating Farmer’s Market, the Byward Market provides residents with a myriad of shopping and dining options from specialty shops, eclectic eateries, outdoor vendors offering local and international crafts and clothing, and so much more. In addition, the Rideau Centre with 0ver 170 stores, is located next to the Byward Market and features retailers from high-end labels to affordable mid-market stores.

There are many great schools in Lowertown/Byward Market, many geared towards adult education such as the Ottawa School of Art, Gina’s College of Advanced Aesthetics, and the Canada School of Public Service. For children, some of the most notable schools include Saint Anne Catholic Elementary School, Ecole Secondaire Publique De La Salle, and York Street Public School. Churches include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the largest and oldest standing church in Ottawa, and the National House of Prayer.