CityBuddy
ByWard Market
Best time to visit
Saturday morning between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m., when the farmers market is in full swing and the street artists start their show. In September, the harvest stalls are at their most abundant.
Budget tips
The market itself is free to enter. Many stalls offer reduced prices for fruit and vegetables towards market closing (around 3 p.m.), and the food trucks serve lunch menus starting at 8 dollars.
Recommended for
Foodies, Shoppers, Photography fans, Culture enthusiasts
Plan your visit
2-4 hours
About
Quick facts: Around 300 stalls and shops attract over a million visitors annually. Since the 1840s, the market has steadily developed and today offers everything from fresh fruit to handicrafts to top restaurants.
Highlights: Every Saturday from May to October, the market transforms into a huge stage for street artists who perform juggling, music, and acrobatics between the stalls. The oldest bakery in the city, in continuous operation since 1868, fills the morning air with the scent of fresh, warm cinnamon rolls. A scent that fills entire alleyways.
Insider tips
- Visit the chocolate factory on the north side of the market: the hot chocolate with chili is a secret tip among locals.
- Come early at 8 a.m., when the crowds are still small and you can watch the vendors setting up their stalls.
- Keep an eye out for the hidden courtyard café between York Street and William Street. Perfect for a break away from the hustle and bustle.
- Wear comfortable shoes, because the cobblestones in the side alleys are uneven and you will walk several kilometers.
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