Shopping for gifts and souvenirs – for others or for yourself – is one of the fun activities while traveling. Here are a few areas where you can find memorable items that will remind of you Canada’s capital after visiting for TIAC Tourism Congress.

ByWard Market neighbourhood

Visit the brick building in the middle of the ByWard Market neighbourhood and its open-air market to meet artisans that sell hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, and gifts. The rest of the compact district is filled with stores and boutiques that carry traditional souvenirs, independent Canadian-made fashion and even craft beer!

Downtown Rideau

Just a block from the ByWard Market area is the CF Rideau Centre in Downtown Rideau. Shop international brands (from high end to affordable) as well as Canadian-made finds. The newly reopened Ottawa Art Gallery nearby also carries Canadian and Indigenous-sourced items in their boutique.

Parliament Hill and Sparks Street

The Parliamentary Boutique inside Centre Block carries unique items – some made of pieces from the building’s original copper roof! The Snow Goose on pedestrian Sparks Street specializes in Indigenous and Canadian arts and crafts.

Elgin Street

Walk along Elgin Street to hunt for funky finds that are local and Canadian, including cute socks, fun jewelry and tasty jams and jellies.

Glebe

The historic Glebe is scattered with independent shops that carry ladies’ fashion, men’s streetwear and décor. Some stores even specialize in books, knives and cats!

Museum Gift Shops

Ottawa museum gift shops are not to be underestimated. They are filled with special and unique treasures.

Visit the Ottawa Tourism website to discover even more souvenir and gift shopping options in and around downtown Ottawa!