Where to Find Good Shopping Opportunities in Ottawa

Ottawa is the fifth-largest city in Canada and the capital of the country. Many locals and visitors alike enjoy exploring the city’s many diverse shopping opportunities. Whether you’re looking to pick up a few souvenirs, some fashion items, or take advantage of Ottawa’s attractive tax-free status for tourists, there are plenty of great shopping options for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best shopping areas in Ottawa that should be on your must-visit list. Plus, you’ll find some tips to make your shopping experience more enjoyable and helpful information about taxes and duty-free items. So without further ado, let’s dive into the best places to shop in Ottawa.

Byward Market

One of the oldest and most popular areas for shopping in Ottawa is the Byward Market. Located heart of the city, this vibrant district has well over 200 unique stores, ranging from vintage and independent retailers, to luxury brands. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, clothes, food, or something in between, the Byward Market has something for everyone.

The Byward Market also features some excellent places to eat and drink, with options ranging from fine-dining restaurants to street food stalls. This makes it one of the best places to shop in Ottawa if you want to fit in some sightseeing around your shopping spree.

Client Shopping District

The Rideau Centre has been a popular shopping destination since it opened in 1983, and it recently completed a refresh that brought an eclectic mix of new retailers and improved dining options. The majority of the stores at the Rideau Centre sell fashion items for men and women, but it’s also home to bookstores, art galleries, and electronics stores.

If you’re looking for the highest-end brands in Ottawa, the Rideau Centre is your best bet. Whether it’s designer clothes or athletic apparel, you’ll find something to suit all your needs here. There are also several comfortable restaurants in the mall, as well as a range of beauty services to make a trip to the Rideau Centre a full shopping experience.

The Glebe

The Glebe is a unique neighbourhood just south of downtown Ottawa, but it’s home to one of the city’s newest – and most popular – shopping destinations. The Glebe is the site of the Lansdowne Park redevelopment, which includes the newly opened Lansdowne Shopping Centre.

Here you’ll find two dozen shops selling a range of items, from books and toys to fashion items. Many of the stores are local retailers and independent boutiques, such as KINK and Saxophonist, adding to the area’s charm. In addition to the shopping, there are plenty of great places to eat and drink here too.

Other Places to Shop

While these are some of the top areas for shopping in Ottawa, there are plenty of other places you may want to check out too. Merivale Mall near Nepean is home to a variety of stores from several well-known retail chains, making it a great option for those on a budget. West Wellington is another great place for bargain hunters – you’ll find lots of discounts here on items such as clothing, shoes, furniture, and more. Additionally, downtown Ottawa has countless small souvenir shops selling traditional Canadian souvenirs such as maple syrup and sweatshirts.

When it comes to shopping in Ottawa, there are plenty of great options – you just need to know where to look! Whether you’re looking for fashionable clothing items or souvenirs to bring home with you, there are plenty of great places to look around Ottawa. So get ready to do some serious shopping (and maybe pick up a few snacks while you’re at it).

Shopping Taxes and Duty-Free Shopping

When shopping in Ottawa – or any other Canadian city – it’s important to keep in mind that there are local taxes and duties when you purchase items. This can add an additional fee to your purchase that you’ll have to pay when you leave the shop. However, there are a few ways to get around this.

If you are a foreign visitor (or a Canadian citizen who has been abroad for 48 hours), you can take advantage of duty free shopping in Canada. This means you won’t have to pay any additional fees when leaving the store but you must provide proof of residency on entry into Canada. Additionally, certain items such as books and food items are exempt from taxes regardless of where you are from.

Overall, shopping in Ottawa can be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved. From luxury retailers at the Rideau Centre to independent boutiques at the Byward Market, there are plenty of excellent shopping opportunities for all tastes and budgets. So make sure you come prepared with your passport or proof of residency so you can take full advantage of all the exciting shops in Ottawa!