Categories > Guides and Tips
A Local’s Guide to the 15 Best Shopping Ottawa Has to Offer
I really need to stop listening to Ariana Grande while I’m out—every time 7 Rings comes on, that “see it, I like it, I want it, I got it” line hits way too hard. Suddenly I’m hypnotized, and guess who ends up suffering? My bank account.
And honestly, the town doesn’t make it easy to resist. The city practically dares you to spend, with all its boutiques, vintage gems, and local treasures calling your name. But hey, if you’re going to splurge, might as well do it right.
So, whether you’re after clothes, gifts, home finds, or curated vintage, we’ve done the wandering (and spending) to bring you the top shopping spots in Ottawa worth your wallet.
CF Rideau Centre
Media from cfrideaucentre
Address: 50 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-236-6565
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
CF Rideau Centre is in a prime downtown location so you won’t miss it—it’s just steps from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. In other words, this central location makes it easy and accessible for both locals and tourists.
You’ll probably need more than a day to really take it all in since it’s home to around 180 retailers, with a mix of high-end brands like Tiffany & Co., Simons, and Harry Rosen, alongside popular stores such as Zara, Aritzia, and Lululemon. And they have more stores in between those.
And we love how you won’t have to worry about food here since they have a Dining Hall that features 16 premium eateries. You’ll get to see all sorts of culinary options in this spacious and contemporary setting.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving, the mall has a three-level underground parking facility, so there’s ample parking space. And if you’re a commuter, it’s well-connected via public transit, making it easy to get to and from where you are.
ByWard Market
Media from bywardmarket
Address: 55 ByWard Market Square
Contact details: (613) 244-4410
Opening hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM
Set in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, ByWard Market blends heritage charm with this upbeat, dynamic urban feel. Think cobblestones, open-air vendors, historic buildings, and busy pedestrian areas.
It’s nice how you can spot those one-of-a-kind fins, from handmade jewelry and Indigenous art to eco-conscious fashion and vintage treasures. Plus, the outdoor market stalls (especially active in spring through fall) offer produce, flowers, maple syrup, baked goods, and locally crafted items.
Not to mention, after dark, the area transforms into a nightlife hub with hubs, rooftop bars, and live music venues. But don’t worry, you’ll often find street musicians and pop-up art during the day, so it’s more than just shopping.
Pro tip:
Consider going on a Saturday for the full experience—fresh market goods, uncrowded shops, and better photo ops. Bring cash or tap, since not all outdoor vendors take full card payments, and don’t forget to check out the alleys and side streets.
Bayshore Shopping Centre
Media from bayshoreottawa
Address: 100 Bayshore Dr
Contact details: +1 613-829-7491
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Bayshore Shopping Centre houses over 190 stores and restaurants, and you’ll find popular shops like Sephora, H&M, Aritzia, Zara, and The Bay. Given its location, you can easily get here via roads and public transit, like the Bayshore Transitway Station.
What we love the most is that they often offer sales and exclusive promotions across various stores. For instance, shoppers can find discounts like up to 60% off at The Bay or special offers at Roots.
If you’re just window shopping or here for quick bites or sit-down meals, then you can go to their food court and restaurants. And we can’t deny that it’s sometimes difficult to decide since there are a lot of options.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving, park closer to the entrances near your favourite stores to minimize walking. Also, check the mall’s website or app for the latest promotions and store directions to plan your visit efficiently.
Tanger Outlets
Media from tangeroutletsottawa
Address: 8555 Campeau Dr
Contact details: +1 613-435-0850
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM
One of the highlights for Tanger is that, as an outlet center, they offer substantial discounts on merchandise. So, expect to spot deals like 25% off single items at Gap Factory or 20% off purchases at Puma Outlet, making it an affordable shopping destination.
On that note, you might even join the free TangerClub, which provides members with exclusive deals and additional savings. This can come in handy given that there are over 70 brand-name outlet stores, and from what we’ve seen, it’s quite diverse.
Lastly, we appreciate that the place is designed with families in mind—you’ll see stroller rentals and family restrooms. Plus, even with the open-air layout, they still have covered walkways to offer shade or shelter from all the elements.
Pro tip:
It’s a good idea to bring a reusable shopping tote or backpack since many outlet stores don’t offer bags for free, and if you’re hitting multiple shops, it saves the hassle. Also, you can snag “one-day-only” digital coupons on their website.
Saint Laurent Shopping Centre
Media from stlaurentcentre
Address: 1200 St. Laurent Blvd
Contact details: +1 613-745-6858
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
St. Laurent Shopping Centre is one of Ottawa’s oldest and largest malls, and it still feels like a staple in the city. We also like how it doesn’t get as crowded as places like Rideau Centre or Bayshore, which is a plus if you want a more chill shopping day.
It’s also a treat to discover smaller independent retailers alongside the big chains, particularly when you go to the lower level near the LRT entrance. Those shops change fairly often, so there’s always something new.
Another aspect we find handy is that they also offer services like tailoring, cell phone repairs, and currency exchange, and they even have optometrists available in the mall. It’s a nice errand-running destination, not just for shopping.
Pro tip:
If you’re taking transit, enter through the LRT level—there’s a Tim Hortons and Shoppers Drug Drug Mart right there, so you can grab a coffee or run a quick errand without even going upstairs.
Ottawa Train Yards
Media from vanessadewson
Address: 165 Trainyards Dr
Contact details: +1 613-723-7490
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Another shopping district, Ottawa Train Yards, is an open-air complex that features a variety of big-box stores and specialty shops spread across a vast area. With this layout, it makes things convenient, especially for those who prefer to drive directly to their desired store.
And yes, you may want to drive directly to some of the stores, considering it’s over 750,000 square feet of space with more than 150 retailers, services, and restaurants. They also have stores like Structube and Urban Barn, which is great if you’re looking to furnish your home.
We also like that they have a fitness center—the Movati Athletic Gym—that provides a range of workout facilities and classes. We can’t leave out their options, too, especially with diverse options like Thai Express and The Chopped Leaf.
Pro tip:
If you plan to hit multiple stores, park near the one that’s furthest out and work your way back toward the exit to avoid doubling back with shopping bags. Also, some stores (like SAIL and Structube) can get busy on weekends, so try going early.
Carlingwood Shopping Centre
Media from shopcarlingwood
Address: 2121 Carling Ave
Contact details: +1 613-725-1551
Opening hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10 AM – 8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
When it comes to Carlingwood Shopping Centre, we think it’s still somehow lowkey but still a practical mall that’s been part of Ottawa’s west end since 1956. This is a good choice if you want to shop at your own pace without feeling rushed—it’s reliable and easy to navigate.
For those who have mobility concerns, we love that everything’s on one level. And even if there’s only one floor, you can still enjoy and explore over 90 stores and services, such as Loblaws, Rexall, Canadian Tire, Coles, and many more.
And if you’re looking for other services for errands or other things, the mall also has optometrists, dental offices, tailoring, shoe repair, banking, and more. It’s a place to check a bunch of things off your to-do list in one go, other than just shop.
Pro tip:
The library entrance is a bit tucked away, but if you’re looking for a quiet place to sit or want to borrow a book, it’s worth checking out. And you don’t have to worry if you’re driving since they have free parking.
Trove Fashion
Media from trovefashion
Address: 1000 Wellington St. W
Contact details: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Monday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
What’s nice about Trove Fashion is that their offerings and items are thoughtfully curated—it doesn’t feel low quality. It’s been a go-to for many people who are after certain products ever since its opening in 2017.
Speaking of products, this boutique offers a diverse selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories that come from different brands. You’ll easily spot products from high-end labels like Gucci and Marc Jacobs to popular names such as Lululemon and Kate Spade.
And here’s something worth noting: they provide an opportunity for individuals to consign their gently used clothing and accessories. Consignors can earn a percentage of the sale price, with the option to receive cash or a 20% discount if they choose to spend their balance in-store.
Pro tip:
Following them on their Instagram page lets you stay updated on new arrivals and special promotions. They often post “drops” on Tuesdays and Thursdays, showcasing fresh inventory that can be directly purchased through their stories.
Highjinx
Media from highjinx
Address: 290 Kent St
Contact details: +1 613-864-4289
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Moving to some vintage or antique finds, Highjinx is a top contender. It’s like a box filled with cool and unique things, like mid-century pieces, vintage furniture, eclectic home decor, and collectibles.
It’s not that big of a shop, but you’ll find something interesting every time you turn your head. They also have houseplants, some handmade items from local creators, and a little bit of clothing and accessories, depending on the week.
And what’s wholesome about their entire operation is that proceeds from these sales fund their community outreach efforts, such as providing daily meals, essential supplies—blankets, sleeping bags, and emergency assistance.
Pro tip:
If you’re on the hunt for furniture, go early in the day—big pieces get scooped up fast. And don’t be shy about asking the staff what’s coming next; they’re friendly and often have stuff in the back.
Ottawa Antique Market
Media from ottawa_antique_market
Address: 1179 Bank St Suite A
Contact details: +1 613-730-6000
Opening hours:
- Monday and Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Ottawa Antique Market is a must-visit if you love the thrill of uncovering hidden gems or quirky collectibles. You’ll literally browse through decades of history in one space—it’s treasure-packed, and it’s surprisingly bigger than it looks from the outside.
We’d say you can even spend a solid hour (or more) wandering through without feeling cramped. And there’s enough breathing room to comfortably go through over 25 independent antique dealers under one roof.
Not to mention, the vintage art here is impressive: think oil paintings, prints, carvings, sculptures, and they’re often from local or Canadian artists. For vinyl lovers or anyone with the taste of an old soul, the record bins are worth flipping through.
Pro tip:
It would be smart to bring measurements if you’re furniture shopping since pieces tend to be one-of-a-kind and can go quickly. Note that it’s not a clothing-focused space, but you can definitely score vintage leather bags, costume jewelry, and more.
The Jungle Ottawa
Media from thejungleottawa
Address: 858 Bank St Suite 100
Contact details: @thejungleottawa
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM
The Jungle Ottawa specializes in handpicked vintage apparel that spans across different eras and styles. So, there are lots of chances of you finding items like a classic denim jacket, a retro dress, or unique statement pieces.
Beyond the clothes and apparel, we also love their collection of handmade accessories crafted by local artisans. They have all sorts of jewelry, scarves, home decor, and other knick-knacks that just scream at you to buy them.
We’re also pleasantly surprised at how affordable most of their items are, considering their selection and quality of products. They even have lots of children’s clothes to choose from, which is incredibly cool if you want to dress your kiddos in some swag.
Pro tip:
Their inventory changes frequently, so it’s worth stopping regularly to discover new finds. Chatting with their staff can also lead you to some personalized recommendations or insider info on upcoming arrivals.
Adorit Boutique
Media from adorit_boutique
Address: 153 York St
Contact details: +1 613-220-9688
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday, Saturday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
With its bright yellow facade, the Adorit Boutique is hard to miss, and we have to give them a nod for offering a mix of style, sustainability, and ethical craftsmanship. For instance, they have clothing made from eco-friendly fabrics like bamboo, hemp, organic cotton, and soy.
Given their focus on local talent when it comes to their collection, not only does it support the domestic industry, but it also means the products you bring home are of good quality. In addition to Canadian designs, they also offer a fair trade of products from India, Tibet, and Nepal.
Lastly, we love that they have clothing for both women and men, with some unisex options. And if you’re a bit lost in the search, we found their staff to be incredibly helpful if you ask for their assistance—they’re not pushy, either.
Pro tip:
To stay in the loop on the latest arrivals and unique finds, consider following their social media can give you a nice heads-up.
Bellwethers Vintage
Media from bellwethersvintage
Address: 9 Florence St
Contact details: +1 613-882-2165
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Sunday to Monday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Run by a mother-daughter duo, Bellwethers Vintage is the gem you wish you could just gatekeep. They specialize in authentic vintage from the 1940s to the 1900s, with each piece carefully selected for its quality, style, and uniqueness—lots of timeless pieces here.
You can also score items from renowned designers like YSL, Missoni, and Halston. It’s worth mentioning that the owners usually source new items from estate sales and other vintage collections.
We also have to give their staff a shoutout for their friendly and useful customer service. Many of the customers we bumped into shared how much they appreciated the service they received, regardless if they bought something.
Pro tip:
Before going, check them out on their socials to get a feel of what they’re offering. They also post about upcoming sales, so watch out for those, too.
Copper Alley Gift Boutique
Media from copperalleygifts
Address: 117 Richmond Rd
Contact details: +1 613-798-1444
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Now, if you’re in a pinch and have no idea what present to give, then Copper Alley Gift Boutique might help you out. What’s neat about this shop is that they emphasize Canadian-made and ethically sourced products.
We certainly had a blast going through their collection of handcrafted jewelry, like elegant gold and silver pieces, unique copper designs, gemstone creations, and ceramic jewelry. Accessories like hair accessories, hats, pins, and keychains also have a nice charm.
Even babies or little ones get to receive a little something from this place since they have a variety of essentials like cuddly wraps, cozy blankets, adorable slippers, and soothing teethers.
Pro tip:
If you’re still stuck after browsing, ask the staff for their “customer favourites” or “hidden gems.” They’ll often pull out small-batch items or new arrivals that aren’t even on display yet.
Valamode Inc.
Media from luxuryconsignmentcanada
Address: 1367 Wellington St. W
Contact details: [email protected]
Opening hours: By appointment only
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 3 PM
If you know what you want and what luxury is, visiting Valamode Inc. might be a good decision. You see, they specialize in high-end designer items, making sure each piece meets rigorous standards of authenticity and quality.
Although they only accept appointments, this also means you get to see the showroom and have a personalized consultation without any distractions.
But if you can’t visit in person, their online store offers a seamless shopping experience—complete with detailed product descriptions and images.
Pro tip:
If you’re eyeing a specific designer item, reach out to Valamode ahead of time. Their team can provide insights into upcoming inventory and may even source particular pieces upon request.
