ByWard Market
The ByWard Market (http://byward-market.com/) area of downtown Ottawa, located east of the Rideau Canal and the Chateau Laurier, is the area's most popular shopping district. In summer, stalls selling fresh produce and flowers line the streets, but even in the middle of winter there are some hardy vendors braving the cold â and maple syrup bought here costs half the price of souvenir shops elsewhere in the city. In the evening, the market shuts down and the area's restaurants, pubs and bars take over as the primary attraction, alongside many street performers.
Sparks Street
(http://sparksstreetmall.c...) is a pleasant pedestrian street one block off parliament hill and a common tourist throughfare for seeing the sights. along this street you'll find the majority of the tourist shops selling postcards, magnets, and maple syrup. the astrolabe gallery, located on this street, is a treasure trove of antique maps as well as vintage posters. there are several outdoor cafes and restaurants to choose from also.
In recent years a stretch along Richmond Road in the "near west" of Ottawa from Golden east to Tweedsmuir has become a popular tourism and shopping zone, and includes several outdoor stores clothing and equipment, restaurants and coffee shops. Notable shops include the Mountain Equipment Coop (http://mec.ca/), Ten Thousand Villages, Starbucks, Bridgehead fair trade coffee, Kitchenalia, a chocolatier and several others. Richmond Road becomes the western part of Wellington St. from Island Park Drive and a second strip of shops and restaurants runs along Wellington from Island Park Drive to Holland.
Larger shopping malls include the Rideau Centre (http://rideaucentre.net/) downtown, St. Laurent Shopping Centre (http://stlaurent-centre.com/) East Central, Place D'Orleans (http://placedorleans.com/) East End, the Bayshore Shopping Centre (http://bayshore.shopping....) and Carlingwood Mall (http://carlingwood.com/) West End.
The last Saturday in May, Ottawa's Glebe neighbourhood hosts the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. Hundreds of residents set-up tables in their garages or on their lawns and sell used goods ranging from household knick-knacks to electronics to clothing. Businesses in the area also hold sidewalk sales, and vendors sell artwork, baking, and refreshments. Driving and parking during the sale itself is unnecessary and nearly impossible. Arrive on foot or park and walk into the neighbourhood. For parking, and for the best deals especially on larger items like furniture, arrive early. The event is bustling by 8 AM but continues well into the afternoon. Vendors are encouraged to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank.