Experience the Vibrant Charm of ByWard Market

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ex-kew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byan. eh twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la Police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah pee-lease]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zheh-tshay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uh]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sett]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd ay luh proh-shay (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

ByWard Market was established in 1826, making it one of the oldest continuously operating farmers' markets in Canada. Originally named after Colonel John By, the founder of Ottawa, the market was designed to provide fresh produce and goods to the growing population of the city. Its strategic location near the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River facilitated trade and commerce.

Throughout the 1800s, ByWard Market evolved from a simple marketplace into a bustling hub of activity. The arrival of the railway in the 1850s further enhanced its importance, connecting Ottawa to other regions and facilitating the movement of goods. The market became a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the diverse population of Ottawa, including Irish, French, and English settlers.

The early 20th century saw ByWard Market's transformation into a cultural epicenter. The introduction of cafés, restaurants, and artisan shops contributed to its vibrant atmosphere. The market became known for its lively social scene, hosting events and festivals that celebrated local culture and heritage, exemplified by the annual Winterlude festival which showcases Ottawa's winter culture.

In the late 20th century, ByWard Market faced challenges such as urban decline and competition from modern shopping centers. However, revitalization efforts began in the 1980s, focusing on heritage preservation and enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination. The area saw the restoration of historic buildings and the promotion of local businesses, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors.

Today, ByWard Market stands as a vibrant blend of history and modernity. It features over 600 businesses, including local farmers, artisans, and restaurants. The market is recognized for its historic architecture, lively atmosphere, and cultural significance, making it a must-visit destination in Ottawa. It continues to serve as a gathering place for community events, art exhibitions, and cultural festivities.

ByWard Market is easily accessible from various neighbourhoods in Ottawa. If you are arriving by public transport, you can take OC Transpo buses that frequent the area. The closest light rail station is Rideau Station, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Market. For those coming from the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, you can take an airport shuttle or taxi directly to ByWard Market, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

ByWard Market is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to explore on foot. Public transport options like OC Transpo buses operate within the neighbourhood, but most attractions are within walking distance. Biking is also popular, with bike lanes available and rental services like Capital BIXI, which allows you to rent bikes at various stations around the city.

ByWard Market is generally safe for tourists; however, it's wise to exercise caution, especially at night. Areas around the Market can be busy, and while crime rates are low, petty theft can occur. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night. It's advisable to be particularly cautious around certain streets such as George Street and Dalhousie Street after dark.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital is The Ottawa Hospital - General Campus, located a short taxi ride away. Always keep your travel insurance details handy and know the location of the nearest pharmacy for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Don't wear overly flashy or expensive jewelry that might attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting any local churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do respect others' personal space and avoid loud conversations. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Bonjour.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties at the market, like BeaverTails or poutine. Don't leave a restaurant without trying the local craft beers.

To experience ByWard Market like a local, visit during the week when it’s less crowded, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of shops and stalls. Try to engage with vendors at the market, as many are eager to share stories about their products. If you're in the area on a Sunday, don’t miss the farmers' market for fresh produce. Also, check out nearby art galleries and hidden cafes that may not be immediately visible but offer a unique local experience.