Ottawa
Boutiques and Specialty Shops
Unique small shops and local artisans offering specialized products, such as clothing, crafts, or gifts.
Sections
Key Shopping Areas in Ottawa
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ByWard Market
- Overview: One of Ottawaโs most iconic neighborhoods, ByWard Market is a bustling area filled with boutiques, specialty shops, and artisan vendors. Itโs a great place to find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and local products.
- What to Expect:
- Fashion: Small independent boutiques offering trendy and vintage clothing.
- Home Decor: Stores featuring Canadian-made furniture, art, and decor items.
- Unique Gifts: Artisan jewelry, handmade candles, and gourmet food products like maple syrup and local wines.
- Notable Shops:
- Milk Shop: A boutique offering chic, minimalist womenโs fashion.
- Victoire Boutique: A Canadian designer-focused shop with vintage-inspired clothing and accessories.
- Market vendors: Seasonal stalls selling handmade crafts, fresh produce, and souvenirs.
- Price Range:
- Fashion: CAD 50โ200 per item.
- Home decor and gifts: CAD 20โ150.
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The Glebe
- Overview: A charming neighborhood south of downtown Ottawa, The Glebe is known for its eclectic mix of independent shops and specialty stores.
- What to Expect:
- Fashion: Boutiques with curated collections of clothing and accessories.
- Books and Stationery: Independent bookstores and shops with unique paper goods.
- Eco-Friendly Products: Stores specializing in sustainable and locally made items.
- Notable Shops:
- Stomping Ground: A boutique offering high-quality menโs and womenโs fashion with a focus on timeless styles.
- The Papery: A stationery store with beautiful cards, journals, and gift wrap.
- All Eco: A shop featuring eco-friendly home goods and personal care products.
- Price Range:
- Fashion: CAD 75โ250 per item.
- Stationery and gifts: CAD 10โ50.
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Westboro Village
- Overview: This trendy neighborhood west of downtown is a hub for upscale boutiques, outdoor gear shops, and specialty food stores.
- What to Expect:
- Fashion: High-end clothing and accessories for men and women.
- Outdoor Gear: Shops catering to outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality equipment and apparel.
- Specialty Foods: Gourmet chocolate, coffee, and locally sourced products.
- Notable Shops:
- Victoire Boutique (Westboro location): A second location of the popular Canadian designer boutique.
- Mountain Equipment Company (MEC): A go-to for outdoor gear and apparel.
- Stubbe Chocolates: A specialty chocolate shop offering handmade truffles and confections.
- Price Range:
- Fashion: CAD 100โ300 per item.
- Outdoor gear: CAD 50โ500.
- Specialty foods: CAD 10โ50.
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Sparks Street
- Overview: Canadaโs first pedestrian mall, Sparks Street is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa and features a mix of boutiques, specialty shops, and souvenir stores.
- What to Expect:
- Fashion and Accessories: Trendy and professional attire.
- Souvenirs: Canadian-themed gifts, including maple syrup, Indigenous art, and hockey memorabilia.
- Art and Antiques: Galleries and shops with unique finds.
- Notable Shops:
- The Snow Goose: A shop specializing in Indigenous art, jewelry, and crafts.
- Magpie Jewellery: A boutique offering handcrafted and designer jewelry.
- Price Range:
- Souvenirs: CAD 10โ100.
- Jewelry: CAD 50โ500.
Specialty Categories
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Fashion Boutiques
Ottawaโs fashion boutiques often focus on Canadian designers, sustainable fashion, and unique styles. Look for stores like Victoire Boutique and Milk Shop for womenโs fashion, or Stomping Ground for both menโs and womenโs clothing. -
Home Decor and Art
For home decor, check out The Modern Shop in Centretown, which specializes in contemporary furniture and lighting. The Snow Goose on Sparks Street is perfect for Indigenous art and decor items. -
Unique Gifts and Souvenirs
- ByWard Market is the best place to find handmade crafts, local food products, and quirky gifts.
- The Papery in The Glebe offers beautiful stationery and gift items.
- Stubbe Chocolates in Westboro is ideal for gourmet chocolate gifts.
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Specialty Food Shops
Ottawa has a growing food scene, and specialty shops like Stubbe Chocolates and ByWard Market vendors offer local delicacies. Donโt miss trying maple syrup, artisanal cheeses, and craft beer from local producers.
Practical Tips for Shopping in Ottawa
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Seasonal Considerations:
- Many outdoor markets and vendors in ByWard Market operate seasonally, so the best time to visit is spring through fall.
- Winter shopping is still vibrant, with many boutiques offering cozy apparel and holiday-themed items.
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Taxes:
- Prices in Ottawa do not include sales tax. Expect to pay an additional 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) at checkout.
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Payment Methods:
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but itโs a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors, especially in markets.
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Local Etiquette:
- Politeness is highly valued in Canada. Greet shopkeepers with a friendly โhelloโ and thank them when leaving, even if you donโt make a purchase.
- Bargaining is not common in Ottawaโs boutiques or specialty shops, but it may be acceptable at outdoor market stalls.
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Sustainability:
- Many Ottawa shops emphasize eco-friendly and locally made products. Look for stores like All Eco in The Glebe for sustainable shopping options.
Conclusion
Ottawaโs boutiques and specialty shops offer a delightful mix of fashion, home decor, and unique gifts, with a strong emphasis on Canadian craftsmanship and sustainability. Whether youโre exploring the historic ByWard Market, the trendy streets of Westboro, or the charming Glebe neighborhood, youโre sure to find something special to take home. Be sure to budget for taxes, shop seasonally, and enjoy the warm hospitality of Ottawaโs local businesses!