Ottawa Roots In Farm-To-Table

For anyone who has visited a local farmer’s’ market on an early Sunday morning and tasted a freshly torn chunk of warm crusty sourdough bread, the modern invention of sliced bread seems nothing but melodramatic. Those visiting Canada’s capital city of Ottawa, Ontario, this summer are in luck. The city is abounding with opportunities to sample fresh local products, with a farm to table feel that evokes a kinship between producers and their consumers.

The iconic Byward Market Square, which dates as far back as 1827, has made local markets a tradition that defines the city nationally and abroad. Rain or shine, the markets are open for communities to purchase fresh produce and sample new products.

Weekend markets are a staple of nearly every neighbourhood during the summer months. Some, like the Ottawa Farmers’ Market are committed to being open full season. Hosted at the Aberdeen Pavilion in Lansdowne Park throughout the winter, this bustling market moves outdoors every May with more than 100 varieties of vendors throughout the seasons.

Meet the producers behind local products that can usually only be found at neighbourhood grocers or boutique delis. Ottawa Farmers’ Market gives visitors an opportunity to ask questions about everything, from ethical farming practices to the best recipes for cooking seasonal products. The only way to get a closer farm-to-table experience would be to visit the farm yourself, and with most of the producers being within an hour drive of the downtown core, you probably could.

Though you likely won’t be checking off your weekly grocery list during a weekend trip to Ottawa, the numerous local and organic farmers markets are an ideal spot to collect the makings of a perfect picnic lunch.  Bring your Sunday market finds with you to one of Ottawa’s many parks and join the locals who will be doing the same on any sunny summer Sunday.  

With a farmers market in nearly every neighbourhood, pick the place you want to visit and make the nearest farmers market a pit stop on your summer adventure in the capital.