Ottawa may be best known as Canada’s capital with its grand Parliament Hill and scenic Rideau Canal, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore through food tours. What sets Ottawa apart is its vibrant mix of historic neighborhoods, multicultural influences, and local culinary gems. We particularly enjoy tours that combine stories of the city with hands-on tasting—like the Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour, which offers a lively sampling of the city’s oldest market’s best bites. Walking through the bustling stalls, you’ll meet vendors and artisans while discovering local flavors. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a deeper dive into Ottawa’s food scene, these guided experiences are an excellent way to see the city through your stomach.
For those craving a more immersive experience, the Guided ByWard Market Food Tour is a standout. It combines a well-paced walk with multiple stops that include both classic and ethnic foods, all led by knowledgeable guides. We like tours that balance history with taste, making each bite meaningful. And if you’re looking to explore Ottawa’s culinary scene after dark, the Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour offers a relaxed, flavorful stroll with the added thrill of sampling local dishes in a different atmosphere. For a broader Canadian experience, the Taste of Canada Food Tour showcases iconic dishes and their stories, making the local cuisine more memorable.
1. Ottawa: Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour
At number 1, this Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour captures the essence of Ottawa’s historic marketplace. Priced at $104 per person and lasting 2.5 hours, it offers a comprehensive look at this lively neighborhood packed with food, culture, and history. Led by an experienced guide, you’ll explore the market’s stalls, learn about its origins, and sample a wide variety of local foods—from fresh produce and baked goods to artisanal cheeses. The tour emphasizes meeting producers and food artisans, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at Ottawa’s culinary craftsmanship.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of storytelling and tasting. Rated 4.9/5 by 50 reviews, it’s praised for its friendly guides and delicious bites. For those wanting a deep dive into Ottawa’s food scene, this tour offers excellent value and a chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the market while discovering its history. It’s perfect for travelers who love a mix of culture, history, and good eats in a compact time frame.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, well-rounded introduction to Ottawa’s historic market and its best local flavors.
2. Guided ByWard Market Food Tour
Ranked at the very top with a perfect 5.0/5 from 18 reviews, this Guided ByWard Market Food Tour offers a 2.5-hour exploration of Ottawa’s most famous neighborhood. For around $108, it features a lively walk through the market with stops at key points like the Totem Pole of Canada, York Street Plaza, and Jeanne d’Arc Court. The tour includes tastings at several eateries, including the iconic BeaverTails pastry, which is an Ottawa must-try.
What makes this tour special is its detailed itinerary, including visits to historic courtyards and public art, combined with generous food samples. The reviews highlight guides who are both engaging and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the neighborhood’s multicultural fabric and local culinary scenes. It’s ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive experience that combines history, culture, and a hearty taste of Ottawa.
Bottom Line: An engaging, well-reviewed tour that covers the essentials of Ottawa’s foodie and historic scene in a friendly, approachable way.
3. Ottawa: Evening Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour
For those who prefer to explore in the evening, this Evening Taste of the ByWard Market offers a 2.5-hour guided walk starting in the late afternoon. Priced at $104, it allows you to enjoy Ottawa’s lively nightlife while sampling local dishes and drinks. The tour highlights include learning about the market’s history and savoring a variety of dishes in a more relaxed, social setting. One of the key features is the opportunity to enjoy an alcoholic beverage at one of the stops, with non-alcoholic options available.
Though it has a slightly lower rating (4.6/5 from 21 reviews), it remains a popular choice for evening foodies. Travelers appreciate the chance to see Ottawa’s culinary scene after dark and to enjoy a more intimate experience. If you love combining cultural insights with flavorful bites at sunset, this tour is a good pick.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want food and atmosphere in the evening, with a relaxed pace and local stories.
4. Ottawa: A Taste of Canada Food Tour
At number 4, this Taste of Canada Food Tour takes you through Ottawa’s ByWard Market, focusing on classic Canadian dishes. For $108, the 2.5-hour walk emphasizes dishes made famous in Canada and their stories, making it perfect for those interested in national culinary identity. The tour includes tastings at local shops and stops at historic sites, with highlights like Canadian cheeses, smoked meats, and regional specialties.
Rated 5/5 by one reviewer, it’s particularly praised for its storytelling and the quality of food. This tour is especially suited for travelers who want to connect the dots between Canadian culture and cuisine, guided by an experienced host who shares stories behind each dish. It’s a more specialized experience that offers a deeper understanding of what makes Canadian food unique.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers eager to learn about iconic Canadian flavors in Ottawa’s historic market.
$108 per person
5. Taste of Canada Food Tour with Guide
This Taste of Canada Food Tour offers a 2.5-hour journey through the ByWard Market filled with delicious tastings and storytelling. For $113, it provides a guided exploration of dishes made famous by or in Canada, including visits to the Totem Pole of Canada and the BeaverTails kiosk. The tour is highly interactive, with guides sharing the stories behind each dish, making it a favorite for those interested in culture and food.
Rated 5/5, it’s especially recommended for foodies who want a comprehensive cultural experience. The tour’s itinerary includes stops at historic courtyards and local shops, making it a well-rounded taste of the city’s culinary identity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a story-rich, full-flavor Canadian experience in Ottawa.
$113.30 per person
6. Old-Aylmer Food Tour – Food Tour From Ottawa
For travelers willing to venture just outside downtown, this Old-Aylmer Food Tour offers a four-hour exploration of Gatineau’s charming Old-Aylmer district. Priced at $82, it includes visits to five food locations, from artisan chocolates and gelato to Peruvian cuisine and artisan sausages. The tour combines history with culinary discovery, with stops at places like Restaurant Antonyme and Amazonas Peruvian Restaurant.
Rated 4.5/5, it’s great for those who want to see a less touristy side of the region and enjoy a diverse range of foods. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate a longer, more relaxed experience and are interested in regional specialties beyond Ottawa’s core.
Bottom Line: A longer, more diverse tour suited for food lovers eager to explore Gatineau’s local flavors.
7. Ottawa: Secret Food Guided Walking Tour
Finally, the Secret Food Guided Walking Tour offers a 3-hour exploration of Ottawa’s lesser-known culinary spots. While the reviews are not listed, the focus on discovering “secret” dishes and local favorites makes it appealing for travelers wanting a more unique experience. The tour emphasizes Canadian classics, including the famed maple syrup, and the inclusion of all food makes it convenient.
This tour is ideal for curious travelers who want to uncover hidden culinary gems and learn about Ottawa’s culinary secrets in a comfortable, guided setting.
Bottom Line: A good choice for adventurous eaters seeking to go beyond the usual and find secret spots.
$76 per person
How to Choose Your Food Tour in Ottawa
When selecting the best food tour, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a quick overview of Ottawa’s historic market and its best local bites, the Taste of the ByWard Market is excellent. If you want a more comprehensive deep dive with detailed stories, the Guided ByWard Market Food Tour might suit you better. For those craving Canadian specialties, the Taste of Canada Food Tour offers an authentic taste of national dishes.
Consider your time of day too: evening tours like the Evening Taste of the ByWard Market provide a relaxed, social atmosphere in a different light. Budget-wise, tours range from around $76 to $113, with longer experiences like the Old-Aylmer Food Tour offering a more extensive, varied experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak months, to secure your spot on these popular tours. Think about whether you prefer a short, focused experience or a longer, more relaxed journey — Ottawa’s food scene is diverse enough to satisfy all tastes.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa offers a wealth of options for food lovers, whether you want to explore lively markets, discover Canadian classics, or venture outside the city to try regional specialties. Two standout choices are the Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour for its lively atmosphere and authentic bites, and the Guided ByWard Market Food Tour for its comprehensive coverage and excellent reviews.
For travelers with limited time, the Evening Taste is perfect for a relaxed, flavorful evening. History and culture buffs should consider the Taste of Canada for its focus on national dishes.
No matter your choice, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure you enjoy Ottawa’s culinary delights to the fullest.