The Secret Gem of Canada-Ottawa
at 55 ByWard Market 
In In the past when one thought of a bright lively Canadian city, Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal would be the next words but now things have changed. An American tourist described Ottawa as the secret gem of Canada and it indeed is. Ottawa use to be considered boring but this is far from true now. Ottawa is more then just the Parliament and skating on the canal but a sophisticated international city with restaurants, hotels, clubs, cafés, great shopping, etc. In the next few weeks we will be taking a virtual visit of Ottawa with words and photos. A picture says a 1000 words and Ottawa is a delight to photo.
First we go to the heart and soul of Ottawa, the ByWard Market. We will be returning here often. ByWard Market was created by Lt-Col. John By in 1826 and is one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. It is located within walking distance from the Parliament and the Rideau Canal. You will find everything here including the Rideau Center with 200 stores. Today we will look at the center of the market area, 55 ByWard Market. This building is a complex of eleven restaurants/food stands and numerous stores. Here you will find the true the international flavor of Ottawa.
The building is surrounded all year by outdoor vendors selling fruit, vegetable, flowers, maple products, arts and crafts, and jewelry. On the blocks extending from 55 ByWard Market are restaurants, cafes, clubs, and clothing stores. During the day the market area is for food but at night the clubs take over. Even on those cold winter days you will still find vendors braving the weather to sell their maple syrup and candy.
There are eleven different food stands at the market all with outdoor terraces, food from all over the world. My favorite two food stands are French and Moroccan. Le Moulin de Province always has a great daily hot meal (and great potatoes) and all kinds of cheeses and cold cuts, breads and cakes. Ya Yora Express of course has couscous usually with fish, chicken or lamb and all kinds of salads and their special lentil soup. You can get a great full meals for $10. As photos speak 1000 words so now to take a peak at the atmosphere at 55ByWard Market. This is only our first step on the adventure of discovering Ottawa from the casino in Gatineau to the quiet walks along the Rideau River.
