Christmas markets in Canada<\/a>, which includes all the best places to visit this year.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nChristmas in Ottawa<\/h2>\n\n\n\nMarket Specialties<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Beavertails<\/strong>: These are whole-wheat pastries stretched to resemble a beaver’s tail, fried and then topped with sweet additions. Originating in Ottawa, they’re a treat you should definitely sample. They can be sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, spread with chocolate, or loaded with other toppings.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTourti\u00e8re<\/strong>: A classic French-Canadian pie filled with finely diced pork, beef, and spices. It has roots in Qu\u00e9bec but has become a favourite across Canada, especially during Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMaple Taffy<\/strong>: Made by boiling maple sap beyond the point of syrup and then pouring it on clean snow. Once it’s cooled, it turns into a taffy-like consistency. You can see vendors preparing this sweet right at the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPouding ch\u00f4meur<\/strong>: Often called “unemployment pudding” in English, it’s a dessert that originates from Qu\u00e9bec. Made from basic ingredients like cake batter, hot syrup, or caramel, it became popular during the Great Depression due to its inexpensive components.<\/p>\n\n\n\nButter tarts<\/strong>: Small, round pastries filled with a mix of butter, sugar, syrup, and egg. Often, they also contain raisins or nuts. An iconic Canadian treat, they’re often associated with the festive period.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSpruce beer<\/strong>: A unique drink that might surprise you. It’s a soft drink (though sometimes alcoholic) made from spruce trees’ buds, needles, or essence. Historically, sailors consumed it to prevent scurvy due to its vitamin C content.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNanaimo Bars<\/strong>: A no-bake dessert bar originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia. It consists of three layers: a crumb base, custard-flavoured butter icing in the middle, and a layer of chocolate. While it’s popular throughout Canada, finding it at the Ottawa market gives it a special seasonal twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPea soup<\/strong>: Historically tied to the voyageurs \u2013 French-Canadian fur traders \u2013 this hearty soup made of split peas and ham is warming and filling. It’s a comforting dish to enjoy on a cold day at the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCider<\/strong>: While cider is common in many parts of the world, Canadian ciders often incorporate local apple varieties and sometimes even berries. Warm or cold, it’s refreshing to enjoy while browsing the stalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\nI hope this list helps you explore the culinary landscape of Ottawa’s Christmas Market. Happy tasting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gifts and Stocking Fillers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Maple Syrup<\/strong>: An emblematic product of Canada, maple syrup from the Ottawa region is renowned for its pure and rich flavour. It’s tapped from sugar maple trees during the early spring, but its sweet taste is cherished year-round. Bottles of this syrup or related products like maple candies make thoughtful gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nInuit Carvings<\/strong>: Crafted by the indigenous Inuit people of Canada, these carvings, often made of soapstone, depict animals, people, and scenes from daily life. Each piece tells a story and embodies the history and culture of the Inuit community.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCanadian Whisky<\/strong>: The Ottawa region is known for producing some fine Canadian whiskies. Typically made from rye, barley, corn, or wheat, these spirits have unique profiles, and a bottle could be the perfect gift for a connoisseur.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMoccasins<\/strong>: Handmade by indigenous artisans, these comfortable shoes are soft leather and often adorned with intricate beadwork. They represent the heritage of Canada’s First Nations and are both functional and stylish.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHudson\u2019s Bay Blanket<\/strong>: These iconic wool blankets feature multicoloured stripes and nod to Canada’s fur trading history. Originating from the Hudson’s Bay Company, the oldest company in North America, these blankets are synonymous with Canadian heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKnitwear<\/strong>: Given the cold Canadian winters, knitwear is a popular choice. From hand-knitted scarves to warm woollen hats, these items are practical yet stylish, reflecting Ottawa’s chilly climate and the creativity of its people.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWild Blueberry Products<\/strong>: The regions surrounding Ottawa are known for wild blueberries. Whether it’s jams, jellies, or dried blueberries, these products encapsulate the taste of Canadian summers and make unique stocking fillers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCraft Beer<\/strong>: Ottawa has a budding craft beer scene, with local breweries often setting up stalls at the Christmas market. Unique brews, sometimes with seasonal flavours, can be an excellent pick for those who enjoy a pint.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHandcrafted Soaps<\/strong>: With a focus on natural ingredients, some local vendors sell handcrafted soaps. These soaps are infused with scents like pine, cedar, or lavender, and they are a gentle nod to the Canadian wilderness and its abundant flora.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWooden Crafts<\/strong>: Canada’s vast forests inspire many artisans. These crafts highlight the region’s natural beauty, from detailed wooden ornaments depicting Canadian wildlife to intricately carved utensils.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n For a comprehensive list of winter activities and up-to-date events in the city, I recommend checking out Ottawa Tourism<\/a>, the city’s official website.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainable Travel Tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Here’s how we can adopt a more responsible approach when travelling to Ottawa during winter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eco-friendly accommodation:<\/strong> Ottawa is home to numerous hotels making sustainable strides. I suggest you choose places that employ renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint during your stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMindful eating at the markets:<\/strong> Ottawa’s markets are a gastronomic treat. While indulging, be conscious of your portions to avoid food wastage. Many stalls in Ottawa incorporate locally sourced ingredients, so choosing these options supports local farmers and reduces transportation emissions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEthical shopping:<\/strong> The Christmas stalls present many local crafts and goods. Purchase mindfully, prioritising items you genuinely need or will use. Supporting local artisans boosts the local economy and often means a lower carbon footprint as products haven’t travelled great distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSustainable diets:<\/strong> While in Ottawa, explore the local vegan and vegetarian foods. A plant-based diet has a significantly lower environmental impact than meat-based options. Ottawa has many cafes and restaurants that provide sustainable diet options, making it easier to make eco-conscious choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGreen transport:<\/strong> Ottawa has an efficient public transportation system, a greener alternative to renting a car or hailing taxis. Consider using the OC Transpo buses or cycling along the city’s well-maintained bike lanes. Walking is a great way to see the city and reduce your environmental impact if the weather permits.<\/p>\n\n\n\nComment below if you want to leave a review of Ottawa Xmas Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Ottawa, Canada. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Ottawa is busy with events and things to do during winter, making it an ideal destination for travellers. One of the most popular events is the Ottawa Christmas Market, also one of Canada’s biggest holiday markets. I’ll provide details to help plan your visit in this guide, including unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, locations and…<\/p>\n
Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15515,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nOttawa Christmas Market 2024: The March\u00e9 de No\u00ebl<\/title>\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n \n \n \n \n \n\t \n\t \n\t \n