Last Updated: January 28, 2026
Looking for the best bagels in Ottawa? This 2026 guide maps the city’s Montreal-style favourites, New York-style upstarts, and deli classics, plus the real-world tips locals use to dodge lines and sell-outs. You will find exact addresses, hours, pricing ranges, and the notes that actually matter: where to park, when to show up, and which shops feel worth a detour.
Ottawa’s bagel scene is smaller than Montreal or NYC, but it is surprisingly diverse. If you want a wider baked-goods tour, pair this guide with the citywide best bakeries guide or turn it into a morning loop with the best coffee shops in Ottawa.
Key Highlights
Caption: Ottawa bagels split into Montreal-style, New York-style, and bakery twists.
TL;DR: Kettlemans and Ottawa Bagelshop anchor the Montreal-style scene, Cadmans and Bagel Run cover ByWard and the east end, and Baci Bagel Co gives you the big NYC chew. Art-Is-In, Bread By Us, and Panera fill sandwich and cafe needs, while Voila Gluten Free Bakeree is the most consistent gluten-free option.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Options | 12+ bagel and bagel-adjacent stops across Ottawa |
| Top Pick | Kettlemans Bagel (multiple locations, 24/7 at some sites) |
| Best Value | Kettlemans dozen deals + Ottawa Bagelshop half-dozens |
| Best Area | Glebe + Hintonburg + ByWard Market cluster |
Ottawa’s Bagel Scene in 2026
Caption: A good Ottawa bagel run is part breakfast, part neighbourhood walk.
Ottawa’s bagel scene in 2026 blends Montreal-style purists, New York-style chewy giants, and bakery twists that lean closer to cafe sandwiches. It is not a city with endless bagel shops, and locals still lament the closure of Continental Bagel in the ByWard Market. That gap is why the current leaders feel so important: they carry the tradition while still giving you enough variety to build a full bagel crawl.
If you want the classic experience, start in the Glebe or Hintonburg and then jump to ByWard Market for the tourist-friendly options. If you are east or west, Orleans and Westboro fill the gaps with smaller but solid picks.
The easiest way to choose a shop is to decide on texture first. Montreal-style bagels are usually sweeter, thinner, and more boiled, while NYC-style goes bigger and chewier with heavier toppings. Cafe-style bagels sit in the middle and lean on spreads, smoked meat, or breakfast builds rather than pure bagel craft. Ottawa does not have a single dominant style, so the smartest move is to try one Montreal-style stop, one cafe sandwich stop, and then decide if you want a big NYC-style chew for contrast.
Kettlemans Bagel: The 24/7 Montreal-Style Workhorse
Caption: Kettlemans is the benchmark for Montreal-style bagels in Ottawa.
Kettlemans is Ottawa’s most visible bagel brand, described as an early-1990s bagel institution, known for wood-fired, kettle-boiled Montreal-style bagels with shiny crusts and seed-heavy tops. Locals call it “the OG fix,” even while debating chewiness and value. The scene is loud, busy, and watch-the-bakers energetic, which is part of why it stays a late-night and weekend favourite.
Sources list multiple Ottawa addresses, including 912 Bank St (Glebe), 99 Bank St, College Square at 4270 Innes Rd, and a Rideau Centre area stop. Some locations are described as 24/7, while others list hours closer to 6am–8pm daily. Across the city, Kettlemans is said to produce 9,000 hand-rolled bagels daily across four Ottawa spots, with expansion plans aiming toward Orleans and Barrhaven.
Pricing lands in a range: $1.10–$1.25 for a single, $6.50–$7 for a half-dozen, and $12–$13 for a dozen. Sandwiches run $8–$14, with lox around $12. The menu leans toward sesame and everything, plus classics like BLT or lox, and some listings note limited sourdough bagels. A value menu shows no-bacon breakfast bagels for budget eaters, and a daily “bozo” special adds about $1 for extra stuffed versions.
Local commentary ranges from glow-up to critique. One Reddit line calls the BLT on sesame “life-changing,” while another says “Bank Street is still the best… College Square always fresh.” TripAdvisor notes, “BLT on sesame is the greatest.” Not everyone is sold, with one r/ottawa comment saying, “Kettleman’s lacklustre post-Continental.”
Practical tips matter here: avoid peak breakfast lines, aim for pre-9am, and expect weekend sell-outs by 11am. Glebe parking is tight and locals avoid it after 9am; many prefer bike or OC Transpo to the Bank corridor, or hit Kettlemans pre-dawn or midnight when the line disappears.
Because the hours vary by location, it helps to choose by purpose. If you want 24/7 convenience and the full theatre of the ovens, the Bank Street options are usually the safest bet. If you are shopping for bulk dozens, the suburban or mall-adjacent locations are often easier for parking and faster for pickup, especially when the Glebe is congested.
Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli: Hintonburg’s Montreal Purist
Caption: Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli pairs Montreal-style bagels with classic deli energy.
Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli anchors Hintonburg at 1321 Wellington St W with a deli-first Montreal style. It is described as the city’s “first and finest,” often framed as an early-2000s start, with dense, hand-rolled everything bagels and a cozy, family-run vibe.
Hours are consistent: Mon–Sat 7am–5pm and Sun 7am–4pm. Sources also note it is closed on stat holidays except Good Friday. Pricing varies by source, but the range is clear: $1.20–$1.50 per single, $7–$8.50 per half-dozen, and $13–$15 per dozen. Deli sandwiches land around $10–$15, with house-smoked meat about $14 and smoked salmon around $13.
Quotes are strong and specific: “Absolutely the best bagels in Ottawa – true Montreal style, no comparison.” Another says “no comparison to Kettlemans,” and a shop-site line reads “Wonderful Montreal-Deli… fed well.” A Reddit post calls the place “true deli soul,” which matches the deli vibe and slower, more personal service.
For logistics, there is free street parking, easy bus access from downtown, and bus route 11 directly along Wellington. The local tip is to arrive by 10am on Saturdays for the freshest batches.
This is the best shop in Ottawa if you want deli culture, not just bagels. The sandwich menu is a real draw, and the smoked meat or salmon builds feel closer to Montreal than anything else in the city. If you are already walking Wellington West, it fits naturally into a morning loop without needing a car.
Cadmans Montreal Bagels: ByWard’s Specials and Split History
Caption: Cadmans is often tied to the former Kettlemans site in the Market.
Cadmans Montreal Bagels sits in the ByWard Market area and is sometimes linked to the former Kettlemans site, making it the closest thing to a post-split alternative. The shop keeps a no-frills, grab-and-go feel and leans into specials.
Hours are typically 7am–6pm daily. Prices vary by source, with singles around $1, specials like blueberry pastry-bagels around $1.75, and dozens listed anywhere from $6 to $14. Sandwiches land around $9–$13. The texture is often described as lighter than Kettlemans, which can be either a pro or a con depending on your preference. Listings also highlight easy parking for quick takeout runs.
Reviews are blunt: TripAdvisor calls them “really good,” but also notes “bad coffee.” Another review adds, “Cadmans (used to be Kettlemans) bagels are really good… had the special.” Locals also flag inconsistent baking in some Reddit comments. If you want a quieter visit, mid-afternoon is the easiest time to avoid the rush.
Cadmans is also where price confusion shows up most. Listings include both $6 and $14 dozens, which suggests specials, size changes, or market pricing. The safest approach is to treat Cadmans as a specials-driven stop: look at the display, pick the standout flavour, and treat it as a ByWard Market add-on rather than your everyday dozen.
Bagel Run: East-End Montreal-Style with Parking Ease
Caption: Bagel Run is the east-end option for Montreal-style purists.
Bagel Run shows up in Orléans and Kanata conversations as the east-end underdog. Listings mention an Orléans location around the 3900 Innes Rd area, with hours around 7am–5pm. Pricing is competitive: $1.50–$1.80 per single and $8 per dozen.
It is frequently praised for authentic Montreal-style texture and lower crowds. Quotes include “BEST… authentic Montreal-style,” “BEST Bagels in Ottawa… very authentic Montreal-style,” and the simple, personal “I adore Bagel Run in Orleans.” The big advantage is ease: plaza parking and less line drama. Just avoid rush-hour traffic if you are driving across town.
If you live east of downtown, Bagel Run can be the most practical weekly stop. It is a classic example of the suburban bagel advantage: shorter lines, easy parking, and enough quality to skip a cross-town drive.
Baci Bagel Co: New York-Style, Big Chew, and Pop-Up Energy
Caption: Baci Bagel Co aims for NYC-style heft and chewy edges.
Baci Bagel Co is the city’s NY-style outlier, and the reason it stands out is size and chew. The bagels are dense, chewy with crispy edges, built for heavy toppings, and described as larger than the usual Montreal-style ring. As one local notes, “NYC bagels… large so you can add a lot.”
Hours are irregular and often morning-focused, with Instagram updates acting as the most reliable schedule. Prices hover around $1.50–$2 per bagel. If you want a sandwich stack rather than a thin Montreal ring, this is the most direct option in Ottawa right now. Winter buzz and pop-up talk keep it on the radar.
NY-style bagels also hold up better for thicker toppings and long sandwiches, which makes Baci Bagel Co a better pick for heavy spreads or full lunch builds.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Bagels
Caption: Seasonal bagels are rare in Ottawa, but they do show up.
Seasonal bagels are not a huge part of Ottawa’s scene, but a few standouts matter. Kettlemans is noted for a blueberry pastry bagel that returns seasonally and is described as pastry-like, not purist. Baci Bagel Co gets winter buzz for NYC-style crisps and limited drops. If you want those batches, follow Instagram and go early.
If you are chasing seasonal flavours, time your visit around those limited drops and treat them as a bonus, not the baseline. Ottawa’s core bagel shops are consistent, but the seasonal items sell fastest and rarely stick around all day.
Cafe and Bakery Bagel Sandwiches: Art-Is-In, Bread By Us, Panera, Daly’s
Caption: Ottawa’s cafe bagel scene lives between bakery counters and diner menus.
For bagel sandwiches and cafe atmosphere, several non-dedicated shops carry the load. Art-Is-In Bakery at 250 City Centre Ave runs 7am–6pm and serves bagels $2–$3, with sandwiches $12–$16. The signature approach is a chewy everything bagel with house spreads, plus house-smoked meat or veggie options. The industrial bakery vibe is part of the appeal, and there is parkade access, street parking, and the usual brunch peak. One Reddit comment groups it with delis for “strong bagels.”
In Westboro, Bread By Us shows up in local threads for sourdough bagels, with hours around 7am–6pm, prices around $2 per single and $15 per dozen, and street parking nearby. The fan quote is straightforward: “Sourdough warm out of oven top 3.”
For chain convenience, Panera Bread on Hunt Club runs late and offers BLTs and soups in the $10–$12 “pick 2” range, but locals frame it as “not traditional.” It can still be useful for late-night fuel or a predictable lunch.
Daly’s in Centretown or downtown leans diner and deli, with ~8am–8pm hours and open daily, prices around $1.50 per single, $12 per dozen, and $10 per sandwich. It is known for fresh salads on bagels and cozy, reliable meals, with one review saying “Salads/sandwiches fresh… soups wonderful.” Some locals mention it as pre-show fuel for the Nutcracker season.
ByWard Market also has Jewish deli-style bagel sandwiches in the $12–$18 range, often built around smoked meat or lox, which fills the gap when you want a more traditional deli feel without a full Montreal-style shop.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Bagels: The Limited Lane
Caption: Gluten-free bagels exist in Ottawa, but options are still limited.
Ottawa’s vegan and gluten-free bagel landscape is still narrow. Voila Gluten Free Bakeree in Kanata is the most consistent option, with a listing around 5297 Hazeldean Rd, 8am–5pm hours, and pricing around $2.50 per single, $20 per dozen, and $12 per sandwich. It is described as allergen-free only, which makes it the safest pick for strict dietary needs, and it sits in a plaza setting for easier parking.
For vegan-friendly basics, Kettlemans and Ottawa Bagelshop both offer plain or sesame bagels that can go vegan with spreads like hummus, with a $9 hummus combo noted in listings. Beyond that, gluten-free options are described as “slim pickings,” and the advice is simple: call ahead.
Neighbourhood Guide: Where to Go First
Caption: Ottawa bagels cluster around a few neighbourhood corridors.
- ByWard Market: Cadmans for central access, but it can feel crowded.
- Glebe: Kettlemans for 24/7 value and volume.
- Hintonburg: Ottawa Bagelshop for the cozy deli heart.
- Centretown: Daly’s for diner bagels and sandwich combos.
- Westboro/Orleans/Kanata: Bagel Run for parking-friendly pickups.
If you want neighbourhood context, pair ByWard with the ByWard Market guide, or plan a Hintonburg and Glebe walk before brunch. Westboro and Orleans stops work well with the Westboro guide or Orleans guide.
Montreal-style comparisons matter: Bagelshop and Cadmans lean sweeter and thinner, while Kettlemans is heftier and more boiled, which some locals prefer for toasting.
Comparison: Ottawa Bagels at a Glance
Caption: Use this table to match bagel style and price to the right shop.
| Shop | Key Feature | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kettlemans | 24/7 Montreal-style + high volume | $1.10–$1.25 singles, $12–$13 dozen | Late-night runs, bulk buys |
| Ottawa Bagelshop | Montreal purist + deli vibe | $1.20–$1.50 singles, $13–$15 dozen | Sit-down breakfast, smoked meat |
| Cadmans | Market-area specials | $1 singles, $6–$14 dozen | Tourist-friendly ByWard stop |
| Bagel Run | East-end Montreal-style | $1.50–$1.80 singles, $8 dozen | Orleans/Kanata convenience |
| Baci Bagel Co | NYC-style big chew | $1.50–$2 singles | Big sandwich builds |
Tips for Buying Bagels in Ottawa
Caption: Timing and toasting strategy make Ottawa bagel runs better.
- Order plain or sesame if you plan to toast later. Locals say they reheat best.
- Go early for Kettlemans. Pre-9am avoids the worst lines, and weekends often sell out by 11am.
- Use the off-hours. Pre-dawn or midnight Kettlemans runs can be line-free.
- Pre-order Ottawa Bagelshop on weekends. App or online ordering helps secure batches.
- Avoid Glebe parking after 9am. Bike or OC Transpo is simpler.
- Hit Ottawa Bagelshop on Sundays before 4pm close. That window is a local favourite.
- Buy dozens and freeze. A local tip says frozen dozens avoid $2–$3 markups elsewhere.
- Use the bagel comparisons. Bagelshop and Cadmans are sweeter and thinner; Kettlemans is heavier and more boiled.
If you are building a full day, you can pair this guide with the best cheap eats guide or head into best brunch spots in Ottawa once the bagel cravings are covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caption: Most Ottawa bagel questions come down to timing and style.
Q: What is the best bagel in Ottawa?
Kettlemans is the most reliable all-day option, especially for bulk buys and late-night runs, while Ottawa Bagelshop is the purist pick for Montreal-style deli vibes. Many locals pair both for a full comparison.
Q: Where can I find Montreal-style bagels?
Kettlemans, Ottawa Bagelshop, Cadmans, and Bagel Run are the core Montreal-style stops, each with slightly different sweetness and chew.
Q: Is there a 24/7 bagel shop in Ottawa?
Some Kettlemans locations are described as 24/7, even though others list daytime hours like 6am–8pm. Check the location page before going.
Q: Where do I get New York-style bagels?
Baci Bagel Co is the NYC-style option, known for dense, large bagels with crispy edges and heavy topping potential.
Q: Are there gluten-free bagels in Ottawa?
Voila Gluten Free Bakeree in Kanata is the most reliable gluten-free option, with allergen-free bagels and clear pricing. Other gluten-free options are limited and best confirmed by phone.
Q: Where can I get a great bagel sandwich?
Kettlemans and Ottawa Bagelshop are the top deli-style sandwich picks, while Art-Is-In and Bread By Us handle the cafe sandwich lane. ByWard Market deli-style bagel sandwiches also run $12–$18.
Q: How much is a dozen bagels in Ottawa?
Pricing ranges widely: Kettlemans lists $12–$13, Ottawa Bagelshop $13–$15, Cadmans $6–$14 depending on specials, and Bagel Run around $8.
Q: What time should I go to avoid sell-outs?
Early mornings are safest. Kettlemans can sell out by 11am on weekends, and Ottawa Bagelshop’s freshest batches appear before 10am.
Q: Which neighbourhood should I start in?
Glebe and Hintonburg are the best starting points for Montreal-style bagels, with ByWard Market as the easiest add-on for a central walk.
Final Summary
Caption: Ottawa bagels are best when you plan the route and timing.
Ottawa’s bagel scene is small but layered: Kettlemans gives you volume, late-night access, and the classic Montreal-style feel, while Ottawa Bagelshop adds the most authentic deli character. Cadmans fills the ByWard Market gap, Bagel Run helps the east end, and Baci Bagel Co handles the New York-style chew for bigger sandwich builds.
For the best day, start early in the Glebe, swing through Hintonburg, and finish with a ByWard Market stop. Bring a plan for parking, pre-order when you can, and buy dozens to freeze. If you want a bigger morning crawl, layer in our Ottawa donuts guide for a sweet add‑on. That is the Ottawa bagel rhythm that locals actually use.
Sources: ottawabagelshop.com, tripadvisor.com, reddit.com, instagram.com, facebook.com, daslokalottawa.com, wanderlog.com
