Last Updated: January 1, 2026
With 78 licensed food trucks serving 11,500 meals weekly, Ottawa’s street food scene has evolved from roadside snacks to a destination culinary experience that rivals any restaurant in the capital.
From award-winning smash burgers at the Leonardo da Vinci Mural to authentic falafel in Gloucester, Ottawa’s food trucks represent the city’s multicultural character. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect poutine at PoutineFest, exploring Preston Street’s permanent truck locations, or following your favourite vendor on Instagram, this guide covers everything you need to know about Ottawa’s vibrant street food culture.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa licenses 78 food trucks, 12 food carts, and 16 mobile canteens. Major festivals include PoutineFest (May 1-3), Taste of Ottawa (August 29-30), and Bluesfest (July 9-19). Top locations are Preston Street (year-round) and ByWard Market. Budget $8-20 per meal.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚚 Licensed Trucks | 78 food trucks + 12 carts |
| 📅 PoutineFest | May 1-3, 2026 (Sparks Street) |
| 🎉 Taste of Ottawa | August 29-30, 2026 (EY Centre) |
| 📍 Top Location | Preston Street at Leonardo da Vinci Mural |
| 💰 Average Cost | $8-20 per meal |
| 🌡️ Peak Season | May through October |
Ottawa’s Food Truck Culture: More Than Just Street Food
Ottawa’s food truck scene reflects the city’s multicultural character and evolving food culture
Ottawa’s food truck industry represents a modern evolution of street food, transforming from basic fast-food service into a destination culinary experience. Unlike brick-and-mortar restaurants, food trucks offer mobility, lower overhead costs, and the flexibility to participate in festivals, events, and rotating locations throughout the city’s neighbourhoods.
The city currently licenses 78 food trucks, 12 food carts, and 16 mobile canteens that collectively serve approximately 11,500 meals weekly—including both commercial ventures and charitable operations like the Ottawa Mission’s mobile meal service.
Why Food Trucks Matter to Ottawa
Food trucks serve multiple cultural functions in the capital. They democratize access to diverse cuisines—from authentic Lebanese, Jamaican, and Filipino fare to innovative gourmet creations—making international and specialty food accessible to office workers, students, and budget-conscious diners across the city.
The Ottawa Mission’s charitable food truck operations exemplify how mobile food service addresses food insecurity, delivering nutritious meals to 41 neighbourhood locations weekly. If you’re interested in supporting local food security initiatives, check our Ottawa food bank and community resources guide.
History of Food Trucks in Ottawa
Food truck culture in Canada gained momentum following the 2008 recession
Food truck culture in Canada gained significant momentum following the 2008 recession, when a surplus of available trucks, unemployed culinary professionals, and social media adoption created conditions for explosive growth. Ottawa has since developed a robust regulatory framework that supports the industry’s expansion while maintaining health and safety standards.
Key Milestones
- 2013: Hamilton’s Sew Hungry rally inspired similar movements across Ontario
- 2016: Ottawa PoutineFest launches, becoming the city’s signature food truck festival
- 2024: Smash Daddy emerges as Ottawa’s most acclaimed burger truck
- 2026: Inaugural Taste of Ottawa festival scheduled for August
The Ottawa PoutineFest, celebrating its 10th anniversary in May 2026, demonstrates the city’s deep commitment to food celebrations. This success model has inspired newer festivals like the inaugural Taste of Ottawa scheduled for August 2026, signaling growing institutional support for food truck-centric events.
Top Food Truck Locations in Ottawa
Preston Street stands as Ottawa’s premier food truck destination
Preston Street (Little Italy) - The Premier Destination
Preston Street stands as Ottawa’s premier food truck destination, with the Leonardo da Vinci Mural at 298 Preston Street serving as an iconic gathering point. The neighbourhood attracts multiple rotating food trucks and has established itself as a walkable food district complementing nearby permanent restaurants.
Smash Daddy, Ottawa’s most acclaimed burger truck, operates from this location serving Oklahoma-style smash burgers with AAA antibiotic- and hormone-free beef from 11 AM to 8 PM daily (extended hours on weekends).
Getting There:
- O-Train Line 2 provides direct access
- Street parking available but tight during peak hours
- Fully walkable neighbourhood
If you’re exploring the area, check out our Little Italy Ottawa guide for more dining options.
ByWard Market (Downtown)
The historic ByWard Market functions as Ottawa’s oldest continuous food hub, with numerous food trucks operating alongside permanent vendors and restaurants. Located near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal (both UNESCO World Heritage sites), the Market provides a transit-accessible location for street food exploration.
Notable Vendors:
- Ad Mare Seafood Truck - 150 Slater Street
- Multiple rotating vendors that adapt seasonally
Getting There:
- O-Train Line 1 to Rideau Station
- 5-minute walk to most Market vendors
- Paid parking in municipal lots ($4-6/hour)
Robert Plante Plant Shop (Bank Street)
This unique venue on Bank Street demonstrates Ottawa’s creative approach to food truck placement. The partnership model regularly hosts rotating vendors including:
- Angry Dragonz (Asian cuisine)
- Yolo Coffee Truck
The location attracts community members who combine shopping with food truck dining—a perfect example of how Ottawa integrates street food into neighbourhood life.
Major Food Truck Festivals
PoutineFest brings 30+ poutine vendors to Sparks Street each May
Ottawa PoutineFest (May 1-3, 2026)
Location: Sparks Street (downtown pedestrian mall)
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, PoutineFest remains Ottawa’s signature food truck festival. With 30+ poutine vendors, live music, and street performers, this event has become a must-attend celebration of Canadian comfort food.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 1-3, 2026 |
| Location | Sparks Street |
| Admission | Free (pay-per-item) |
| Vendors | 30+ poutine specialists |
| Hours | Typically 11 AM - 9 PM |
What to Expect:
- Classic cheese curd poutines to gourmet interpretations
- Live music and entertainment
- Street performers
- Lines at popular vendors (arrive early)
Transit: OC Transpo buses #5, #7 serve the downtown core. Walking from Rideau Station takes approximately 10 minutes.
For more festival recommendations, see our Ottawa events calendar.
Taste of Ottawa (August 29-30, 2026)
Location: EY Centre, Outdoor Parking Bay
The inaugural Taste of Ottawa festival signals growing institutional support for food truck-centric events. This first-ever festival features 35+ food trucks competing for visitor votes.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | August 29-30, 2026 |
| Location | EY Centre |
| Format | Competition-style voting |
| Vendors | 35+ food trucks |
| Admission | TBD (expected paid) |
What Makes It Different:
- Competitive element where visitors vote for favourites
- Vendor applications currently open
- Larger venue allows for more trucks than downtown festivals
Ottawa Bluesfest (July 9-19, 2026)
Location: LeBreton Flats (next to Canadian War Museum)
While primarily a music festival, Ottawa Bluesfest draws 300,000+ attendees and features extensive food truck options. The Casa Loco Cantina area provides dedicated food-focused experiences within the larger festival.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | July 9-19, 2026 |
| Location | LeBreton Flats |
| Admission | Day passes vary |
| Food | Multiple food truck vendors |
Best Food Trucks in Ottawa
From gourmet burgers to authentic falafel, Ottawa’s trucks cover every cuisine
Smash Daddy - The Champion
Location: 298 Preston Street (Leonardo da Vinci Mural) Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM daily (extended weekends) Payment: Cash or e-transfer only
Ottawa’s most acclaimed burger truck serves Oklahoma-style smash burgers with AAA antibiotic- and hormone-free beef. Their Wagyu burgers reach $24, representing the premium end of food truck dining. The year-round operation at Preston Street provides consistency that many food trucks lack.
If you’re a burger enthusiast, pair this visit with our best burgers in Ottawa guide.
La Guimauverie (S’mores Dessert Truck)
Specialty: Gourmet s’mores in cones or croffles
Voted best Ottawa food truck by Ottawa Life Magazine, La Guimauverie offers a unique dessert experience with vegan and allergen-free options available. Perfect for finishing a savoury food truck crawl with something sweet.
Falafel on Wheels
Location: 1649 Montreal Road, Gloucester Phone: 613-415-6544 Services: Walk-up and catering
Ottawa’s first dedicated falafel truck serves fresh homemade falafel made from chickpeas and fava beans with Mediterranean preparation. At around $8 for a falafel sandwich, this represents the budget-friendly end of the food truck spectrum.
Jerk on Wheels
Location: Merivale Road Specialty: Jamaican cuisine
Featuring jerk chicken tacos, wings, and poutine, Jerk on Wheels brings Caribbean flavours to Ottawa’s food truck scene. The fusion of Jamaican spice with Canadian poutine exemplifies the creative combinations that make Ottawa’s street food scene unique.
Additional Notable Trucks
| Truck | Specialty | Notable Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| ROOST Food Truck | Chicken | Sandwiches, wraps, topped poutines |
| Big Dawg’s Smokehouse | BBQ | Smoked meats |
| Bytown Bayou | New Orleans | Sandwiches, Southern BBQ |
| Angry Dragonz | Asian fusion | Rotating Asian dishes |
Dietary Options and Accommodations
Ottawa’s food trucks offer extensive dietary accommodations
Ottawa’s food truck fleet explicitly caters to various dietary requirements, reflecting both local demand and operator professionalism.
Available Options
- Vegetarian and Vegan: La Guimauverie, Falafel on Wheels, many others
- Gluten-Free: Multiple trucks offer GF options; ask before ordering
- Peanut-Free / Nut-Free: Many trucks accommodate; always confirm
- Dairy-Free: Available at most trucks serving non-dairy cuisines
Tips for Dietary Restrictions
- Ask questions: Food truck operators are typically knowledgeable about ingredients
- Check social media: Many trucks post ingredient lists and allergen info
- Arrive early: Popular allergen-free items may sell out
- Festival dining: Look for trucks with explicit dietary labels
Practical Information
Plan your food truck visit with these practical tips
Pricing Guide
| Category | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-10 | Basic falafel, simple poutines |
| Mid-Range | $10-18 | Specialty burgers, loaded dishes |
| Premium | $18-24 | Wagyu burgers, gourmet items |
| Festival Items | $5-15 | Festival-specific creations |
All prices in CAD
Seasonal Considerations
Most Ottawa food trucks operate May through October during peak season, with significantly reduced winter operations. Notable exceptions include:
- Smash Daddy: Year-round at Preston Street
- Le Grand PoutineFest: Winter celebration at 1912 Yuletide Lane (November-January)
Payment Methods
Payment acceptance varies by truck:
- Digital Payment: Many accept Venmo, Apple Pay, credit cards
- Cash Preferred: Some trucks (including Smash Daddy) prefer cash or e-transfer
- Festival Payments: Most festival vendors accept cards
Pro Tip: Carry cash as backup—not all trucks have reliable card processing.
Finding Trucks
Food truck locations change frequently. Best methods:
- Instagram/Facebook: Most trucks post daily locations
- Street Food App: Download for real-time locations
- Landmarks: Use the Leonardo da Vinci Mural (Preston Street) as anchor point
Transit and Parking
OC Transpo Options:
- Park & Ride lots offer free parking near high-frequency stations
- Bus routes serve all major food truck hubs
- O-Train Lines 1 and 2 connect to primary locations
For complete transit information, see our OC Transpo guide.
Biking:
- Ottawa maintains extensive cycling infrastructure
- Dedicated bike lanes serve downtown core
- Most food truck locations include bike parking
Timing Strategies
Best Times to Visit
| Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) | Guaranteed operation | Longest lines |
| Early Afternoon (2-4 PM) | Shorter lines | Some trucks close early |
| Dinner (5-8 PM) | Extended hours on weekends | Popular trucks may sell out |
Festival Timing
- PoutineFest: Typically 11 AM - 9 PM based on weather
- Arrive early: Popular items sell out, especially on weekends
- Weekday visits: Shorter lines than Saturday/Sunday
Winter Food Truck Options
Winter festivals extend Ottawa’s food truck season
While most trucks close for winter, several options extend the season:
Le Grand PoutineFest (Winter Edition)
Location: 1912 Yuletide Lane Season: November through January
This outdoor winter celebration features seasonal poutine variations and extends the food truck festival calendar into the colder months.
Shiverfest
An additional winter celebration with food vendors; dates to be announced for 2026.
Year-Round Trucks
Smash Daddy at 298 Preston Street maintains year-round service from 11 AM to 8 PM daily, providing consistent access even during Ottawa’s coldest months.
Food Tours and Guided Experiences
For a curated introduction to Ottawa’s food scene, professional guided tours complement self-directed food truck exploration.
C’est Bon Food Tours
Location: ByWard Market Duration: 2-2.5 hours Start Point: Totem Pole of Canada (35 George Street) End Point: BeaverTails stand (69 George Street) Cost: $105-130 per person
These tours provide cultural and historical context alongside tastings, covering both permanent vendors and food truck options. Check C’est Bon for current schedules.
FAQ
How many food trucks does Ottawa have?
Ottawa currently licenses 78 food trucks, 12 food carts, and 16 mobile canteens. Together, they serve approximately 11,500 meals weekly across commercial and charitable operations.
Where is the best location for food trucks in Ottawa?
Preston Street (Little Italy) is Ottawa’s premier food truck destination, with the Leonardo da Vinci Mural at 298 Preston Street serving as the main gathering point. ByWard Market also offers numerous options alongside permanent vendors.
When is Ottawa PoutineFest?
Ottawa PoutineFest runs May 1-3, 2026 on Sparks Street downtown. The event celebrates its 10th anniversary with 30+ poutine vendors, live music, and street performers. Admission is free; pay per item.
What is Taste of Ottawa?
Taste of Ottawa is a new food truck festival launching August 29-30, 2026 at the EY Centre. It features 35+ food trucks competing for visitor votes, marking the first event of its kind in the capital.
How much should I budget for food trucks?
Budget $8-15 for basic meals like falafel or simple poutines. Mid-range dishes cost $10-18, while premium items like Wagyu burgers reach $24. Festival items typically range $5-15.
Are food trucks open in winter?
Most Ottawa food trucks operate May through October only. Smash Daddy at 298 Preston Street operates year-round. Winter festivals like Le Grand PoutineFest at 1912 Yuletide Lane run November through January.
Do Ottawa food trucks accept credit cards?
Payment methods vary by truck. Many accept digital payment (Apple Pay, credit cards), but some prefer cash or e-transfer. Smash Daddy accepts cash or e-transfer only. Always carry cash as backup.
What are the best food trucks for vegetarians?
Falafel on Wheels (1649 Montreal Road) serves authentic Mediterranean falafel. La Guimauverie offers vegan s’mores options. Many trucks provide vegetarian alternatives—ask about specific dishes.
How do I find food truck locations?
Follow trucks on Instagram and Facebook for daily location updates. Download the Street Food App for real-time tracking. The Leonardo da Vinci Mural on Preston Street serves as a reliable anchor point.
Is there parking near food truck locations?
Preston Street offers street parking (tight during peak hours). ByWard Market has paid municipal lots ($4-6/hour). Consider OC Transpo—O-Train Lines 1 and 2 connect to major food truck areas.
What food trucks are good for kids?
ROOST Food Truck (chicken sandwiches), Smash Daddy (burgers), and most poutine vendors offer kid-friendly options. Many trucks accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Are Ottawa food trucks licensed and inspected?
Yes, Ottawa licenses all food trucks through a regulatory framework that includes health inspections. The City of Ottawa’s Open Data portal lists all officially licensed vendors for visitor reference.
Related Events and Experiences
Food Festivals
- Ottawa PoutineFest (May): 10th anniversary, Sparks Street
- Taste of Ottawa (August): Inaugural event, EY Centre
- Ottawa Bluesfest (July): Music + food trucks, LeBreton Flats
- Le Grand PoutineFest (Winter): Seasonal celebration
Complementary Guides
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s food truck ecosystem offers unprecedented access to diverse, high-quality street food integrated within celebrated festivals, walkable neighbourhoods, and convenient transit corridors. The 2026 calendar features three major festivals—PoutineFest in May, Taste of Ottawa in August, and Bluesfest in July—providing structured events for food truck exploration.
For year-round dining, Preston Street’s permanent truck locations and ByWard Market’s rotating vendors supply consistent options, with establishments like Smash Daddy achieving recognition that rivals sit-down restaurants.
First-timers should leverage festival environments for high-energy introductions, while returning visitors can develop neighbourhood preferences and follow trucks via social media for maximum flexibility. Whether you’re craving a $8 falafel sandwich or a $24 Wagyu smash burger, Ottawa’s food truck scene delivers quality, variety, and accessibility that makes street food dining a genuine culinary destination.
Sources: City of Ottawa Open Data (Street Food Vendors 2025), Ottawa PoutineFest official website, Taste of Ottawa 2026 event page, Ottawa Bluesfest, C’est Bon Food Tours, local restaurant websites.
