Question 1

What is the "ByWard Market Fake or Diluted Maple Syrup" scam in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Several souvenir kiosks in the ByWard Market area sell maple syrup in tourist-branded packaging at premium prices, but the product is often blended syrup, corn syrup with maple flavoring, or US-origin syrup re-packaged in Canadian branding not complying with Canadian grade standards. Look for products bearing the Canada Grade A classification with the color grade clearly printed on the label, as required by Canadian law for genuine maple syrup. Purchase from established vendors with physical addresses or from the Ottawa Farmers Market. A price far below market rate is a reliable warning sign.

Question 2

What is the "Winterlude and Canada Day Crowd Pickpocketing" scam in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

During high-attendance events like Winterlude on the Rideau Canal and Canada Day on Parliament Hill, organized pickpocket teams operate in large crowds using a bump-and-distract technique. One person creates a commotion while a second removes wallets or phones from unzipped bags and jacket pockets. Use a front-pocket wallet or money belt during large events and keep your phone in a zippered interior pocket. Be suspicious of anyone who bumps into you or creates a sudden distraction. If someone aggressively asks you a question, check your belongings immediately.

Question 3

What is the "Scalped Canada Day Festival Ticket Scam" scam in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Around Canada Day on July 1st and major summer festivals on Parliament Hill, touts work the crowds on Wellington Street and Sparks Street Mall selling counterfeit or invalid event wristbands and reserved area passes at inflated prices. Ottawa's free Parliament Hill concerts are ticketed for premium viewing zones via official Parks Canada channels, and scalpers exploit visitor confusion about which zones require passes. Buyers discover their wristbands are fake or refused at the gate, having lost CAD 40–120 per person. The scam intensifies in the days immediately before the July 1st main stage event. Only obtain Parliament Hill event wristbands through official Parks Canada or Canada's Capital Region websites. Treat any street seller offering wristbands as suspicious regardless of how official their lanyard looks.

Question 4

What is the "Charity Impersonators Near War Memorial" scam in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Individuals dressed in quasi-military attire stand near the National War Memorial soliciting cash donations for veterans charities. Most are not affiliated with any registered charitable organization. Legitimate veterans organizations in Canada do not solicit on the street in this manner. Registered Canadian charities are listed on the Canada Revenue Agency charity registry — ask for a charity registration number before donating. If you want to support veterans, donate directly to organizations like the Royal Canadian Legion or Wounded Warriors Canada through their official websites.

Street Scams in Ottawa

ByWard Market Fake or Diluted Maple Syrup

Winterlude and Canada Day Crowd Pickpocketing

Scalped Canada Day Festival Ticket Scam

Charity Impersonators Near War Memorial

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