Canada · OTTAWA TOURS
Good ottawa tours fill up weeks ahead; the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of Ottawa’s 90-minute bilingual river cruise, with Parliament views, Rideau Falls, practical tips, onboard drinks, and value advice.
“Andi, our guide, was engaging, knowledgable and super friendly. made the cruise really enjoyable!”
Cruise Ottawa’s UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal on a quiet electric boat, with bilingual commentary, city sights, history, and a relaxed 90-minute route.
“Melody did an amazing job as our guide...A lot of information and made the experience fun.”
See Ottawa’s Parliament, museums, Byward Market, and parks by open-top bus with bilingual guides and flexible hop-on hop-off access.
“Rudy, our guide was awesome. Lots of history but he made it fun. The bus driver was nice and smooth and very friendly. Wouldn’t change anything!”
Review of Ottawa’s quiet electric Rideau Canal cruise, with canal views, city history, guide tips, pricing, itinerary, and booking advice.
“Excellent guide and we thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Would recommend it to anyone visiting Ottawa in the near future”
See Ottawa’s landmark skyline from the river on a bilingual 90-minute cruise with historic commentary, onboard drinks, and practical tips.
“excellent guide, trip covered some new and historic sites on the Ottawa River, all in all a pleasant experience. Would recommend.”
See Ottawa and Gatineau by road and Ottawa River on a one-hour amphibious tour with bilingual guides, history, and great photo views.
“It's was a lovely way to experience our first visit to Ottawa. The bus ride was pleasant though the city streets, with an informative commentary from our guide Gabrielle. The bus then descended into the river with a splash and a laugh from the passengers. The scenery was stunning and points of interest explained with detail and efficiency but also with jovial comments. Gabrielle came round to take photos of us and to give further information. The guide Gabrielle was very good. Very worthwhile trip we thought.”
See Ottawa by open-top bus or trolley, with Parliament, ByWard Market, Rideau Hall, museums, and flexible hop-on hop-off stops.
“Good driby overall tour of major sites but narrator was much too fast as he had to say it in both English and French.”
Explore Ottawa after dark on a 75-minute haunted walk featuring ghost stories, historic buildings, lanterns, and engaging local storytellers.
“Good. I realized 1/2 way through that I had been on this tour previously. Nevertheless it was the first time for my granddaughter. The guide was excellent. Thank you.”
Explore Ottawa by bike in two hours, visiting the canal, Parliament views, ByWard Market, Rideau Hall, and Rideau Falls.
“This was a really fun experience! We saw all the essential Ottawa sights and then some. Our guide was very nice and he really knew his stuff. This is a great way to get some fresh air and light exercise while learning about the city.”
Explore Ottawa after dark on a lantern-lit ghost walk covering the canal, Château Laurier, haunted schools, and eerie local history.
“Our host Margo was amazing! Engaging and so knowledgeable about Ottawa’s haunted and not haunted parts! The pace of the tour was perfect and contained something for everyone. I highly recommend this tour!”
Spend eight hours rafting Ottawa River rapids, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and get a beginner-friendly adventure with OWL Rafting.
“We have a great experience, it was super fun ,surrounded by great and wonderful people, a day full of surprises and good moments. It really worth the price , I truly recommend this rafting location”
Explore Canada’s military story at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum, with powerful exhibits, tanks, Memorial Hall, and a striking building for $18.
“It was a fun and very appreciated. It was a warm historical moment by listening, watching and reading all those fights to give us freedom. Thank you again you are all heroes!”
Review of Ottawa’s Canadian Museum of Nature, with dinosaur fossils, Arctic displays, live animals, butterflies, prices, and practical tips.
“I usually like hands on activities in the museum...”
Cruise Ottawa’s river on a 90-minute tiki boat with city views, licensed bar, music, and relaxed fun for families, friends, and groups.
“Our host Kim and Captain Jerome were fantastic and fun!!! Service was excellent! We will be back again for the recommended romantic night cruise soon!!!”
Explore Ottawa’s Château Laurier on a 75-minute guided tour of grand halls, ballrooms, secret corners, and Canadian history.
“I really enjoyed the tour. It was at a great pace, the tour guide was very knowledgeable. I enjoyed that the tour was like a story with very fascinating facts. I would have liked seeing one of the guest rooms but other then that I would it was lovely and would recommend it.”
Every kind of Canadian day out, and the best of each.
