10 Sightseeing Tours in Ottawa That You Shouldn't Miss

Your guide will take you on a narrated driving tour through the city passing Rideau Hall and Rockcliffe Park - an area most tourists won’t get to see! Rockcliffe Park is known for its stunning historic residences and is home to many notable ambassadors, politicians, business leaders and even former Prime Ministers. After your narrated driving tour of the city you will enjoy an evening cruise ride through the Ottawa River on the Paula D cruise boat. While on board, you’ll take in incredible views of the city’s landmarks and attractions from the water and watch a beautiful sunset.  Next, your guide will take you to Byward Market to explore the shops in the area and perhaps even grab a tasty treat while you’re here. Your final stop will be to watch the incredible Northern Lights - Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill. This impressive display highlights fascinating stories about key figures, events and history against the backdrop of Parliament Hill’s Centre Block and Peace Tower. 

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Fuel surcharge, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Join us as we explore the darker side of the festive season. Hear about strange and frightening holiday traditions from around the world and gather in close as we share creepy Christmas-themed ghost stories. The majority of the tour will take place inside the spooky Bytown Museum, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most haunted buildings. Once inside, you’ll learn why some Haunted Walk tour guides are too scared to give tours of the museum – even at Christmas time! Pay close attention to the stories and you might just win yourself some extra presents before the night is through!

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Within a day travelers can visit the capital of Canada. This vibrant and divers city is home to the Parliament Hill which is one of Canada’s most iconic sites, this neo-Gothic building stands tall on a hill overlooking the majestic Ottawa River. Then we will visit the Canadian Museum of History, its primary purpose is to collect, study, preserve, and present material objects that illuminate the human history of Canada and the cultural diversity of its people. Furthermore, we will visit the Canadian War Museum which covers all facets of Canada's military past to the country's most recent involvement in conflicts. Finally, we will take a boat cruise on the Ottawa River to capture a unique and spectacular views of some of the city's attractions such as the Parliament Buildings, Canadian Museum of History, and Rideau Falls. You will be assisted by our tour leader throughout the trip, you will be able to participate in various activities (not included), and visit various unique places.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities, Admissions

Discover Ottawa's major attractions, must-see spots and hidden gems on this guided, 3-3.5 hour bike tour which is about 20-24 kilometers (13-15 miles) on safe bicycle paths. Cycle through Rideau Canal and Lansdowne Park, Old Ottawa South neighbourhood, Arboretum, Dow's Lake/Little Italy, War Museum, and much more. The tour includes a stop for a snack at a local cafe. It's ideal for families, visitors with limited time or those who want to discover beyond Downtown core.

Inclusions: Bicycle, Helmet, Local tour guide (in English, French, German, and Spanish), Water bottle, Power Bar

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

This tour is a perfect blend of biking through Ottawa’s beautiful waterfront pathways and green scenery, visiting some of the city’s trendiest and vibrant neighbourhoods and stopping to capture some of the street and public arts. Biking beyond Ottawa’s downtown on our super comfortable bikes, you'll truly experience nature in the heart of the city as we take you through Dows’ Lake, the lush green spaces of the Arboretum trees and experimental farm. Get a sense of local life and culture as our storyteller guides bike with you through quaint streets of Centretown, the Glebe, Little Italy, and Hintonburg neighbourhoods and show you some of the most interesting buildings, street arts and local eateries and shops. This tour is refreshing and fun and will satisfy your curiosity about locals and beyond the touristic scene of Ottawa!

Inclusions: Bicycle, Helmet, Use of bicycle, Water bottle, Power Bar

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

Join our small-group, fun and leisurely bike tour that shows you the best of Ottawa in less time. Pedal your way around with our super comfortable bikes on scenic and safe waterfront bicycle pathways and on backroads of quaint neighbourhoods We will stop about 6-7 times to see some of the city’s stunning look outs, hidden gems and must-see landmarks and attractions including Rideau Canal, Rideau Hall, the National War Memorial and Byward market while our fun and friendly local guides will tell you stories at each stop about history, local culture and life in Ottawa! You will be amazed by how much you will see and learn and how many pictures you snap in just 2 hours. Suitable for all ages, this biking experience is ideal for easy-going bicyclists and families who want to see more of Ottawa in less time and also get lots of local tips about what to do and see in Ottawa!

Inclusions: Bicycle, Helmet, Water bottle, Local guide

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

We will give you a lightweight hybrid city bike, helmet, lock and map and send you off to a fun journey to explore Ottawa-Gatineau region all on safe and scenic bicycle paths away from traffic. Our maps are full cusotmizable to your interests.

Inclusions: Use of bicycle, Use of helmet, Lock, Map, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions

On this 3-hour guided bike tour of Ottawa, visit the capital's renown Tulip Festival, a special annual event available in May. Enjoy Commissioners Park, home to the Ottawa's most dazzling festival display and learn about the festival history from your fun guide. Follow the winding pathways with your local guide through the explosion of color in gardens filled with over 300,000 tulips. There will be 30-40 minutes stop at the Major Tulip festival site along with visiting some other tulip sites and must-see attractions in Ottawa.

Inclusions: Bicycle, Helmet, Local tour guide (English), Water Bottle

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Why self-guided on two wheels? Our pathway system is at our doorstep. No reservation/cancelation needed. Pay only when your ride is complete. 300 bikes available. Our community is safe and helpful to visitors. Easy to navigate pathways follow the 4 major waterways. Our personal directions and map are guaranteed. You set your time, pace and route* from 10am everyday.  IT COSTS LESS! • No traffic or delays from the Rideau Canal tour/rental centre • Light, easy Giant models in five sizes expertly fitted. Electric assist available. • Ride the waterways, parklands and national historic site pathways • See Rideau Canal, Rideau Falls, Hog's Back Falls, Arboretum, Central Farm, Rideau, Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers • Duration: up to 4 hours, 15km -25km

Inclusions: bike, helmet, lock, map, tax

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

Are you planning a visit to Ottawa? Our tourist treasure hunt will take you from Chateau Laurier to the Supreme Court and the Byward Market, passing by the Parliament Hill of course! You will have to solve challenges at every step to discover your next destination and earn points. At each step, you will learn a little history as well as interesting facts about what surrounds you. t takes 2-3 hours to complete, do it whenever you wish - you select your own date and start time, no scheduling or reservation needed. 20+ challenges, games and enigmas to solve as you walk through this historic neighborhood.

Inclusions: Urban scavenger hunt with 30+ challenges, Historical and architectural walking tour

Exclusions: Wifi - This activity requires internet access on your smartphone - a data plan.