Top Ottawa Culture

The Rideau Canal links Canada’s capital—Ottawa—with majestic Lake Ontario. On this tour, cruise in comfort along the UNESCO World Heritage–listed waterway and admire sweeping views over top attractions including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, and the National Arts Centre. Along the way, listen as your guide sheds light on centuries of colorful Canadian history.

Discover the hidden stories and fascinating history of Ottawa’s most famous castle, the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier. Join us for a 75-minute guided tour as we go behind the scenes and explore the secrets of this majestic landmark. Learn about concealed passageways, hear about political rendezvous, and stand in the ballrooms where countless grand galas have taken place. See the luxurious swimming pool and the exclusive areas typically reserved for guests. Immerse yourself in captivating tales of the Château Laurier’s notable guests and its storied past. While the focus isn’t on ghost stories…we might just share one. Book your adventure today and let our captivating guides unlock the magic of this majestic castle. Presented in English only. Not a ghost tour.

Get an overview of Ottawa even if you're short on time with a half-day walking tour of the highlights. Navigate the city more efficiently with a guide, and discover details about its gothic architecture and history that you'd likely miss on your own. A tips-based tour means you determine how much you think the experience is worth.

Our journey will take us through the heart of Ottawa, exploring the city's past and its role in shaping the nation. You’ll see the art, sculptures, markets, memorials, walking streets, churches, parliament building and so much more. Go at your own pace, anytime. This tour is location aware and plays as you walk. Feel free to put your phone in your pocket and explore with your head up. The tour provides engaging audio and sound effects to set the mood and tell the story of Ottawa. Go anytime, 24/7/365, the tour is all outside.

Have only a limited time to explore Ottawa? See the best of the city—and travel by air-conditioned minivan and by boat—on this time-saving, two-in-one tour. With just a small group for company, you'll see Rockcliffe Park, which is off-limits to larger tour vehicles. Next, trawl the Ottawa River and admire a new perspective on the sights. Then, go for a narrated drive past the Parliament Buildings and more, plus time to sightsee on foot.

Take a spooky stroll through Downtown Ottawa on this guided haunted walking tour. Experience the darker side of Canada’s capital and hear tales of the city's haunted heritage as told by a professional storyteller. Hear the hair-raising stories and see the area’s most haunted sites. It’s a fascinating, spine-tingling adventure.

Only place in Canada where the Rink is made of hard maple with a water based urethane finish! Free arcade with the purchase of an entry ticket! Free pool tables with the purchase of an entry ticket! Restaurant Exit Lounge on site!

Explore the endless opportunities. We have a wide range of activities for you to enjoy all season long. Take in new exhibitions, enjoy artist talks, make some art, take a tour, and so much more.

Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Ottawa with this private transfer service. Meet your driver at Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, and relax on the journey to your hotel or private residence. These private vehicles can accommodate up to eight passengers.

Join us on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ottawa’s supernatural past as we explore the Bytown Museum. Prepare to be captivated by chilling tales of ghostly encounters shared by museum staff, visitors, and even our Haunted Walk tour guides! As we make our way to the museum, we’ll immerse you in the region’s oldest and most famous ghost stories, including iconic tales such as those surrounding the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, and the murder of D’Arcy McGee. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore one of Ottawa’s haunted landmarks with The Haunted Walk!

See a new perspective on the Canadian capital—and enjoy a relaxed, hassle-free sightseeing experience—during this narrated boat tour along the Ottawa River. Choose a departure point and tour time that work best for you, find your preferred seat on the two viewing decks, and get comfortable. You can look out for sights ranging from Parliament Hill to Nepean Point, all while learning more from the bilingual commentary.

Join our crew of storytelling guides as we take you on a 90-minute escapade through the hidden side of Ottawa. No boring history here! We’re all about the bizarre and unexpected side of the city we love. Ever heard of mutant squirrels or surprise racoons causing havoc? Maple syrup heists that would make Robin Hood blush? Secret society messages encoded in some of our most well-known places? We’ve got all that and more! Guffaw and gasp through the city’s streets as our fun and engaging tour guides spill the beans on those little-known stories and secrets that define Ottawa’s hidden personality. Grab your pals, your family, or even that weird cousin you don’t quite know how to handle – everyone’s welcome! “Hidden Ottawa” is a fun and engaging good-natured adventure, perfect for first-time visitors and locals alike. You won’t find this side of the city in any guidebook! Tickets are vanishing now like a squirrel with a stolen bottle of maple syrup!

Discover Ottawa’s wild side! Spot iconic wildlife downtown, then head to Gatineau Park for outdoor adventures and animal sightings, explore fascinating exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature, or enjoy a drive-through safari at Parc Oméga—Canadian nature at its best! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

Ottawa’s political landmarks and historic neighborhoods can feel distant without guidance. Take the mystery out of your visit by exploring with a local on a private walking tour. This personalized tour allows you to discover the exterior of monuments, including museums, while learning about the city’s history and culture. If you wish to include a museum visit, your guide can customize the itinerary to fit your interests—just let us know in advance. Your guide contacts you beforehand to understand your preferences, ensuring you see the places you truly want to experience. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples, this tour uncovers Ottawa’s local gems and vibrant culture.

A visit to the Canadian War Museum is your opportunity to learn about the contribution of Canada and its military to many conflicts in Canadian history, and how we commemorate the accomplishments and the loss.  Spend as much time as you need exploring the rare and historically important artifacts, uniforms, vehicles, art, and memorabilia that make up the 3 million pieces in the collections.

Choose your own itinerary during this self-guided tour of Ottawa via bicycle. Pedal your way through the city like a local, using the provided map to reach the sites that most interest you. Safe and scenic bike paths keep you away from car traffic and let you see the green areas of the region.

This Ottawa tour features a professional guide who shares the rich history and cultural significance of Canada's national sites. Begin with pick up at your confirmed Ottawa location and meet your tour guide for an exclusive sightseeing experience centered on Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River corridor. This tour highlights Ottawa’s most iconic architecture, ceremonial spaces, and riverfront viewpoints without rushing. Your guide provides context on Canada’s parliamentary precinct, national symbols, and key monuments while you travel comfortably between stops. Enjoy scenic driving along river parkways, curated photo opportunities, and short guided walks to the best vantage points for Parliament’s skyline and the waterfront. The route is planned to maximize views while minimizing backtracking and congestion. You’ll finish with a smooth drop off at your requested Ottawa destination. Discover the landmarks of Canada’s capital on a guided driving tour with us.

You wake up in a stranger's house with no memory of last night. Someone's chasing you, your car is missing, and your pockets hold a pet collar, a coffee receipt, and a mysterious note. Retrace Jackson's wild night through 12 stops across Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa's most prestigious neighbourhood. Decode crests and flags at embassy residences from Norway to Japan, piece together clues, and figure out why "Lornado" is tattooed on your arm. Download the Questo app, activate your quest with the booking code, and start at the Norwegian Ambassador's Residence on Lisgar Road. No guide, no schedule, explore at your own pace. Along the way, discover stories most locals miss: why Ottawa blooms with Dutch tulips every spring, the Irish mansion controversy, Thailand's sacred elephants, and the entrepreneur who shaped modern Ottawa. Perfect for couples, friends, or families exploring Ottawa beyond Parliament Hill. About 70 minutes, 12 stops through Rockcliffe Park.

Uncover hidden details about Ottawa that you won’t find in most guidebooks on this historical highlights walking tour. Discover the capital’s cultural heritage as you learn about Canadian politics while wandering around Parliament Hill, gaze up at Fairmont Chateau Laurier, explore the vibrant ByWard Market district in Lower Town, and much more.

Either as an addition to the free Discover the Capital Historical Highlights tour, or simply on its own, step back in time and experience the grit and glory of the ByWard Market: Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhood! Explore the rough-and-tumble days of Bytown — where Irish canal workers clashed in the Shiners’ War, French Canadian families fiercely protected their language and traditions, and lumberjacks boozed and brawled at the legendary Château Lafayette. From bustling Market Square to the powerful symbolism of the National Peacekeeping Memorial, this lively 2 hour tour uncovers the people, struggles, and incredible stories that shaped Canada’s capital. Join us and experience the Market like never before.

Make your time in Ottawa extra fun with this exploration game that takes you on a journey through downtown. Become a private investigator and uncover the city's history by deciphering clues on your phone. Immerse yourself in the role of a detective solving a disappearance mystery. With each challenge solved, the story unravels, leading you to the next location. If you get stuck, help is available 24/7.

Discover Ottawa on a fully customizable private tour, tailored to your interests and pace. Explore iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and ByWard Market, or uncover hidden gems and cultural spots that most visitors never see. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s history, politics, and vibrant culture, while helping you create an experience that’s truly your own. Choose optional stops at museums, scenic viewpoints, local food spots, or shopping destinations. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups seeking a personalized and unforgettable Ottawa adventure – reserve your private tour today.

Explore Ottawa— your way—on this self-guided half-day bike tour. Consult the provided map to discover where you want to explore and then spend the day biking along the paths of your choice. Choose from a variety of bike models (including the option to upgrade to a version with electric assistance) and get professionally fitted for your bike to ensure you get the experience you want.