Top Ottawa Culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Are you looking for a way to explore Ottawa at your own pace? On this self-guided audio tour, you will relive Ottawa‘s turbulent early history when rioters and rogues ran rampant. Ottawa‘s significance extends beyond its Houses of Parliament and famous museums. Before becoming Canada‘s capital, it was a rough, lawless place in the wilderness. On this walking tour through old Bytown, you’ll trace the city’s evolution from a small lumber town to Queen Victoria‘s choice as Canada‘s capital and discover Ottawa‘s hidden backstory. You'll stroll down York Street and learn about the early days of the iconic Byward Market. Ottawa‘s past will come to life in the serene Jeanne d‘Arc Courtyard, where you‘ll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that fueled the feuding Bytown residents. On Sussex Drive, you‘ll explore popular sites from new perspectives and travel back to when rogues, rioters, and disease made the streets unsafe.

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.

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!

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.

The Best Way to Discover Ottawa: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo with the giant spider statue at the National Gallery or a stroll by the National War Memorial and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Parliament, Centennial Flame, The National War Memorial, The Famous Five, Rideau Canal, Major’s Hill Park, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Royal Mint, National Gallery, and the Champlain Statue.

For some, cemeteries evoke feelings of fear and dread. For others, they are beautiful spaces filled with memories and reflection. For us, they are places with countless stories waiting to be told. We are proud to partner with Beechwood Cemetery National Historic Site for a one-of-a-kind evening filled with storytelling and chills. We will share the darker history of the cemetery’s early days and the ghost stories connected to some who rest there – including strange reports from staff that continue to this day. The experience will be mostly outdoors as we walk amongst the crypts, headstones and other markers. Our final stop of the evening will give us the rare opportunity to venture inside the Mausoleum after sunset for one last spine-tingling tale.

Discover the captivating charm of Montreal on this private full-day tour from Ottawa. Enjoy a comfortable car tour as you traverse the scenic Canadian countryside, allowing for leisurely sightseeing and photo opportunities along the way. Explore iconic attractions such as the Old Port, Mont Royal, all while indulging in the local culture at Jean-Talon Market. This flexible itinerary caters to your interests, ensuring a memorable journey filled with history and beauty. - Private tour for a stress-free day trip from Ottawa to Montreal - Visit top landmarks including Old Port, Mont Royal, and Jean Talon Market - Flexible schedule allows for personalized sightseeing and photo stops - Enjoy a comfortable ride with planned rest breaks along the route

Combine a private street art tour of Ottawa with a treasure hunt on your phone. Follow clues and solve puzzles to unlock new places and street art in the Canadian capital. Listen to stories of the city and the street art, discover hidden gems, and have fun at your own pace.

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.

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.

Explore Ottawa on a private 2-hour walking tour through the heart of Canada’s capital. Led by a local guide, discover the city’s history, landmarks, and national symbols while hearing stories about the people and events that shaped Ottawa. Begin on Sparks Street and make your way past Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, Major’s Hill Park, the National Gallery of Canada, the Rideau Canal, and Fairmont Château Laurier. Along the way, take in views, hear local stories, and learn about Ottawa’s role as Canada’s capital before finishing at ByWard Market. With time for photos, questions, and conversation, this private experience offers a personal introduction to Ottawa’s history and character.

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.

Are you looking for things to do in Ottawa? A walk along the Rideau River lets you learn about the city's importance and discover some of its attractions. You'll solve challenges at each step to discover your next destination. Buy either a single or a group ticket. Walk from Rideau Falls Park to Green Island to Rideau Hall and the residence of the Prime Minister of Canada, passing some parks, and mansions. You will have fun completing challenges. The Ottawa Rideau River Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 3.9 km / 2.4 mi walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 2 hours to complete. - A fun learning experience - See the sights! 22 locations - Learn some local history - Challenge your knowledge: 22 varied challenges - Fun for all ages, kids included - Walk at your own pace: 3.9 km / 2.4 mi - Pets are allowed throughout this tour - Wheelchair- and stroller accessible throughout - Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule

Are you looking for things to do in Ottawa? Our Ottawa scavenger hunt is a 3-hr self-guided walking tour with challenges, taking you from Château Laurier to the Supreme Court and the ByWard Market, without missing Parliament Hill, of course! Buy either a single or a group ticket. Solve challenges at every step to discover your next destination and earn points. Learn a little history as well as interesting facts about what surrounds you. The Ottawa Scavenger Hunt is a 4.5 km / 2.8 mi self-guided walking tour with challenges along the way. It takes 3 hours to complete. A fun learning experience. See the 44 sights. Learn some local history. Fun for all ages, kids included. Walk at your own pace. Pets are allowed throughout the tour. Wheelchair- and stroller accessible throughout. Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule. Take as little or as much time as you wish to complete your hunt.