Top Ottawa Culture

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.

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.

Maximize your time in Ottawa and Gatineau on a whirlwind sightseeing tour by land and water, all in an amphibious vehicle. Aboard your "amphibus," pass top city attractions including Parliament Hill, Notre Dame Basilica, the National War Memorial Monument, and more. When cruising along the street gets dry, plunge into the Ottawa River to see the city from a different angle. A fun tour for both kids and adults.

Experience Ottawa like never before , where luxury, comfort, and insider knowledge come together. This isn’t just a sightseeing tour – it’s a fully curated adventure through Canada’s capital. Exclusive Luxury Transportation: Travel in comfort with a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Expert Local Guides: Learn fascinating stories and history from guides who know Ottawa inside and out. Top Attractions Covered: From Parliament Hill to ByWard Market, every landmark is included with insider tips and photo stops. Flexible & Personalized: Options for hotel pickup, customized routes, and optional stops such as the Canadian Museum of History. Small Group Experience: Enjoy a more intimate tour with personalized attention, avoiding overcrowded buses. Memorable Photo Opportunities: Iconic landmarks and hidden gems are highlighted for perfect travel memories.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ottawa, Canada’s capital, invites you to explore its 25 iconic sites in one day. This 5.7 km route takes you along the majestic Ottawa River, through historic monuments such as Parliament, the Library of Parliament and Château Laurier. Discover Canadian history at the Canadian Museum of History and admire art at the National Gallery. Enjoy this walking tour to savour the local culture and captivating cityscapes. - 5.7 km tour through 25 places of interest - Visit iconic sites such as Parliament and Château Laurier - Ideal for history and culture lovers - Duration of the visit: about 2 hours and 20 minutes

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.

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.

Unlock the heart of Ottawa with Toonie Tours! More than just a sightseeing tour, this is your invitation to truly experience Canada’s capital. From its striking gothic architecture and deep rooted history to its vibrant urban culture and scenic beauty, this journey brings Ottawa’s essence to life. With every step, our expert local guides weave captivating stories, making the city’s past and present come alive before your eyes. Beyond Parliament Hill to Major’s Hill Park and the Byward Market this tour hits it all including Downtown, Centretown, and the Golden Triangle. Whether you're a solo traveler, a family on vacation, or a local eager to rediscover Ottawa, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. Expect intriguing stories, hidden gems, and a personal touch that sets us apart. Join us, and let this valley unfold its tales, one step at a time, always in good company.

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.

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 Chateau Laurier to the Supreme Court and the Byward Market, without missing Parliament Hill of course! 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 locations sights. Learn some local history. Challenge your knowledge with 57 varied challenges. Fun for all ages and 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. Also available in French

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Explore the vibrant capital of Canada on a 90-minute group tour by Transit Van, designed for intimate groups of up to 13 passengers. This guided journey highlights Ottawa's iconic sites, including the stunning architecture of Parliament Hill, the bustling ByWard Market, and the picturesque views along the Ottawa River. With a knowledgeable local guide providing valuable insights, this tour ensures a blend of education and enjoyment. Flexible pick up options make it easy to start your adventure, while comfortable transportation and onboard Wi-Fi enhance your experience. - Discover key attractions such as Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal - Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of ByWard Market with unique boutiques - Experience comfortable air-conditioned transit for a seamless tour - Benefit from the insights of a professional local guide throughout the journey

Discover Ottawa’s most prestigious neighborhood, by solving clues and unlocking stories on your phone. Play the engaging exploration game, reenacting the story of Jackson, an Ottawa native who lost his memory. As you solve challenges, the story unfolds and exact directions on your phone will guide you to the next location. Ready for an adventure? Highlights include: • Explore The Rockeries, Dutch Ambassador’s Residence, Rockcliffe House and other lesser-known places. • Enjoy a uniquely crafted story brought to you by our top-notch writers. • Learn about the origin of Ottawa’s famous tulips • Try a new type of experience, the perfect mix between a tour, outdoor escape game, and treasure hunt. • Discover the origin of Ottawa’s famous tulips. After your booking you will receive an email with instructions on how to download and play the game on your phone. We recommend that each user purchases a ticket for an optimal experience, although several people can share a phone.

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. Audio & Text: Listen to our audio guide or read 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.