Top Ottawa Historical Tours

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Ottawa’s vibrant Tulip Festival through a unique photo experience, set against the backdrop of over one million blooming tulips at Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake. This guided tour leads you to the most picturesque spots, allowing you to capture stunning images while learning about the festival's rich history and its ties to the Dutch Royal Family. Stroll through beautifully arranged gardens and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of spring in Ottawa, ensuring unforgettable memories. After your photo adventure, relax during the return drive to your chosen location. - Guided private tour of Ottawa's Tulip Festival with expert insights - Visit Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake, home to over a million tulips - Capture stunning photographs at the best floral installations - Enjoy round-trip transport from your selected location in Ottawa

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.

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.

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 things to do in Ottawa? A walk along the Rideau River is an opportunity to learn about the importance of the city and discover some of its attractions. You will have to solve challenges at each step to discover your next destination. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover why Ottawa is so much more than just a government town. This private walking tour reveals sides of the Canadian capital that you never would have expected. You'll learn about the moving backstory to the National War Memorial, admire the architectural beauty of Parliament Hill, enjoy the peaceful ambiance of Major's Hill Park, and explore the National Gallery of Canada (admission ticket not included) and get to know Canada's largest and most impressive art collection.

This small-group bike tour is perfect for families and those wanting a safe and leisurely way to see Ottawa. Most of the route is on designated bike paths or quaint backroads that take you to some of Ottawa’s cultural and natural highlights. See Rideau Hall, cycle the Rideau Canal path, plus see the War Memorial, Byward Market and more. Stop along the way to learn more about certain locations and get local tips from your guide.

Add some excitement to your Ottawa trip with this bar crawl scavenger hunt. An easy app-led adventure, this experience takes you on a journey to explore landmarks and hidden gems, tackle trivia questions, and complete challenges with your team or in a friendly competition. Immerse yourself in learning new facts and creating memories. Plus, each player selects an interactive role with personalized challenges, so everyone can feel engaged during the journey.