Top Ottawa Outdoor Activities

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.

Enjoy a role-playing scavenger hunt experience that encourages people to step outside, solve the murder mystery and build connections with long-lasting memories. The Murder Mystery in Ottawa is an interactive game/activity where you are guided by the Questo mobile app through a set of locations in Ottawa, while stepping in the shoes of the story's main character. At each location, you will follow directions and solve very fun puzzles, riddles, and cryptic codes that will unfold the story and guide you to the next location. Designed to be enjoyed on foot, this experience is ideal for exploring the city on a romantic date, a family outing, or as a team-building activity. During the activity, you will also visit popular and hidden places in Ottawa while learning fun stories about them. This is a storytelling experience just as much as it is a role-playing scavenger hunt.

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.

Experience Downtown Ottawa from the Water aboard the Aqua Taxi! Looking for a fun, affordable way to see the city? Hop aboard the Aqua Taxi for a relaxing 25-minute cruise through the heart of downtown Ottawa. Take in spectacular views of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa Locks, and the city’s beautiful waterfront from a unique perspective. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, snap memorable photos, and enjoy the fresh air as you glide along the Ottawa River. Powered by clean electric energy, the Aqua Taxi offers a quiet, eco-friendly ride that’s ideal for visitors, families, couples, and locals alike. Downtown service only. Fast, scenic, and affordable—it’s one of the best ways to experience Ottawa from the water.

Climb aboard our Hawaiian-style Tiki Hut and enjoy a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Ottawa River with your family, friends, or coworkers! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a romantic escape, or bringing a school group for a unique heritage experience, there’s no better way to experience Canada’s capital from the water. Simply head to one of our departure locations, step aboard, and become part of the Ottawa Ohana! Prefer to depart from the Quebec side? Simply send us a message after booking or choose one of our Quebec departure tours.

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.

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.

Explore the outdoors like never before with our immersive augmented reality treasure hunts. Choose from a variety of thrilling adventures, including chilling mysteries in eerie woods or family-friendly explorations right in your city. With the option to switch to Indoor Mode, you can enjoy the excitement of treasure hunting no matter the weather or your location. Engage with your surroundings, solve puzzles, and uncover hidden treasures using your smartphone. Perfect for adventurers of all ages.

Experience the second most visited park in Canada like never before with this starlight adventure. Join Aventure Outaouais for an awesome guided hiking adventure in the Gatineau Park to a beautiful wood cabin at night where a nice warm dinner will be prepared by your guide on the wood stove and served in the warmth and the tranquility of a beautiful wood cabin. Discover the Gatineau Park while it comes alive at night. The journey itself is considered easy to moderate in difficulty with roughly 6 km (round-trip) in length. With the help of a trained and experienced guide, you will be assisted through this fun adventure and given lots of pro tips. We provide all the training and equipment to make it to the shelter and back. This round-trip should take around 3 hours to complete, including 1 hour to rest and eat at the shelter.

Your experience begins as you meet your guide at 380 Sussex Drive in-front of the Maman Giant Spider Sculpture. Enjoy a guided walk toward the vibrant ByWard Market, one of Canada’s oldest and most lively public markets. Along the way, take in stunning pass-bys of the Royal Canadian Mint and the breathtaking Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, while your guide shares stories of Ottawa’s rich history and culture. Continue on toward Canada's Palirament Hill & Centennial Flame, passing the elegant Fairmont Château Laurier along the way. This iconic flame-shaped fountain commemorating Canadian Confederation is a must-see highlight in the capital. For your final experience, head to the waterfront where you’ll board a relaxing Rideau Canal cruise. Sit back and enjoy scenic views of downtown Ottawa while learning about this UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you board the boat, your guided walking tour concludes, and you’ll continue your experience on the water 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.

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.

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

Take full advantage of winter with this unique experience in the second most visited park in Canada. Join Aventure Outaouais for an awesome starlight guided snowshoeing adventure in the Gatineau Park to a beautiful wood cabin where a delicious full dinner (full cheese and charcuterie board with bread, hot chocolate, cookies and fruit for dessert, etc.) will be prepared by your guide by the wood stove and served in the warmth and the tranquility of the cabin. The journey itself is considered easy to moderate in difficulty with roughly 6 km (round-trip) in length. With the help of a trained and experienced guide, you will be assisted through this fun adventure and given lots of pro tips. We provide all the training and equipment to make it to the shelter and back. This round-trip should take around 3 hours to complete, including 1.5 hour to rest and eat at the shelter. This really is once a must do winter activity in the National Capital Region.

Discover the rich history and breathtaking scenery of Ottawa from the river with this engaging rafting trip. For 2.5 hours, glide along the majestic Ottawa River, experiencing the thrill of rafting as you pass by iconic landmarks and learn about the logging era that shaped the region. The adventure includes cliff jumping, body surfing, and a lazy river segment, making it perfect for families, schools, and corporate groups. With a friendly guide leading the way, even non-swimmers can enjoy this safe and exhilarating journey.

If you love nature, wildlife, and especially turtles, this tour is for you. Grandmaître Ecological Reserve is an amazing place to paddle. The peace and tranquility here is outstanding. What makes it special is the numerous inlets which protect all the wonderful creatures from the high winds and fast water currents. This is their hang out place! Also, I should mention that these conditions are great for humans too. It makes it easier to paddle your kayak. This is a great activity for children.

Experience a slice of tropical paradise on the Ottawa River when you join a 90-minute floating tiki bar cruise. Connect your own music to the on-board speakers via Bluetooth, and bring your own food but ALL DRINKS must be purchased on the boat. The boat can accommodate up to 12 people so is ideal for birthday parties or other celebrations.

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.

The Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates the return of spring, with over a million displays of tulips planted throughout our city in May. Capture spectacular views of the tulips and discover their colorful beauty along with other hidden gems and the history of the city on a bike tour. In addition to the Tulip site at Dow's Lake, you will visit Rideau Canal, Landsdowne Park, the Glebe, Little Italy and much more.

Escape the city and experience the best wildlife near Ottawa on a private safari to Parc Omega — one of Canada's most unforgettable nature experiences. This private day tour takes you deep into Parc Omega's vast natural landscapes, where Canada's most iconic animals roam freely across expansive habitats. Travel comfortably from your Ottawa accommodation and enjoy a relaxed, personalized experience designed around your pace. As you journey through the park, friendly deer and elk will approach your vehicle for carrots — one of those spontaneous, joyful moments that makes this trip truly memorable. From a safe distance, observe bison, wolves, wild boar, and bears, all living in environments that reflect their natural habitat. This is not a zoo. Your guide adds local knowledge and storytelling, turning every sighting into a meaningful Canadian experience. Parc Omega is spectacular year-round.

Explore Ottawa like a local on this guided biking tour. See the major landmarks of the country's capital and learn about its history. Travel safely along pathways, so you won't have to worry about traffic or traversing busy roads. Plus, you can upgrade to an e-bike to navigate even easier.

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.

Sail along the Ottawa River and take in the Canadian capital’s sights on this leisurely, evening yacht tour. Board your yacht and spend your time how you like: mingle with other cruisers, take in the sights, sip on a cold beverage (available for purchase), or just sit back and relax. Your cruise is amplified with great tunes from the yacht’s surround sound system.