Top Ottawa Sightseeing Tours in 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Skip the crowds - this is a private tour only for your group! Experience the charm of Ottawa with your family on this engaging walking tour that explores the city’s rich history and vibrant local culture. Start at the majestic Parliament Hill, where Canada’s democratic heartbeat lies, and marvel at the stunning architecture. Pay your respects at the National War Memorial before enjoying a peaceful stroll through Major’s Hill Park, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views. Finally, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of ByWard Market, where local artisans and fresh flavors await. This tour is perfect for families looking for a blend of history, nature, and culture in under two hours! Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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.

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 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

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.

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!

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.

This private walking tour reveals Ottawa’s hidden cultural and historic heritage. Discover lesser-known landmarks that reflect the city’s rich architectural legacy and evolving identity. Walk through quiet streets where historic buildings and overlooked monuments preserve remarkable stories. What secrets remain beyond Ottawa’s famous attractions? Explore hidden corners shaped by early settlers, national transformation, and cultural diversity. Admire elegant architecture that blends historic character with modern civic life. Experience peaceful spaces where history and local traditions continue to thrive. Enjoy an inspiring journey through Ottawa’s hidden heritage, where every stop reveals another chapter of a city with remarkable cultural depth and lasting historical significance. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Discover Ottawa, Canada's capital, on an exclusive 100% private tour for 1 to 3 guests only. No other travellers join, and the whole day is fully customizable. Your tour starts at 8:00 a.m. with door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, with a window seat for every guest. Choose your day: - 10-Hour Ottawa & Gatineau: Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal locks, ByWard Market, Sussex Drive, Rideau Hall, Rockcliffe Park, Gatineau Park and the Canadian Museum of History, plus a 2-hour experience of your choice. - 14-Hour Montreal or Mont-Tremblant: a full private day trip, with free time for dinner (own expense) before the drive home. Included: coffee and/or tea with a snack, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, all parking fees, fuel and tolls, and baby, child and booster seats on request. Add, skip or swap any stop and travel at your own pace. No crowds, no strangers, just Canada's capital and its surroundings, your way.

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.

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.