Top Ottawa On the Water

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Escape the city and soak up the summer vibes with our ultimate lazy river adventure from Ottawa and Gatineau. Drift along the gentle Coulonge River for relaxing fun, with plenty of time to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the ride. End your day with a delicious barbecue lunch on a white sand beach and channel your inner lumberjack with outdoor axe throwing.

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.

Add some more adventure to your itinerary with this experience that takes you rafting on the Ottawa River. Hold on tight as your expert guide navigates the rapids, offering a thrilling ride. Ideal for beginners or those seeking a gentle adventure, this trip accommodates individuals over 50 pounds (23 kilograms). Listen to a detailed safety briefing and get outfitted with necessary gear. Then, head to the river put-in to meet your guide and embark on your journey.