Top Ottawa How to Get Around

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.

Get an overview of Ottawa even if you're short on time with a half-day walking tour of the highlights. Navigate the city more efficiently with a guide, and discover details about its gothic architecture and history that you'd likely miss on your own. A tips-based tour means you determine how much you think the experience is worth.

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.

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.

Escape the city for a perfect blend of nature and flavor on our Tastes and Trails tour. Leaving Ottawa behind, we will journey to historic Old Chelsea for a refreshing one-hour hike along the scenic Sugarbush Trail. This gentle, tree-lined path offers the perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh air and immerse yourself in Gatineau Park's tranquil beauty. After working up an appetite, we will gather at La Terrasse to indulge in a delicious, well-deserved lunch. It is the ultimate half-day getaway for food lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

Get ready for a short and sweet Solar Palapa Experience, the ultimate way to explore the beauty of downtown Ottawa from the water. In just 25 minutes, soak in the best views of the Ottawa River while snapping selfies and enjoying tropical vibes. Relax and soak in the stunning views of Ottawa's iconic landmarks as you drift along the water. It's a short but sweet adventure designed to help you unwind, snap a few memorable photos, and enjoy a unique perspective of the city. Glide along the river on a solar-powered floating Tiki boat. Choose from beer, wine, and handcrafted Bartesian cocktails for that extra flair. This is Ottawa’s most affordable and unique water tour.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the Sights and Tastes of the ByWard Market Our most popular walking tour! British Colonel John By’s mission to build the Rideau Canal included planning the area’s first commercial district – the ByWard Market. Your C’est Bon Guide will weave you thru this bustling market zone, sharing stories about its history and special signts, while you discover both local and international eateries loved by locals! NCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR EXPERIENCE A Knowledgeable Guide – Hear stories about the ByWard’s rich history and the food traditions born from its evolution. Language Choice – Choose an English- or French-speaking guide! Neighbourhood Sights – Visit the ByWard Market Pavilion, the Ottawa Letters, the York Street Plaza, the Courtyards, the Totem Pole of Canada, and 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.

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

For 400 years of recorded history, the Ottawa Valley has been home to heroes and villains, triumphs and tragedies, lives and deaths notable for how they've affected the land. And that land and those buildings still bear the trace of the past, and sometimes, the past doesn't stay in the past. From spectres on the river, to the ghost that talked, to unexplained phenomena and indigenous folklore - there's something unearthly in this historic and beautiful community. This tour includes your transportation from Ottawa & Gatineau, a guided haunted tour of 4 historical villages with multiple stops along the route 148 in the Outaouais region of Quebec with a local storyteller, as well as some delicious apple pie and warm apple cider at the Coronation Hall Cider Mills in Bristol! Plus, this tour comes with unlimited free snacks in our minibus.

Lots of tours help you explore downtown Ottawa, but not many combine the sightseeing with a culinary adventure. On this half-day small-group tour, sample everything from classic Canadian delicacies to culinary creations that showcase the country’s rich diversity while taking in views of Canada’s capital, including Major’s Hill Park and ByWard Market.

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.

Discover the vibrant ByWard Market District on a guided food tour that showcases Ottawa's culinary delights. This walking tour invites you to savor three savory dishes and a sweet treat from local favorites while learning about the neighborhood's rich history from an experienced guide. Each stop is thoughtfully selected to provide an authentic taste of the area, with an option to enjoy a beer or wine at one location. Perfect for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts, this tour captures the essence of one of Canada’s most beloved markets. - Guided walking tour through Ottawa's historic ByWard Market - Sample 3 savory dishes and 1 sweet treat from local vendors - Enjoy a beer or wine at one of the food stops (non-alcoholic option available) - Experience the rich history and culture of the ByWard Market with an expert guide

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