Top Ottawa Walking Tours

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.

Your experience begins as you meet your guide at 1 Rideau Street in the heart of downtown Ottawa, just steps from the city’s most iconic landmarks. 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 the 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.

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.

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 through its flavors on this unforgettable food tour of the ByWard Market, the city’s most historic and vibrant neighborhood. Led by a passionate local guide, you’ll enjoy 6 delicious tastings that showcase Canada’s capital at its most authentic, from classic Canadian comfort foods to modern, globally inspired creations. Along the way, you’ll meet local chefs, discover hidden culinary gems, and hear stories that bring Ottawa’s rich history and diverse food culture to life. Stroll past heritage buildings, lively cafés, and colorful market stalls as you taste your way through the city’s favorite bites. Come hungry and leave with a true taste of Ottawa!

Travel in a luxury private vehicle from Ottawa with an expert guide who shares fascinating stories and insider tips along the way. Enjoy breathtaking waterfalls, scenic stops, and optional wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This full-day, all-inclusive tour offers comfort, flexibility, and VIP treatment for small groups or private travelers. From panoramic photo opportunities to curated local experiences, it’s the perfect way to explore one of Canada’s most iconic destinations without the stress of planning or crowded tours.

Your experience begins as you meet your friendly local guide at 1 Elgin St in downtown Ottawa, just steps from the city’s most iconic landmarks. From here, you’ll set off on a guided walking tour through the heart of Canada’s capital. Make your way toward the vibrant ByWard Market, one of the country’s oldest and most lively public markets. Along the route, you’ll pass the impressive Royal Canadian Mint and the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and culture. Continue on toward the Centennial Flame, walking past the elegant Fairmont Château Laurier along the way. This iconic flame-shaped fountain, commemorating Canada’s Confederation, is a meaningful highlight of your journey. Your tour concludes at the renowned National Gallery of Canada, where you’ll be greeted by the striking Maman sculpture—an unforgettable and artistic finale to your Ottawa experience.

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.

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.

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.

See the best of Ottawa without the stress of public transit and taxis on this hop-on hop-off guided bus tour. With your 1-day pass, hop aboard the double-decker, open-top bus for a panoramic sightseeing excursion. Great for kids and adults, your ticket offers the chance to see over 75 sites at more than a dozen strategically placed stops. Hop off at every stop, or just take in views on the full city loop.

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.

Best Restaurants of the ByWard! Let our guide take you on a dining adventure to some of the best restaurants of Ottawa’s most historic and visited neighbourhood – the ByWard Market! This ‘restaurant crawl’ experience includes the following: A 3- or 4-course, BLIND-tasting (Chef’s choice) meal including carefully paired drinks by expert mixologists and sommeliers 
 An expert C’est Bon guide who will share stories and information about the restaurant, chefs and owners, the neighborhood and food culture of the city! Interaction with the restaurant staff, owners and/or chefs ITINERARY: Meet your guide – A specified meeting point will be shared with you. If you are staying at a hotel within walking distance, we will meet you there! Restaurant #1: Appetizer course plus cocktail Restaurant #2: Main course plus wine Restaurant #3: Dessert course plus apperitif

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Embark on this tour and become the hero of your own adventure as you uncover the hidden secrets and stories of Canada’s capital. This walking tour invites you to explore Ottawa’s less traveled lanes and architectural wonders. From the historic halls of Parliament to the tranquil trails of Major’s Hill Park, each step unveils a piece of Ottawa’s hidden narrative. Perfect for curious minds and those looking to see beyond the typical tourist path, this tour will transform how you see the city. Join us and unlock the secret tales etched in the very stones of 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.

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!

Eat your way across Canada—without leaving downtown Ottawa! Join us on the TASTE OF CANADA tour for a fun and flavour-packed journey through the dishes that Canada has popularized. Come hungry—and leave with a new appreciation for Canada’s quirky culinary inventions! The Taste of Canada Food Tour is a guided gastronomic experience that brings iconic Canadian dishes to life through delicious tastings, fun storytelling, and local insight. Over the course of 2 – 2.5 hours, you’ll visit a variety of handpicked spots in the heart of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market, sampling dishes and drinks that highlight Canadian comfort foods, regional favourites, and uniquely Canadian inventions. Along the way, your guide will share the history, quirks, and cultural significance behind each bite. WHAT YOU WILL TASTE: – A classic Hawaiian pizza slice paired with a Bloody Caesar cocktail* – Authentic Quebec-style poutine served with local, Canadian craft beer and many more!