Top Ottawa Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A decadent walking tour for the True Chocolate lovers! Indulge your sweet tooth as you explore the ByWard Market with a local guide, discovering rich, surprising chocolate creations along the way. Indulge in all things CHOCOLATE! Let us take you in a guide walk you through the ByWard Market and help you discover the many forms and tastes of chocolate. This tour highlights some of the best chocolate creations the ByWard Market neighbourhood has to offer!

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.

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 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.

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.

Explore the bounty of Petite-Nation worry-free on this full-day wine and cider tour. Across 10+ stops, you and your crew will experience the region’s terroir, meet the individuals leading the agritourism movement, and more. With a local lunch provided and hotel pickup included, it’s one full-bodied day of taste and adventure.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.