Top Ottawa Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Ottawa shines at night. Start with a leisurely sunset cruise on the river, passing Ottawa landmarks and giving you lovely views of the sky as it changes color. From there, enjoy a ride through Ottawa, and a wander through the bustling Byward Market.

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.

Discover Montreal’s most historic spots on this full-day guided tour from Ottawa. Starting from Mount Royal Lookout, the tallest spot in the city. Then visit Saint Joseph's Oratory and Olympic stadium. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the old Montreal, a historic neighborhood within the municipality of Montreal in the province of Quebec. The tour also includes a cruise on the St. Lawrence River, so that you can see the city from multiple perspectives. Then go visit built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, Full-day tour of Montreal: Ideal for those with limited time. A cruise on the St. Lawrence (May to October). Learn all about the history and culture of Montreal from your guide.

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!

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

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 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.

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.

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 Canada’s Pontiac region and get to know more about the high-quality products they produce on this full-day tasting tour from Ottawa or Gatineau. Join a small group and venture to a few wineries and a cidery for tastings paired with local snacks. In between tastings, meet the producers and learn about the history of the region.

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

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.