Canada · OTTAWA TOURS

Ottawa Tours: Book These 15 First

57 tours  ·  from $8

Strongest first. Costs, timings and traveller verdicts on all 15 ottawa tours below, so the decision takes minutes rather than an evening.

Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus - Starting at Sparks and Elgin Streets
City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Guided, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

1.Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 2,089 reviews · 1 hour · from $43Our pick

Ride from Sparks and Elgin Streets through Ottawa, across to Gatineau, and onto the Ottawa River in one amphibious vehicle. A live English and French guide, with names such as Wendy, Pierre, Sarah, and Alexis, provides history and humor during 40 minutes on land and 20 minutes afloat. The river entry is the family highlight.

“My Mom and I had a fabulous time! The tour was super funny and entertaining. Highly recommend!”

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Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise - Boarding the Paula D in Ottawa or Gatineau
Boat Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

2.Sightseeing River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,585 reviews · 1h 30m · from $39

Spend 90 minutes aboard the Paula D on a bilingual Ottawa River cruise between Ottawa and Gatineau. Your guide, often praised guides such as Andy or Elodie, points out Parliament, the Rideau Canal Locks, Rideau Falls, embassies, and sights best seen from the water. An open-air upper deck and onboard bar make it an easy addition to a day in the capital.

“Our guide, Andy, was excellent and perfect in both languages. She was warm and friendly. The information was topical, interesting, and informative. A good trip on a lovely day.”

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Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise - Starting behind the National Arts Centre
Boat Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

3.Rideau Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,303 reviews · 1h 30m · from $41

Board a 100% electric passenger vessel behind Ottawa’s National Arts Centre for a 90-minute cruise from Château Laurier to Dow’s Lake. A live guide speaks English and French, covering about 30 landmarks, including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Lansdowne Park, Bank Street Bridge, and Commissioners Park. Expect smooth sailing, city views, and optional snacks or drinks.

“Very informative & interesting trip, guide was witty & super welcoming. Lovely relaxing 90 minutes.”

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Ottawa: Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Tour Pass - From Sparks Street to Parliament Hill
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Ottawa: Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Tour Pass

4.Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Tour Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,194 reviews · 1 day · from $33

Explore Ottawa by open-top double-decker bus or trolley on a one or two-day pass. A bilingual guide, with guides such as Pierre and Christina praised for clear stories and humor, introduces Parliament, ByWard Market, museums, galleries, parks, and more. Ride the full 1.5-hour loop or hop off to explore at your own pace.

“loved the experience! definetely worth the money! beautiful views and a pleasant ride”

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Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise - Boarding near the National Arts Centre
Boat Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

5.Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,127 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $42

Spend about 90 minutes cruising Ottawa’s Rideau Canal aboard the world’s largest certified 100% electric passenger vessel. Guides such as Lily, Wendy, Ellen, and Theo bring the route to life with stories about Dow’s Lake, Château Laurier, embassies, bridges, Lansdowne Park, and the Canadian Museum of Nature. The ride starts near the National Arts Centre and returns nearby.

“We had a great time and Lily the tour guide was awesome!!!! The captain Tyler and the bartender, which I forgot her name were the best!!!”

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Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line - Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River
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Ottawa Boat Cruise – Paul’s Boat Line

6.Ottawa Boat Cruise – Paul’s Boat Line

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 918 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

See Ottawa from the water aboard the Paula D on a roughly 90-minute cruise. A bilingual guide, including hosts such as Andy, Wendy, and Elodie, points out Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, museums, embassies, Rideau Falls, and more. You’ll find upper-deck seating, a lower-deck bar and canteen, and a bathroom onboard.

“What they don’t tell you is how difficult it is to find parking and that the walk is about 20 minutes. You needed to be near the location at least an hour early. They did switch us to a later cruise easily. The cruise was very low key.”

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Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water - Rideau Canal area and Ottawa’s civic center
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Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

7.Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 598 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $44

See Ottawa and Gatineau in about an hour aboard an amphibious vehicle that travels city streets before entering the Ottawa River. A bilingual guide points out Parliament, ByWard Market, the National Gallery, Gatineau Park, and more. Guides such as Gabrielle, Wendy, and Cameron have been praised for lively commentary and local history.

“My husband and I had a great time. We had a small group on our tour. The view was great . Tour guide Cameron was knowledgeable and drive Bruno was fantastic also.”

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Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour - Parliament Hill, the river, and Confederation Boulevard
Hop-On Hop-Off & Bus Tours, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

8.Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 447 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $40

See Ottawa from an open-top double-decker bus or trolley with a guide, passing Parliament Hill, Byward Market, Rideau Hall, museums, and the Rideau Canal. The pass lets you stay aboard for the city loop or hop off at 14 stops. Guides such as Sophie, Ken, Emile, Wendy, and Cameron have earned praise for clear stories and friendly service.

“We were unable to ride since we could not find any parking. We spent close to a hour looking and nothing was available. It may have been because of set up for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. You are better off getting a cab to the stop and parking away from the capital”

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Montebello, QC: General Admission to Parc Omega - The 12 km route and its animal encounters
Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Montebello, QC: General Admission to Parc Omega

9.Montebello, QC: General Admission to Parc Omega

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 368 reviews · 1 day · from $43

Spend a full day at Parc Oméga in Montebello, Quebec, driving your own vehicle along a 12 km wildlife route. See more than 20 North American species, feed deer with carrots, visit the First Nations Trail, and explore a trading post, old farm, sugar shack, walking paths, picnic areas, and animal displays.

“Interesting , exciting , fun Educational , observing the animals and being observed by them gave a real feeling of connection and appreciation for the beauty and majesty of these animals”

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Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour - Grant House and the first layer of Ottawa’s secrets
Evening Experiences, Ghost & Haunted Tours, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

10.Haunted Night Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 341 reviews · 1h 15m · from $23

Follow a cloaked guide through downtown Ottawa for 75 minutes of ghost stories, unsolved mysteries, and local history. The route begins on Sparks Street and includes Grant House, Fairmont Château Laurier, and a famously haunted high school. Guides such as Monica, Jack, Nart, and Véronique bring the tales to life in English or French.

“Véronique was a great guide! Her stories were interesting and well narrated. Merci!”

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2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour - Rideau Canal, locks, and the rhythm of the city
2-Hour Experiences, Bike Tours in Ottawa, City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Cycling Tours, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

11.2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Top rated

Ride through central Ottawa with a local guide such as Sparky, Mike, Allison, Denis, or Hans. Bikes, helmets, and water are included. The two-hour route links the War Memorial, Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, Rideau Hall, Rideau Falls, the National Gallery, Ottawa Locks, and Parliament Hill viewpoints in a small group of up to 12.

“Well organised trip Denis was great and so knowledgeable. Our weather wasn’t the best but it didn’t impact on the enjoyment of the small group cycle in a really interesting city. I would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Ottawa”

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Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa - Château Laurier and the Titanic connection
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Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

12.Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 284 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $25

Follow a local storyteller for 75 minutes through downtown Ottawa, beginning near Parliament Hill. Hear eerie tales tied to the Château Laurier, Rideau Canal, Bytown Museum, and Lisgar Collegiate. Guides such as Monica, Margo, Nart, and Jack bring different styles, from humorous and family-friendly to genuinely chilling.

“Good way to spend time in Ottawa, very interesting, super guide, i recommend this tour , A lot of informations.”

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Ottawa: Canadian War Museum Admission - Following Canada’s military story
Museum Tours in Ottawa, Museums, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Ottawa: Canadian War Museum Admission

13.Canadian War Museum Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 232 reviews · 1 day · from $18Best value

Spend a full day at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum, a self-guided visit through Canada’s military past. See tanks, artillery, uniforms, art, photographs, and personal stories, then pause in Memorial Hall beside the Unknown Soldier’s headstone. Admission includes permanent galleries, special exhibitions, a multilingual guide, and a self-serve coat check.

“Amazing, one of the best War Musuems in the world. I have been to WWII ones in France, england and New Orleans --just an amazing collection --one of the best Armored vehicle / Tank collections”

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Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission - Douglas Cardinal’s building sets the tone
Historical Tours, Museum Tours in Ottawa, Museums, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission

14.Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 1 day · from $20

Spend a full day at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, across from Ottawa’s Parliament Hill. Explore four floors of permanent and special exhibitions, the Canadian History Hall, the world’s largest indoor display of monumental poles, the Canadian Children’s Museum, and Ciné+. Admission includes a museum guide app, coat check, and wheelchair access.

“j’avais deux heures devant moi, ce qui m’a permis de voir l’exposition sur l’histoire du Canada.”

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Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature Admission - Dinosaurs, fossils, and the scale of natural history
Museum Tours in Ottawa, Museums, Ottawa Tours, Tour Reviews

Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature Admission

15.Canadian Museum of Nature Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 226 reviews · 1 day · from $19

Spend a full day exploring four floors of Canadian nature inside Ottawa’s historic museum castle. See dinosaurs, a complete blue whale skeleton, gems, Arctic displays, live insects, Pacific tide pool creatures, and Canadian birds. Admission covers permanent galleries, with limited special-exhibit tickets available at the museum.

“i liked the whole experience! so much to see and learn. We spent almoat 4hrs there taking everything in. was a great time”

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New in Ottawa Tours

★ 5.0Private day tour to wildlife Parc Omega and Montebello lodge from MontrealFrom $35940 reviews
★ 4.5Ottawa Private Day Tour from MontrealFrom $33527 reviews
★ 4.9Taste of the ByWard Market Food TourFrom $10450 reviews
★ 5.0Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with Turtle SightingsFrom $4754 reviews
★ 3.8Small-Group Walking Tour with Boat CruiseFrom $725 reviews
★ 4.2Small Group Night Tour With River CruiseFrom $8054 reviews
★ 5.0Private Parc Omega Wildlife Safari – Winter MagicFrom $18364 reviews
★ 4.5Private Custom Tour with a Local GuideFrom $4442 reviews
★ 5.0Panoramic helicopter flight (Gatineau Park + downtown)7 reviews
★ 4.2Local Wine and Cider TourFrom $13016 reviews
★ 4.7Ottawa Senators Ice Hockey Game TicketFrom $2830 reviews
★ 5.0Most Unique Poutine TourFrom $636 reviews
★ 4.7National Gallery of Canada AdmissionFrom $189 reviews
★ 5.0Guided Nature Walk & Wildlife Tour with Hotel PickupFrom $434 reviews
★ 4.7Historic Tour of the Ottawa Jail HostelFrom $1878 reviews

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