10 Tours in Ottawa That You Shouldn't Miss

October 21, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

Canada's capital is a compact, clean, cleverly planned center of culture and politics and a destination for every season. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Museum of Nature and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and turns into the world’s largest skating rink when frozen in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.
Restaurants in Ottawa

1. Haunted Walk's Nightmare Before (and after) Christmas Tour in Ottawa

46 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8, Canada Haunted Walk of Ottawa
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Join us as we explore the darker side of the festive season. Hear about strange and frightening holiday traditions from around the world and gather in close as we share creepy Christmas-themed ghost stories. The majority of the tour will take place inside the spooky Bytown Museum, one of Ottawa’s oldest and most haunted buildings. Once inside, you’ll learn why some Haunted Walk tour guides are too scared to give tours of the museum – even at Christmas time! Pay close attention to the stories and you might just win yourself some extra presents before the night is through!

Inclusions: Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By michaela_caps

Ally was our tour guide. Very friendly and enthusiastic and I appreciated how she spoke very clearly. Great activity for a family or just wanting to get out a bit with some fun ghost history of Ottawa.

2. Ottawa 1 Day Tour

1242 Rue Stanley, Montréal, QC H3B 2S7, Canada Agence Wonder Travel Inc.
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Within a day travelers can visit the capital of Canada. This vibrant and divers city is home to the Parliament Hill which is one of Canada’s most iconic sites, this neo-Gothic building stands tall on a hill overlooking the majestic Ottawa River. Then we will visit the Canadian Museum of History, its primary purpose is to collect, study, preserve, and present material objects that illuminate the human history of Canada and the cultural diversity of its people. Furthermore, we will visit the Canadian War Museum which covers all facets of Canada's military past to the country's most recent involvement in conflicts. Finally, we will take a boat cruise on the Ottawa River to capture a unique and spectacular views of some of the city's attractions such as the Parliament Buildings, Canadian Museum of History, and Rideau Falls. You will be assisted by our tour leader throughout the trip, you will be able to participate in various activities (not included), and visit various unique places.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities, Admissions

Reviewed By evenwang438521

This February, I went a trip to Quebec one day tour with Wonder Travel. It was an amazing experience for me. I went there alone, but I didn’t feel boring. On the bus, I talked with the guide Paulin, she was very kind and gave me a lot of recommendations to where I should go. She suggested me to have a nice cup of coffee in the famous coffee shop in Old Quebec City, and the coffee was really nice. Besides, I was really satisfied with the iterary Wonder Travel organized. All the destinations we went to were worthwhile and fantastic, especially the Monmorency fall which is really magnificent and unforgettable. On our way back, we were tired and I got a little cold, Paulin she gave me her coat. She is really kind. If I have a chance to go on a travel next time, I hope to go with Wonder Travel!

3. Ottawa Landmarks

2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5, Canada RentABike Ottawa
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Since 1976, we have offered the best for visitors to the Nation's Capital. Our guides are experienced, professional and fun. Our Giant bicycles and helmets are new every year. Many lovely sights, some unique history and always an anecdote about our community and inhabitants to raise a smile. It is special because we use only pathways. There is no traffic or roads to traverse.

Inclusions: new Giant pathway bicycle, new helmet, bottle of water, professional and experienced guide.

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Reviewed By Ottawa4T

I would definitely recommend renting bikes from RentABike. The team is composed of very knowledgeable biking experts (as you can read on their website bio). I discovered this only recently while browsing through their website in the "about us" section.They have an excellent selection of bikes which get renewed every year. We rented bikes the first time in October 2019 and did the Petit Train du Nord bike ride over the course of 4 days. Picking up the bikes at 2 Rideau St was very easy (just drive down to the canal). The team took the time to adjust our bikes and were very patient. We are planning to rent bikes again this year. When I called , Jill was very helpful on the phone and my subsequent emails were replied to in a very timely fashion. They really deserve to be supported during these difficult Covid-19 Pandemic times.Their professionalism, excellent communication and expertise is very appreciated. Thank you!

4. Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour

65 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals
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4.7 based on 19 reviews

On this 3-hour guided bike tour of Ottawa, visit the capital's renown Tulip Festival, a special annual event available in May. Enjoy Commissioners Park, home to the Ottawa's most dazzling festival display and learn about the festival history from your fun guide. Follow the winding pathways with your local guide through the explosion of color in gardens filled with over 300,000 tulips. There will be 30-40 minutes stop at the Major Tulip festival site along with visiting some other tulip sites and must-see attractions in Ottawa.

Inclusions: Bicycle, Helmet, Local tour guide (English), Water Bottle

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By jamesmX6900CW

Our bike tour with Escape Bicycle Tours was the highlight of our family Ottawa getaway! Our friendly and knowledgeable tour guide shared many memorable historical facts and fun anecdotes about the capital. Our party included two kids, aged 10 and 12, and our guide made sure we felt safe in the traffic. (Most of the tour was on bike paths.) We rode 14 kilometers, crossing three bridges, rode over a waterfall and enjoyed many great views of the city. The Escape headquarters is on a car-free street (situated a stone's throw from Parliament Hill), which made fitting the bikes stress-free. The bikes were top notch, and we enjoyed exceptional customer service. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the experience - I highly recommend it!

5. Cycling the Nation's Capital, self-guided

Ottawa Boat Cruises, 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5, Canada RentABike Ottawa
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4.7 based on 15 reviews

• Why self-guided on two wheels? Our pathway system is at our doorstep. No reservation/cancelation needed. Pay only when your ride is complete. 300 bikes available. Our community is safe and helpful to visitors. Easy to navigate pathways follow the 4 major waterways. Our personal directions and map are guaranteed. You set your time, pace and route* from 10am everyday.  IT COSTS LESS! • No traffic or delays from the Rideau Canal tour/rental centre • Light, easy Giant models in five sizes expertly fitted. Electric assist available. • Ride the waterways, parklands and national historic site pathways • See Rideau Canal, Rideau Falls, Hog's Back Falls, Arboretum, Central Farm, Rideau, Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers • Duration: up to 4 hours, 15km -25km

Inclusions: bike, helmet, lock, map, tax

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Gratuities

Reviewed By Ottawa4T

I would definitely recommend renting bikes from RentABike. The team is composed of very knowledgeable biking experts (as you can read on their website bio). I discovered this only recently while browsing through their website in the "about us" section.They have an excellent selection of bikes which get renewed every year. We rented bikes the first time in October 2019 and did the Petit Train du Nord bike ride over the course of 4 days. Picking up the bikes at 2 Rideau St was very easy (just drive down to the canal). The team took the time to adjust our bikes and were very patient. We are planning to rent bikes again this year. When I called , Jill was very helpful on the phone and my subsequent emails were replied to in a very timely fashion. They really deserve to be supported during these difficult Covid-19 Pandemic times.Their professionalism, excellent communication and expertise is very appreciated. Thank you!

6. Ghosts and the Gallows Haunted Carleton County Jail in Ottawa

46 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8, Canada Haunted Walk of Ottawa
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4.7 based on 156 reviews

Choose from two departure times to begin your 60 to 75-minute tour experience that takes you inside the old Carleton County Jail, now the HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, one of the most haunted buildings in North America! Is the jail haunted today? Your guided jail experience will allow you to decide for yourself. Your tour begins and ends at the old Carleton County Jail.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By michaela_caps

Ally was our tour guide. Very friendly and enthusiastic and I appreciated how she spoke very clearly. Great activity for a family or just wanting to get out a bit with some fun ghost history of Ottawa.

7. Ottawa Tourist Scavenger Hunt

2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5, Canada Hollywood Tourist Scavenger Hunt
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

Are you planning a visit to Ottawa? Our tourist treasure hunt will take you from Chateau Laurier to the Supreme Court and the Byward Market, passing by the Parliament Hill of course! You will have to solve challenges at every step to discover your next destination and earn points. At each step, you will learn a little history as well as interesting facts about what surrounds you. t takes 2-3 hours to complete, do it whenever you wish - you select your own date and start time, no scheduling or reservation needed. 20+ challenges, games and enigmas to solve as you walk through this historic neighborhood.

Inclusions: Urban scavenger hunt with 30+ challenges, Historical and architectural walking tour

Exclusions: Wifi - This activity requires internet access on your smartphone - a data plan.

Reviewed By 654wpw

Overall fun, hampered by some errors in navigation, lots of questions are basic. Nice info on history

8. Oh Canada Eh Dinner Show Ottawa

Oh Canada Eh? Dinner Show, Ottawa
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4.6 based on 34 reviews

This high-energy, family friendly production features over 70 songs from all-Canadian artists including music from Paul Anka, Celine Dion, Shania Twain, the Bare Naked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber and many, MANY more. While you're enjoying the show, our performers serve our famous, all-Canadian meal.

Inclusions: Savour a delicious 5 course Family Style meal while enjoying 2 hours of non-stop Canadian Music. Meet singing Mounties, lumberjacks and Anne-of-Green-Gables as the performers are also your servers eh!

Exclusions: All bar service including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage are an additional service and charges will apply, Soda/Pop, Bottled water, Gratuities

Reviewed By Robert R

We celebrated my wife's birthday by attending the Oh Canada Eh? Dinner show in Ottawa on July 25th. The food was great and the service was outstanding. I could not believe the voices of the singers. They really sang from the heart. The acting was also exceptional. The whole evening was a wonderful experience and it made me proud to be Canadian. Would absolutely recommend this show to everyone.

9. ByWard Market Lunch Tasting Experience

380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8, Canada Experience Food
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4.6 based on 14 reviews

**COVID-19 UPDATE: This tour is currently not running due to social distancing requirements for indoor activities. It typically requires a 2-person minimum booking and is a 2-bubble* only experience: Your guide will walk you through the streets of the ByWard Market and stop at various local-loved eateries where the house's specialty will be served to you as you learn about the city's rich history. Also known as the "International Tour" because of the diversity of authentic food offered, this 2.5 to 3-hour tour offers you a taste of the city's diverse roots and passion for food. This tour includes a stop to sample the world-famous BeaverTail (R) from the original location. Dietary restrictions and special needs must be communicated ahead of time - please indicate restrictions in the SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS field at the CHECKOUT of your ticket purchase. *Tours are restricted to people from the same household and up to 1 other household.

Inclusions: Historic & cultural information about the Market, Gratuities at all stops, Local guide, All taxes and fees, Lunch

Exclusions: Transportation to and from the tour, Parking, Gratuities for the tour guide (optional), Guests are encouraged to bring their own water bottles

Reviewed By Simon92

An excellent evening walking around Hull's finest restaurants with Mathieu. Great food, drinks and conversation, and warmly welcomed by each restaurant. Thank you!

10. Canadian War Museum Admission

Canadian War Museum
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4.6 based on 72 reviews

Canada's rich military history is showcased through artifacts, personal stories, artwork, photos and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world. Rest and reflect in Memorial Hall. Discover the Museum's fascinating architectural theme. And chat with a veteran to let history come alive.

Inclusions: Permanent and special exhibitions

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attraction, Fees for guided tours

Reviewed By carmichaelc2021

I highly recommend that you visit if you live here, or are visiting. They have some amazing displays, but my brother and I found the array of military equipment the most interesting. To see a full size German tank up close is fascinating, at least it was for me. Throw in the planes, trucks, guns and other stuff and you will be there for hours.

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