Looking for an unforgettable way to experience Ottawa?
I had a fantastic time exploring Ottawa last summer on my Canada road trip (along with Montreal and Toronto).
Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, has something for everyone to enjoy, from its iconic Parliament Hill to the Rideau Canal.
But, with so many great options, how do you decide which to pick? Don’t worry, I’ve got all the information on the best tours in Ottawa right here for you — from walking tours to bike tours and even scenic canal cruises.
Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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My Top 3 Picks: Best Tours in Ottawa Canada
#1 TOP PICK
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour
✔️ Behind the scenes access to Parliament Buildings
✔️ Scenic cruise
✔️ Maximum of 6 people
#2 PICK
Ottawa Highlights Bike Tour
✔️ Ride along the Rideau Canal pathways
✔️See the Ottawa Locks
✔️ Rideau Hall + Gardens
#3 PICK
ByWard Market Food Tour
✔️ Sample delicious local favorite dishes
✔️ Famous BeaverTails!
✔️ Alcoholic drinks
9 Best Ottawa Tours and Experiences
1. Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise (Top Pick!)
⌛Tour Length: ~4 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars (100+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- Visit Parliament Hill and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Parliament facilities
- Skip-the-line access
- Explore the grounds of the Canadian Parliament Building
- Narrated driving tour of Ottawa’s highlights
- 1.5 hour Rideau Canal cruise (seasonal)
Discover the charm and beauty of Ottawa with this half-day tour that will take you to some of the city’s most popular landmarks including the majestic Parliament buildings. Your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights about Ottawa’s history along the way.
Upon reaching Parliament Hill, you’ll be awestruck by the grandeur of the buildings and the picturesque views of the city that spread out before you. (This is one of the reasons Ottawa is one of the top travel destinations in Canada!)
Get ready for an exclusive tour of the Parliament headquarters that will give you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of the Canadian government. Admire the state-of-the-art facilities, the beautiful architecture and artwork.
Perfect tour, walking, riding in a very clean van, canal cruise and an amazing tour guide… It was almost a private tour since we were only 6. Highly recommended.
Read more reviews
After the Parliament building adventure, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the grounds. Take pictures of the stunning Peace Tower and other magnificent buildings or see the Centennial Flame.
The highlight of this exciting tour is the 1.5-hour scenic river cruise down the lovely Rideau Canal (available seasonally from mid-May to mid-October). Along the way, you’ll be captivated by breathtaking views of Ottawa’s most iconic sites.
Whether you’re just visiting Ottawa for a day or want an overview of the city to kick off a longer stay, this small group tour is the perfect way to see Ottawa’s top attractions!
✔️Key Information:
- Tour offered in English
- Complimentary pick-up offered from downtown Ottawa hotels
- Note: Canal cruise is seasonal (~mid-May through mid-October). In the off season, the river cruise is replaced with a visit to the Canadian Museum of History
- Small group: A maximum of 6 people will be on your tour
2. Ottawa Highlights Bike Tour
⌛ Tour Length: ~3.5 hours | ⭐Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (80+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- See the Rideau Canal National Historic Site
- Stop by the Ottawa Locks and watch the operation of the locks
- Cycle through the lovely waterfront pathways in the Arboretum
- Ride through Ottawa’s great neighborhoods: Little Italy, the Glebe, and more!
- Enjoy great views of Ottawa from both sides of the river
- See Rideau Hall (the home of the Governor General) and its spectacular gardens
- ByWard Market
Explore the breathtaking city of Ottawa like never before on this invigorating half-day bike tour. Get some exercise and fresh air while admiring the stunning natural pathways and waterways of Canada’s capital city.
This 3.5-hour sightseeing tour includes a top-quality bike, a helmet, a water bottle, and a tasty snack. It’s the perfect way to explore Ottawa!
Pedal along the famous Rideau Canal Western Pathway and discover the trendy neighborhood of the Glebe. Feast your eyes on the natural beauty of Hog’s Back Falls, Carleton University, and the Dominion Arboretum.
Excellent way to see Ottawa! Pathway system in the City is fantastic and our Tour Guide was terrific.
Sue V (Read more reviews)
As you cycle back to downtown Ottawa, marvel at Ottawa’s iconic landmarks, including the Canadian War Museum. Ride across the river to the province of Quebec and enjoy spectacular views of downtown Ottawa.
Finally, glide back to the starting point, passing the impressive National Gallery of Canada, bustling ByWard Market, mesmerizing Rideau Falls, and magnificent Rideau Hall.
Join us on this unforgettable Ottawa Highlights Bike Tour and immerse yourself in Ottawa’s fascinating history and breathtaking scenery.
If you like the sound of a scenic bike tour of Ottawa but would like a shorter option, check out this 2-hour Express Ottawa Bike Tour. (This popular tour has over 200 5-star reviews!). And if you’re visiting in May, don’t miss out on this Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour!
✔️Key Information:
- Tours offered in English, French, German, and Spanish
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Infant seats available
- A maximum of 10 people will be on your tour
3. Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour
⌛ Tour Length: ~2.5 hour | ⭐ Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars (20+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- Learn about the history of Ottawa’s ByWard Market
- Sample local favorite treats (4 savory, 2 sweet) including a stop at the world-famous BeaverTail stand
- Choice of two alcoholic beverages (beer or wine); non-alcoholic options available
- Meet local producers, chefs, and artisans who are passionate about great food
Immerse yourself in Ottawa’s vibrant ByWard Market with this Taste of the ByWard Market Food Tour. Discover the rich history of this iconic neighborhood as you indulge in a diverse array of local favorites on this culinary walking tour.
Let your knowledgeable guide introduce you to the best culinary destinations in the market, where you’ll meet the talented chefs, producers and artisans that make it all happen.
Delicious food, animated guide, great experience. Highly recommended.
Read more reviews
Enjoy six mouthwatering food stops, including four savory and two sweet. Be sure to save room for the last stop — the world-famous BeaverTail stand, where they make Ottawa’s favorite pastry!
I loved visiting the ByWard Market on my trip to Ottawa. So fun to peruse the crafts, and the fresh fruit was irresistible!
So bring along your comfy walking shoes and your appetite! Your taste buds will thank you for taking this delicious ByWard Market Food Tour!
✔️Key Information:
- Tours offered in English and French
- Please indicate any dietary restrictions when booking your food tours
- Not wheelchair accessible
4. Night Tour of Ottawa with River Cruise and Light Show
⌛Tour Length: ~3.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 5 out of 5 stars (20+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- Stunning sunset river cruise
- Stroll through the ByWard Market
- See Ottawa’s attractions beautifully illuminated at night
- Northern Lights show projected on the Parliament Buildings (seasonal, typically starts in July)
Discover the magic of Ottawa at night with this small group night tour!
Your evening begins with a tranquil sunset cruise along the Ottawa River, providing breathtaking views of the city’s most iconic landmarks. As you cruise, learn about the history and culture of the city from your knowledgeable tour guide.
Next, you’ll enjoy a fully narrated driving tour of the city, passing by multiple attractions such as the Supreme Court, Parliament Hill, Nepean Point, and the Canadian Museum of History. Marvel at the beautifully illuminated sights of Ottawa and take a stroll through Ottawa’s bustling ByWard Market.
BEST tour of Ottawa… The river cruise was lovely, offering a different perspective of the city… the highlight was the light show on the Parliament Bldg with the finale… singing ‘Oh Canada’. I would highly recommend this evening tour.
Patti S. (Read more reviews)
As the tour comes to an end, witness the magnificent “Northern Lights” show projected on the wall of the Parliament Building.
(The show lasts about 30 minutes and is popular with locals and tourists alike. I was surprised at how early people arrive to claim a good seat on the lawn!)
This nighttime show is a history of Canada told with exceptional sound and light visuals against the backdrop of Parliament Hill’s Center Block and Peace Tower.
This fun-filled small group night tour is the perfect way to end a day in Ottawa. So come and join us now to explore Canada’s Capital City in a whole new way!
✔️Key Information:
- Tours offered in English
- Wheelchair accessible (wheelchair must be able to be folded and fit into the back of the van)
- Stroller accessible
- Complimentary pick-up offered from downtown Ottawa hotels
- River cruise is weather dependent
- Small group: A maximum of 6-7 people will be on your tour
5. Ottawa Sightseeing River Cruise
⌛Tour Length: ~1.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars (1000+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- See Ottawa’s highlights from the river with live bilingual commentary
- See the stunning Parliament Buildings from the river
- View the Rideau Canal Locks
- Enjoy the open-air top deck or the enclosed lower deck
Experience the natural beauty and rich history of Ottawa from a unique perspective on this Ottawa sightseeing river cruise. This cruise is the perfect way to admire unforgettable views and see some of Ottawa’s most majestic icons that are only visible from the water.
As you glide down the river, your guide will provide entertaining and informative insights in both English and French. You’ll learn about the region’s rich history and the river’s past life as a watery highway for transporting resources.
We really enjoyed seeing our City from the Ottawa River… The view of the Chateau Laurier and Rideau Canal Locks at sunset and nightfall were beautiful. We also really liked the how the dome of the Art Gallery was lit up at night. Spectacular! Highly Recommend this tour.
Read more reviews
During your cruise, you’ll be treated to fabulous views of the city, including the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal Locks. (I will say that there are some incredible views that you can only get from the river, or by crossing over to Gatineau!)
This sightseeing river cruise is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Ottawa and is the perfect introduction to the Canadian capital. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular views!
✔️Key Information:
- Tours offered in English and French
- Downloadable app offers information in 9 other languages
- Choose to board in Ottawa or Gatineau (across the river)
- Wheelchair accessible
6. Ottawa Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus
⌛Tour Length: ~1 hour | ⭐ Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (920+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- See the sights of Ottawa in a unique amphibious vehicle
- Pass by Ottawa’s attractions by land (~40 min) and by river (~20 min)
- See Byward Market, Landsdowne Park, and Lake Dow
- Enjoy spectacular views of Ottawa from different perspectives
Explore the captivating city of Ottawa by land and water on these fun amphibious bus tours. Enjoy breathtaking views of Ottawa’s iconic landmarks and historical attractions from multiple perspectives.
Discover the city’s enchanting sights during 40 minutes of land-based exploration, including the picturesque Lake Dow, Landsdowne Park, and the lively Byward Market.
We actually live here in Ottawa… A bus that goes in the water sounded like fun and it was so much fun and educational… actually leaned so much more about this city. It’s a great tour for tourists and people who live here with an hour to spare. You won’t regret it.
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Then, embark on an aquatic adventure that unveils Ottawa’s charms from a whole new vantage point. Spend 20 minutes cruising along the Ottawa River in a unique vehicle that seamlessly transitions from land to water.
This unique amphibious bus tour of Ottawa is an excellent choice for those who are short on time but still want to see and do it all. It’s a fun (and educational) activity that is perfect for the whole family!
✔️Key Information:
- Tours are offered in English and French (bilingual guide)
- Not wheelchair accessible
7. Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Tour
⌛Tour Length: ~1.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars (700+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- Hop-on and hop-off as many times as you like and see the city at your own pace
- See all of Ottawa’s top sights including the Canadian Parliament building, museums, and galleries
- Enjoy the city views from the open-top double decker bus or trolley
Discover the stunning city of Ottawa with this hop-on hop-off guided city tour! Get comfy in a classic double-decker bus or trolley as you take a relaxing trip through Canada’s historic capital.
Over the course of 1.5 hours, you’ll have the opportunity to visit all of Ottawa’s most iconic sites. These include the renowned Canadian Parliament buildings, fascinating museums, and the bustling Byward Market.
Staff were very friendly, engaging commentary which was clear and informative… The route was carefully thought out and offered a very comprehensive overview of the city.
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The beauty of a hop-on hop-off tour is that you can explore each attraction at your own pace. Admire art in a world-class museum, wander through a picturesque park, or feast on delicious local cuisine — the choice is yours!
So why wait? Book your seat on this hop-on hop-off guided tour of Ottawa today. It’s the perfect way to make sure you don’t miss a thing!
✔️Key Information:
- Tours offered in English and French
- Audio guides available in additional languages (German, Russian, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese)
- Wheelchair accessible
8. Ottawa Rideau Canal Cruise
⌛Tour Length: ~1.5 hours | ⭐ Ratings: 4 out of 5 stars (650+ reviews) | ➡️ Book now
⭐Highlights:
- Cruise along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Glide through the city center and see Ottawa’s highlights on the world’s largest certified 100% electric passenger vessel
- See the operation of the Ottawa Locks
Embark on an eco-friendly journey through Ottawa on this Rideau Canal cruise. Experience one of Canada’s most historic waterways on the world’s largest certified, 100% electric passenger vessel.
Admire the breathtaking views of Ottawa’s top attractions as you glide along the Rideau Canal, honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy views of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Chateau Laurier, and the National Arts Centre as you glide along the canal.
Love the Rideau Canal Tour. An all-electric craft is in keeping with current ecological and environmental goals. Great historical information on Colonel By and the Canal… A wonderful experience.
Judy B (Read more Rideau Canal Cruise reviews)
Listen to your knowledgeable guide showcase the rich heritage and illustrious history of the city as you cruise from Dow’s Lake to the Ottawa River. Admire the ever-changing landscapes as you pass by sights ranging from museums to foreign embassies to some of Ottawa’s most beautiful parks.
This Rideau Canal cruise offers a refreshing perspective of Ottawa’s landmarks, allowing you to discover the city’s incredible history in a unique way.
✔️Key Information:
- Tours offered in English
- Audio guides available for download in English, Chinese, French, German, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- A maximum of 30 people will be on your tour
Ottawa Tours Tips and FAQ
Three days is the perfect amount of time to see Ottawa. This gives you plenty of time to explore Ottawa’s must-see attractions such as the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal, and the ByWard Market.
You can also spend a day visiting Ottawa’s world-class museums, such as the Canadian Museum of History or the National Gallery of Canada.
The best time to visit Ottawa is in late spring and summer. In May, enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival in Commissioners Park, with over 300,000 tulips! And the Northern Lights sound and lights show is a must-see for any visitor to Ottawa. It generally runs from the beginning of July through the beginning of September.
The number one thing to do in Ottawa is to see the Parliament Buildings. The Parliament Buildings and the Peace Tower are stunning, and in summer the Northern Lights show is projected onto the Parliament Buildings. You can also take guided tours of the Parliament Buildings to get a behind-the-scenes look at the seat of Canada’s federal government.
The legal drinking age in Ottawa is 19 years old. Note that there are differences in the legal drinking age across Canada, with some provinces (for example, the legal drinking age is 18 years old in the neighboring province of Quebec).
No, tips are not included in the cost of a tour in Ottawa. If you enjoyed your tour and your tour guide, gratuities are always appreciated!
Final thoughts..
From the iconic Rideau Canal to stunning Parliament Hill, there are countless reasons why Ottawa is a must-see travel destination in Canada.
It’s a great addition to your Canada summer vacation itinerary, since it is close to Montreal and Toronto.
Taking a guided tour in Ottawa ensures that you get to see all the city’s top sights. But if you’re ready to explore on your own, check out this post with all my recommendations for all the best things to do in Ottawa!
You might also enjoy these posts about my favorite places to travel in Canada:
- Should you visit Montreal or Toronto?
- Best of Montreal, Toronto, and Ottawa Canada Itinerary
- Best Food Tours in Montreal
- What to See at the Montreal Botanical Garden
- Best Things to Do and See in Victoria
- Best Cities to Visit in Canada
Planning a trip to Ottawa? Don’t miss out on all these amazing Ottawa tours — pin this for later!
Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is a professional travel advisor and the founder of Waves and Cobblestones and Travel to Lyon. She has sailed 50 cruises across 11 cruise lines and has extensive firsthand experience traveling throughout Europe, including France, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, and more.
A passionate traveler and former engineer, Lisa brings her experience in research, planning, and problem-solving to helping clients plan memorable European vacations and cruises.
Learn more about Lisa!
