The 4 Best Boat Tours in Ottawa

1.Sightseeing River Cruise

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

Spend 90 minutes aboard the Paula D on the Ottawa River, with bilingual English and French commentary from guides such as Andy, Elodie, and Pascale. You’ll see Parliament, the Rideau Canal Locks, Rideau Falls, embassies, and Ottawa from angles you cannot get on land. Choose a Gatineau or Ottawa departure dock.

“The Ottawa Riverboat tour was a great and affordable tour! Elodie, the tour guide was an engaging and energetic host who spoke English and French seamlessly. The views were very nice!”

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2.Rideau Canal Cruise

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

Cruise from behind the National Arts Centre to Dow’s Lake aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel. A live English and French guide points out about 30 sites, including Château Laurier, the Canadian Museum of Nature, Lansdowne Park, and the Dominion Arboretum. Expect a smooth 90-minute ride, light humor, and no food or drinks included.

“It was a great day to be on the canal, and we learned many interesting facts about Ottawa! Our guide was very informative, and added a nice touch of humour as well. She spent time to get to know her riders on a personal level as well by sitting and chatting with each of the groups on the boat.”

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3.Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

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

Spend about 90 minutes on Ottawa’s Rideau Canal aboard a certified 100% electric passenger boat. A guide such as Lily, Wendy, Ellen, or Theo may lead you past Dow’s Lake, Château Laurier, Lansdowne Park, the Ottawa Locks, and the Canadian Museum of Nature, with commentary in English and sometimes French.

“Confirmation from Viator had important details deep in the confirmation. Read all the fine print. Viator also changed the cruise time 5 min after the confirmation was received. Change sent via email & moved tour to 30 min earlier.”

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4.Ottawa Boat Cruise – Paul’s Boat Line

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

Spend about 90 minutes aboard the Paula D, viewing Ottawa and Gatineau from the river. A bilingual guide such as Wendy, Andi, Andy, or Elodie explains the sights in French and English. You can sit on the upper deck, buy drinks and snacks, and enjoy clear views of Parliament Hill, museums, embassies, and Rideau Falls.

“Good experience all around. Great information on the tour and friendly and fun. Beautiful scenery!!!”

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