Top 7 City Tours in Ottawa

1.Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

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

Board the amphibious bus at Sparks and Elgin Streets for a one-hour tour in English and French. You spend about 40 minutes passing Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, Lansdowne Park, and other sights, then 20 minutes cruising the Ottawa River. Guides such as Wendy, Pierre, Sarah, and Alexis add history and humor.

“We really enjoyed this activity. It was great fun and the best bit was when all of a sudden we were floating down the river!!. The guide was very enthusiastic and well informed Highly recommend.”

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2.Sightseeing River Cruise

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

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

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

Start at 44 Sparks Street for a 1.5-hour guided loop through Ottawa. Ride the open-top double-decker or trolley, then hop off at Parliament, ByWard Market, museums, galleries, parks, and other major sights. English and French guides share local stories, while audio commentary is available in seven additional languages.

“Great day out seeing all main sites which we then returned to next day via bus. Very interesting guide.”

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4.Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

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

Ride from Lady Dive Tours in downtown Ottawa through the city’s key sights, then cross into Gatineau and enter the Ottawa River aboard an amphibious vehicle. A bilingual guide provides history and humor, with guides such as Gabrielle, Wendy, Kristine, and Cameron praised for making the short trip lively. Expect views, a splash, and a quick city orientation.

“It was cool floating on the Ottawa River (no, we do NOT go onto the Rideau Canal), and also crossing into Quebec at Gâtineau.”

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5.Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

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

Start at 44 Sparks Street for a guided Ottawa loop by double-decker bus or trolley. Use the 1-day pass to ride the full route or hop off at museums, ByWard Market, Rideau Hall, the RCMP stables, and other sights. Guides such as Sophie, Ken, Wendy, and Emile have drawn praise for lively local stories, though commentary can feel rushed.

“The driver and the host were very personable and respectful. We went on a rainy day but they did their best to make it a positive experience.”

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6.Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $87Top rated

Ride from central Ottawa through the Rideau Canal, Glebe, Arboretum, Hog’s Back Falls, Little Italy, and across to Quebec for city views. English-speaking guides such as Alison, David, Nora, and Sparky lead small groups of up to 10. Bikes, helmets, water, and a snack are included.

“The bikes were of a very high standard with a comfortable saddle, appreciate that. Our guide, Alison, was friendly & knowledgeable, took us to many interesting places and told us what to watch out for along the way. Safe city to cycle in. Even had a coffee stop in little Italy ☕️.”

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7.Ottawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 80 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $5Best value

Spend about three hours walking central Ottawa with an English, French, or Spanish-speaking guide. You’ll visit Confederation Square, the Rideau Canal, Major’s Hill Park, Château Laurier, and ByWard Market, while hearing local stories and getting food and nightlife tips. Guides such as Lee, Tro, Demeter, and Ibrahim have led recent tours.

“A lovely walk through the city with highlights on landmarks , the young person was good and spoke Spanish, English and French, It was advertised as gratitude but we paid $30 CA not dure why then later we gave a tip !”

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