5 Cycling Tours in Ottawa to Build a Day Around

1.2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Our pick

Ride through central Ottawa with a local guide on a small-group, two-hour city tour. Bikes, helmets, and water are included. Stop at the Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, Rideau Hall, Rideau Falls, the National Gallery, Ottawa Locks, and Parliament viewpoints. Guides such as Sparky, Mike, Hans, Allison, and Denis are known for friendly, lively commentary.

“This tour was educational and a great experience for the whole family. Mike the guide was phenomenal. An experience we will never forget.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Self-Guided Biking in Ottawa-Gatineau

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 107 reviews · 2 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $30

Start at Escape Bicycle Tours on pedestrian-only Sparks Street, where staff provide a bike, helmet, lock, and route map. You’ll cycle the Rideau Canal and Ottawa River pathways for roughly 2 to 4 hours, stopping for photos, shopping, and city sights at your own pace. Andrew is among the staff who help explain the route.

“Andrew I believe was his name, walked me through the highlights and map details. Bike was in good condition and lock was nice to have. I had a great bile ride.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour

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

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 ☕️.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.2 or 3.5-Hour Guided Bike Tour with a Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 84 reviews · from $55

Cycle through Ottawa and Gatineau on a 2-hour, 8.5-mile ride or a 3.5-hour, 14 to 15-mile tour. Your English-speaking local guide leads you past Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls, the Rideau Canal, Byward Market, museums, Little Italy, and Quebec. Regular bikes are included, with electric bikes available for riders aged 16 and older.

“Really informative and well planned tour. Sparky was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide - we had a great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Cycling Ottawa’s 200th Anniversary, self-guided

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $26Best value

Pick up a fitted Giant bike from RentABike beside Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, then follow your own route through the capital’s waterways and parklands. You receive a helmet, lock, and map, with e-bikes available for an added fee. This is self-guided, private, and returns to the same downtown location.

“Magnifique balade en velo le long du canal Rideau, meilleur moyen de déplacement pour découvrir ces sites bucoliques.”

Check availability →Read our full review