Canada · TOURS IN OTTAWA

Top 15 Tours in Ottawa

24 tours  ·  from $5 a head

The 15 best tours in Ottawa you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus - Starting at Sparks and Elgin Streets
City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise - Parliament Hill from the Ottawa River
Boat Tours in Ottawa, City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise - A quiet ride on Ottawa’s electric canal boat
Boat Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

3.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa: Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Tour Pass - Starting at 44 Sparks Street
City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Guided, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Tour Pass

4.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise - Ottawa’s landmarks arrive from an unusual angle
Boat Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

5.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line - Boarding the Paula D
Boat Tours in Ottawa, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa Boat Cruise – Paul’s Boat Line

6.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!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water - Ottawa’s landmarks arrive in quick succession
City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

7.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour - Starting at 44 Sparks Street
City Tours, City Tours in Ottawa, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

8.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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour - Starting on Sparks Street after dark
Ghost & History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour

9.Haunted Night Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 341 reviews · 1h 15m · from $23

Meet a cloaked guide at 46 1/2 Sparks Street for a 75-minute outdoor walk through downtown Ottawa. Hear ghost stories tied to Grant House, Château Laurier, and a haunted high school, with English or French commentary. Guides such as Monica, Jack, and Nart bring different styles, from warm storytelling to extra theatrical scares.

“Jack was an awesome guide! Very knowledgeable and even emphasized at times to make the tour a little more “spooky””

Check availability →Read our full review

2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour - The National War Memorial and the Rideau Canal
2-Hour Experiences, Cycling Tours, Cycling Tours in Ottawa, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

10.2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 296 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $59Top rated

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

Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa - Château Laurier and the Titanic connection
Ghost & History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

11.Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 284 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $25

Spend about 75 minutes walking from 46 Sparks Street through downtown Ottawa with a local storyteller. Hear eerie tales linked to Château Laurier, the Rideau Canal, Bytown Museum, Lisgar Collegiate Institute, and other historic sites. Guides such as Monica, Margo, Nart, and Laura are known for lively delivery, with a family-friendly tone available.

“It was great to know more about the history of Ottawa. The walk is easy for kids and everybody can enjoy.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa: Canadian War Museum Admission - Four chronological galleries that make Canada’s story easier to follow
Museums, Museums in Ottawa, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Canadian War Museum Admission

12.Canadian War Museum Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 232 reviews · 1 day · from $18

Spend a full day exploring Canada’s national military museum at 1 Vimy Place in Ottawa. Follow the country’s wartime story through four chronological galleries, personal accounts, art, vehicles, tanks, and temporary exhibitions. Admission includes permanent and special exhibitions, a multilingual guide, and a self-serve coat check. Plan at least two hours, and six to eight if you read closely.

“It was well worth the money and very interesting and well displayed.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission - Follow 15,000 years in the Canadian History Hall
Historical Tours, Museums, Museums in Ottawa, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission

13.Gatineau: Canadian Museum of History Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 230 reviews · 1 day · from $20

Spend a full day at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, across the river from Ottawa. Explore four floors of permanent and special exhibitions, see the world’s largest indoor collection of monumental poles, visit the Canadian Children’s Museum, and watch films at Ciné+. The $20 admission includes all listed galleries and museum facilities.

“j’avais deux heures devant moi, ce qui m’a permis de voir l’exposition sur l’histoire du Canada.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature Admission - Four floors that turn science into a walking route
Museums, Museums in Ottawa, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Ottawa: Canadian Museum of Nature Admission

14.Canadian Museum of Nature Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 226 reviews · 1 day · from $19

Spend a full day exploring four floors at Ottawa’s Canadian Museum of Nature. See dinosaurs, Canadian mammals, gems, birds, live insects, Pacific tide pool creatures, and a complete blue whale skeleton. Admission covers permanent galleries and special exhibits, though limited-capacity tickets, including Butterflies in Flight, must be requested on arrival.

“We took our adult children and grandchildren to the museum and we all had a fantastic time. The exhibits are highly interactive and problem or issue-based. Not just a bunch of items in a glass case. Each section is easy to navigate along a rough path rather than a huge room where we'd loose our grandkids. There were games and activities as well as "talking" exhibits is you don't like reading. The exhibit signs were large enough to actually read (I'm retired....) and placed in logical positions to avoid confusion. Loved it and would visit Ottawa just to go back again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Canadian War Museum Admission - A practical three-hour route through the museum
Museums, Museums in Ottawa, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ottawa

Canadian War Museum Admission

15.Canadian War Museum Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 213 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $18

Set your own pace at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum with admission to permanent galleries and special exhibits. Allow about three hours for tanks, aircraft, uniforms, weapons, personal stories, photographs, and interactive displays. Guided tours cost extra, and a mobile ticket makes entry simple, though printing ahead can save time.

“I feel peace ☮️ during my visit — my first time at this museum in Ottawa — that’s why I took the membership…”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Tours in Ottawa

★ 4.0Street Art Exploration Game and Self-Guided Tour in OttawaFrom $720 reviews
★ 5.0Cycling Ottawa’s 200th Anniversary, self-guidedFrom $2645 reviews
★ 4.74 or 8-Hour Bike Rental with Self-Guided TourFrom $2851 reviews

Keep browsing

Niagara Falls Tours83Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Tours35Cruises & Boat Tours110Whale Watching34Walking Tours67Wine Tours31
Scroll to Top

Explore Canada

Pick a coast, a lake or an old town.

The Rockies

Lake Louise & MoraineIcefields ParkwayJohnston CanyonGondolasYoho & Emerald Lake

On the water

Boat TripsWhale WatchingRaftingKayaksDinner Cruises

Cities on foot

Walking ToursCity ToursOld TownsGhost & History WalksHop-On Buses

Food and drink

Food ToursWine TastingsBreweriesSugar Shacks