18 of the Best Ottawa Tours

If you’re looking for the best Ottawa tours to enjoy on your next visit, we’ve got you covered.

Welcome to Ottawa, the charming capital city of Canada where history, culture, and maple syrup converge! As you stroll through the picturesque streets, you’ll be captivated by the harmonious blend of old-world elegance and modern vibrancy. Ottawa’s iconic landmarks, including the majestic Parliament Hill and the enchanting Rideau Canal, proudly showcase the nation’s rich heritage. There are many things to do in Ottawa, from incredible museums and cool attractions to amazing food and outdoor activities.

There are also many cool Ottawa tours for those looking to enhance their visit to Ottawa, Ontario. Whether you’re looking for a fun boat ride down the Rideau Canal, a biking tour that takes you through scenic neighbourhoods, or a helicopter ride over the city, these are the best 18 Ottawa tours to consider.

Our Top 3 Picks: Ottawa Tours

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1. Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour with River Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (77+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 – 6 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Short on time but hoping to see as much of the city as possible? As Canada’s capital city, there are so many important landmarks, interesting architecture, and fascinating history to indulge in. Although this tour of Ottawa offers lots of sightseeing of popular areas, it also includes a visit to Parliament Hill and a Rideau Canal River Cruise to end your five-six hour tour in a nice relaxing way.

It was very handy being picked up and dropped off. I enjoyed it was a small group. Andrew was very knowledgeable and helpful. Melody, sorry not 100% sure her name, she was fantastic, knowledgeable. She made the cruise entertaining and pleasant. Bartender was also great. Thank you to the captain.

-Sandra (see more reviews)

This 4-hour Ottawa tour includes:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

2. Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Ottawa

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (60+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 10-30 Minutes | 🚀 BOOK NOW

While Ottawa has many star attractions you should visit, it’s an entirely different experience to soar over the capital of Canada in a helicopter, snapping breathtaking photos and enjoying marvellous views. Gaze out of the panoramic and curved windows and spot the serene Meech Lake and the Champlain.

In addition to the flight itself, we’ve been told that admission to the Canadian Space and Aviation Museum is included, so you’ll want to ask about that and book your tour accordingly. This is where you’ll find Rockcliffe Airport to begin your flight. See Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, and so much more from the sky. This activity also makes for one of the best date ideas in Ottawa as well!

Had a great experience. Our pilot Martin was very professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. Great views, smooth ride, so much fun.

-Travis (see more reviews)

Choose between Ottawa tours such as a 10-minute flight covering 30 KM, a 20-minute flight covering 60 KM, or a 30-minute flight covering 90 KM.

This helicopter tour over Ottawa includes:

• Helicopter flight
• Headset
• Safety briefing

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

3. Ottawa Highlights 3.5-Hour Bike Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (70+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Experience the beauty and history of Canada’s capital city on this half-day bike tour around Ottawa. See the major attractions and must-see sites while enjoying the natural pathways and waterways of Canada’s capital city. Overall, this is a great tour to get some exercise and get a taste of one of Canada’s most beautiful cities.

Did the 3.5 hour bike tour with Escapes & it was fabulous. We saw so many sites in both Ottawa & Quebec. Also learned a lot about Canadian history. Our guide, Sparky was the best. Want to go back & do the 5 hour tour.

-Mary (see more reviews)

This 3.5-hour biking tour of Ottawa includes:

• Bicycle
• Helmet
• Local tour guide (in English, French, German, and Spanish)
• Power Bar

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

4. Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (30+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3+ Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

As a relatively small and compact city, Ottawa is a great place to explore on a bike. If that sounds like fun, take part in this 3-hour bike tour to experience the beauty and history of Ottawa, including some of the city’s trendiest and most vibrant neighbourhoods, most of the major sites, and the natural pathways and waterways of Canada’s capital city. This tour is offered by the same company above but focused on the area outside of the busy downtown core.

My husband and I had an amazing time! The shop was easy to find. Our guide was easy going, very informative, and accommodating. Saw much more than we thought we could in our short stay in Ottawa. Great city for biking. The five hours were not strenuous nor stressful. Highly recommended!

-Rochelle (see more reviews)

This 3-hour bicycle tour of Ottawa includes:

• Bicycle
• Helmet
• Use of bicycle
• Power Bar

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

5. 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (218+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

With more than 200 5-star reviews, this is one of the most popular Ottawa tours. This small-group bike tour is perfect for families and those wanting a safe and leisurely way to see Ottawa in a very short timeframe of just two hours. Most of the route is on designated bike paths or quaint backroads that take you to some of Ottawa’s cultural and natural highlights, such as Rideau Hall, the Rideau Canal path, the War Memorial, Byward Market and more. Stop along the way to learn more about certain locations and get local tips from your guide.

The tour was a great way to explore Ottawa, understand its neighborhoods, green spaces, art museums and culture, while engaging all our senses. Our guide took us to places we would never have normally gone to. She was knowledgeable and very engaging. Highly recommended.

-Michele (see more reviews)

This 2-hour biking tour of Ottawa includes:

• Bicycle
• Helmet
• Local guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

6. City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (46+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Beer is so much better when you have transportation taken care of. So jump aboard the beer bus for an afternoon of fun. This 4–5 hour beer tour will take you to 3 (or more, depending on time) local Ottawa craft breweries for a tour and tasting, giving you time to learn about the ingredients and beer-making process, as well as taste the creations. If you like beer and you’re in Ottawa, this is one of the best Ottawa tours you can take.

Our tour guide, Vincent, was very entertaining and spent time with us on the bus chatting. The breweries were very interesting, learning a lot about the production of beers and especially about the different hops that were used and where they come from. The selection of beers at all the breweries was very good and plentiful

-Wendy (see more reviews)

This 4-hour tour of Ottawa breweries includes:

• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• All sampling and tour fees
• Local guide
• Transport by school-style bus
• Alcoholic Beverages

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

7. Ottawa Private Tour with a Local

⭐️ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars (63+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-6 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

This walking tour of Ottawa is perfect for those looking to customize their own experience and not be with other guests. It’s your chance to explore the city with a friendly local who is passionate and knowledgeable about Canada’s capital city and ready to help you make the most of your trip. Learn about the best places to eat and buy groceries, the easiest ways to get around, and the top things to see and do. Choose between a 2, 3 or 4-hour private tour.

I had a fabulous afternoon in Ottawa and. Especially enjoyed visiting the national art gallery Guillame was a very interesting and engaging person who was a great conversationalist – I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the various highlights around Ottawa.

-Happy customer (see more reviews)

This private tour of Ottawa includes:

• Local guide
• Customized private tour

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

8. Floating Tiki Bar (Boat Tour) on the Ottawa River

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (31+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

If you’re looking for one of the most unique Ottawa tours to do with your friends and family, this is it. Experience a slice of tropical paradise on the Ottawa River when you join a 90-minute floating tiki bar cruise. Connect your own music to the onboard speakers via Bluetooth, and bring your own food and drinks to enjoy along the way. The boat can accommodate up to 12 people, making it ideal for birthday parties or other celebrations. See the sights along the Ottawa River while enjoying a cold beverage. There’s even a restroom on board for your comfort.

We had a very good time. Staff is very friendly and it is a very original activity to do to have a drink or two in Ottawa !

-Nancy (see more reviews)

This 1.5-hour unique tour of Ottawa includes:

• Restroom on board
• Bluetooth Audio Hookup
• Incredible Memories
• Bring Your Own Food

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

9. Full-Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour – Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (25+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Is there really a better way to discover a region than through its local products? That’s why we recommend this tour to discover the magnificent Pontiac region, travelling along Route 148 to visit three family-owned wineries and a cider mill. This unique wine and cider tour allows you to taste delicious local products while learning about the history of the region and the process of making these high-quality products. Spend the afternoon This tour includes lots of wine and cider tastings, food, your guide, transportation from Ottawa and Gatineau, and perhaps most importantly, a lot of laughs!

We had a great time tasting Canada’s cold climate grape varietals with Jacob and Lynn! Our guides were fantastic and funny, providing commentary along the drive. The wineries were small and quaint and delicious. The cider mill (and its owner Greg) was our favorite stop. Such a cute place! Definitely recommend this tour to see some Canadian countryside and taste some wine and cider

-Erin (see more reviews)

This Full-Day Winery Tour from Ottawa includes:

• Lunch
• Snacks
• Wine tastings
• Cider tasting
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Free pickup and drop-off from Gatineau & Ottawa
• Guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

10. Hop-On Hop-Off Guided City Bus Tour Pass

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (475+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1-2 Days | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Explore Ottawa at your own pace with this popular hop-on hop-off city bus tour of Ottawa that’s filled with fun, facts, and history! Stay on the bus for the complete 1.5-hour round-trip tour or hop on and off throughout the validity of your ticket. See the sights of Ottawa from a classic open-top, double-decker bus or sit on the lower deck and enjoy the inside comfort. Either way, you’ll get to see Ottawa’s main sights like the Canadian Parliament buildings, Byward Market, and more as your knowledgeable, bilingual guide points out landmarks and shares the city’s history with you.

I enjoyed the tour very much and learned a great deal about the city of Ottawa. I saw some beautiful sights and got great photo. You need at least two days to get everything in. I found that the bus was not on schedule according to the times per stop, so I found myself waiting for the bus a few times. Best time to do this tour in July and Aug is mid week days, Friday and weekends are busy.

-Happy Traveller (see more reviews)

This Ottawa hop-on-hop-off bus tour includes:

• 1-or 2-day hop-on hop-off bus ticket (depending on the option selected)
• Guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

11. Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

⭐️ RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars (601+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hour | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Can’t decide between a river cruise or a boat tour? Combine a little bit of them both on this unique Ottawa tour that consists of an amphibian-style bus that can travel on land and water to discover the historical attractions of Ottawa and the Ottawa River from different perspectives. Spend 40 minutes on land and 20 minutes on the water, admiring landmark monuments and attractions such as Lake Dow, Landsdowne Park, and Byward Market. This activity is both fun and educational for the entire family, and ideal for those who are short of time but want to get a taste of the city.

Very educational and fun. The guide and captain were wonderful. We enjoyed our trip on the water.

-Sandra (see more reviews)

This 1-hour Amphibian-bus tour of Ottawa includes:

• City tour
• Bilingual guide
• Transportation in an amphibious vehicle

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

12. Ottawa Boat Cruise – Paul’s Boat Line

⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (399+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

If you’re simply looking for a tour along the beautiful Ottawa River while admiring various landmarks and getting insight via live narration, this tour is for you. Cruise by the Parliament Buildings and marvel at the mix of natural beauty and modern, urban development while enjoying refreshments or cocktails from the boat’s canteen (fees apply).

Great experience – the Crew was amazing. Beautiful scenery, great history about places. I will do it again and recommend it to my friend and family

-Soleil (see more reviews)

This 5-hour biking tour of the Niagara wine region includes:

• Bilingual commentaries
• All Fees and Taxes

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

13. Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (494+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Linking Canada’s capital city with Lake Ontario, the Rideau Canal is one of Canada’s most famous landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed waterway cuts right through the city, offering a unique way to see the city. Jump aboard the world’s-largest, certified, 100%-electric, passenger vessel and cruise the canal to admire views of the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, the National Arts Centre, and more. As you look out at Ottawa, listen as your guide sheds light on centuries of colourful Canadian history and interesting facts.

Our Tour Guide was outstanding. She had a great personality. Her job skills are unparalleled. Going from English to French seamlessly, keeping the group engaged and extremely knowledgable. The entire experience was was first rate from start to finish. Reserving online to boarding and departing was very simple. Nice job.

-Victoria (see more reviews)

This 1.5-hour tour of the Rideau Canal includes:

• Guide
• All Fees and Taxes

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

14. Oh Canada Eh?! Dinner Musical

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (64+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

It can be hard to learn about Canada’s culture and history in just two hours, but you won’t find a more interesting way to do so than with this Canadian dinner musical! Spend the evening getting to know Canadian culture through its music and folklore. You’ll dine on a 5-course meal while meeting characters such as a lumberjack, a Mountie, and even Anne of Green Gables. Buying admission in advance means you’ll have an evening planned out in Ottawa ahead of time with no scrambling for last-minute plans.

It was all memorable. The food was great. The music was great and the service was spectacular. I would recommend this to all my friends. This is a great night out. The energy was high.

-Anne (see more reviews)

This 1.5-hour dinner musical includes:

• Dinner & Show

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

15. Self-Guided Biking in Ottawa-Gatineau

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (73+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-4 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Sometimes it’s great to just break free of the guided Ottawa tours and explore the city on your own. If that sounds like you, and you like biking, this self-guided tour of Ottawa via bicycle is for you. Choose your own itinerary and pedal your way through the city like a local, using the provided map to reach the sites that most interest you. Safe and scenic bike paths keep you away from car traffic and let you see the green areas of the region.

Very amazing experience. The way they explain the route to you really helps, plus they provide a map that guides through it. Although our map flew in water, but they explained well enough. Overall very memorable experience.

-Daman (see more reviews)

This self-guided biking tour of Ottawa includes:

• Use of bicycle
• Use of helmet
• Lock
• Map
• All taxes, fees and handling charges

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

16. Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (211+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

You’ve already learned about the brighter side of Ottawa, so now it’s time to take a spooky stroll through Downtown Ottawa on this guided haunted walking tour and learn about the darker side of Canada’s capital. Hear tales of the city’s haunted heritage as told by a professional storyteller.

Enjoyable and spooky tour. Nice to see some unique parts of downtown Ottawa. Our guide was very energetic, with a strong voice. She did a great job making sure everyone could hear (over traffic, and over rushing water at canal).

-Omar (see more reviews)

This unique Ottawa tour includes:

• Professional guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

17. Haunted Ottawa Jail Tour

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (213+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 Hours | 🚀 BOOK NOW

Let Ottawa’s supernatural history capture your attention on this ghost walk and tour of the Old Carleton County Jail. Alongside a costumed guide, visit haunted spots such as Canada’s last functioning gallows and Carleton County Jail—now a haunted hostel—and listen to terrifying tales of unlawful hangings, faceless ghosts, and infamous assassinations. Choose from two departure times.

Olivia was knowledgeable, humorous, and her presentation was informative. Olivia patiently and kindly answered all of our groups questions. Despite living in Ottawa numerous years, we did not know of it’s harrowing history. It was eye opening!

-Katherine (see more reviews)

This haunted tour of Ottawa includes:

• Local guide
• Professional guide

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

18. Canadian Museum of History Admission

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 Stars (68+ reviews) | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 Day | 🚀 BOOK NOW

The Canadian Museum of History is one of the most beautiful and interesting museums in the country. Located in Gatineau, Quebec, along the scenic riverfront across from Parliament Hill, the Museum is housed in an iconic building designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal and features a collection of more than 4 million items — including archaeological material, cultural objects, works of art, documents, and audiovisual material.

Visiting museums is always the best way to take in rich cultural backgrounds with the limited time we all have. This particular visit was especially memorable since this museum was dedicated to make visitors learn about the fascinating history of Canada. I wouldn’t mind second visits as there are special exhibitions too!

-Happy Traveller (see more reviews)

This self-guided museum tour includes:

• Admission to the Canadian Museum of History
• Access to Canadian Children’s Museum
• Access to Ciné+
• Access to permanent galleries
• Access to special exhibitions
• Multilingual Museum Guide app (available for download)
• Complimentary coat check

Click Here to See Reviews, Pricing, and Availability.

Looking for More Than Just Ottawa Tours?

While Ottawa is easily one of the top destinations in the province, there’s so much more to see and do. For more Ontario travel guides, see below:

• Best Brunch in Ottawa
• Best Toronto Tours
• Best Niagara Falls Tours
• Best Niagara Wine Tours
• Best Montreal Tours
• Day trips from Toronto