Experience Ottawa’s festive charm from the warmth of a vintage bus on a 90-minute Christmas Lights Tour. Perfect for soaking in holiday spirit with captivating stories and stunning city views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
90 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness is required; the tour is seated and gentle for all ages.
Wildlife
History
Ottawa’s Parliament Hill has been the political heart of Canada since the 19th century and is beautifully illuminated during the holiday season.
Conservation
Ottawa promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging the use of public transit and offering eco-friendly tours to minimize environmental impact.
Ottawa Tours
Experience Ottawa’s festive charm from the warmth of a vintage bus on a 90-minute Christmas Lights Tour. Perfect for soaking in holiday spirit with captivating stories and stunning city views.
Ottawa Tours, based in Ottawa, Ontario, specializes in guided boat and bus sightseeing experiences across Canada’s capital. The company offers a diverse lineup of tours and combo packages, including the Tulip Festival Canal Cruise — a 45-minute boat tour from Dows Lake that explores the history of the Rideau Canal and the Tulip Festival — and the Ottawa River Tour, a scenic 1.5-hour cruise departing from multiple river docks.
Bus offerings include multilingual guided options such as the Round Trip Tour and hop-on, hop-off passes like the One Day Pass and Two Day Pass on double-decker buses. Combo packages pair river or canal cruises with Grayline city tours for one- or two-day sightseeing flexibility. The Rideau Canal cruises operate aboard North America’s largest electric vessel, and several experiences highlight bilingual or multilingual narration for English and French speakers.
The Amphibus tour delivers a unique land-and-water route showcasing over 75 historic sites with bilingual commentary. Combo offerings that include the Paula D river cruise provide upper-deck seating and scenic views along the Ottawa River. Departures and durations vary by product, from short 45-minute cruises to guided tours spanning multiple days.
Ottawa Tours cites clear schedules, multiple departure points, and documented tour formats — boat, bus, amphibious, and combo — that make planning straightforward. With bilingual narration, electric-vessel cruising, and established Grayline city tour integrations, Ottawa Tours provides verifiable sightseeing options for visitors seeking curated views of Ottawa and Gatineau. Booking details, schedules, and departure locations are available through official tour listings and ticket providers online.
Location
Ottawa, Ontario
Tours operate across the capital
Tours Offered
10 experiences
Boat, bus and combo tours
Durations
45 min to 2 days
Short and multi-day options
Languages
English & French
Bilingual narration on many tours
Reserve seats on canal cruises, river tours, Amphibus rides, or hop-on, hop-off Grayline passes.
Dress Warmly
Even though the bus is heated, wear layers to stay cozy before and after the tour.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to ensure smooth boarding.
Bring a Camera
Capture the beautiful light displays and historic landmarks during the ride.
Accessibility
Vintage buses are accessible, but check ahead if you require special accommodations.
Warm Coat
Keeps you comfortable when waiting or walking outside before and after the ride.
winter
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the dazzling lights and stunning landmarks throughout the tour.
Comfortable Footwear
Needed if you plan to explore the boarding area or nearby attractions before or after the tour.
Gloves and Hat
Extra warmth while waiting outdoors or walking short distances.
winter