THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Ottawa from two angles: a scenic river cruise aboard the Paula D and a rich two-day city tour on a double-decker bus, blending nature and history in Canada’s capital.
Discover Ottawa from two angles: a scenic river cruise aboard the Paula D and a rich two-day city tour on a double-decker bus, blending nature and history in Canada’s capital.
Book with Ottawa Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Ottawa Tours · Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa, the capital of Canada, offers a dynamic blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, and the Combo - Ottawa River Cruise & Grayline (2 Day) package captures both in a unique way. Centered around the scenic Ottawa River, this adventure lets visitors glide past iconic landmarks aboard the Paula D, a comfortable cruise vessel designed for optimal views and relaxation. From the upper deck, passengers can watch the water sparkle beneath historic bridges and alongside lush riverbanks punctuated by stately government buildings and charming neighborhoods. The river itself is more than just a backdrop—it’s a vital waterway that shaped the city’s foundation, flowing through a landscape marked by Canadian Shield rock outcrops and mature hardwood forests.
Complementing the river cruise is a two-day Grayline city tour aboard a classic double-decker bus. Riders ascend for panoramic vistas of the Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage site—and bustling ByWard Market. The guided tour provides fascinating insights into Ottawa’s political history, indigenous heritage, and modern vibrancy. Combining water and land perspectives, this package affords a comprehensive and leisurely glimpse of the national capital’s pulse.
What makes this offering special is how it ties together Ottawa’s waterways and streets, engaging travelers who want both scenic calm and urban storytelling. The city’s layered history—from early fur trading posts to an established parliamentary hub—unfolds across these routes. Visitors also discover local wildlife such as ducks and herons frequenting the river’s edges. Seasonal shifts transform the experience: spring’s fresh blooms, summer’s long daylight, fall’s vivid foliage, and winter’s snowy serenity each lend a distinct flavor to the journey.
This combo is ideal for travelers seeking an accessible, memorable introduction to Ottawa’s outdoor and cultural landscapes. It stands out by marrying easygoing water time with interpretive land touring, all centralized within Canada’s capital region.
easy.
2 days.
Suitable for all fitness levels as both tours involve minimal physical effort and easy boarding.
The Paula D typically offers a selection of snacks and drinks on board, but it’s best to check current amenities prior to your trip.
Yes, the Paula D features accessibility accommodations, but notify the operator ahead of time to ensure a smooth boarding experience.
The cruise generally lasts around 2 hours, while the city tour is spread over two days with flexible stops.
Yes, Grayline tours often allow hop-on, hop-off options at major landmarks, letting you explore at your own pace.
Both the river cruise and the city bus tours include knowledgeable guides sharing insights about Ottawa's history and landmarks.
Late spring through early fall provides the best weather and longest daylight for comfortable touring.
Ottawa became Canada's capital in 1857, chosen for its strategic location along the Ottawa River.
Tour operators promote low-impact practices to keep the river and urban environments clean, encouraging visitors to minimize waste and respect wildlife habitats.
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.
Book with Ottawa Tours