Discover Ottawa's historic waterways with a combined Rideau Canal cruise and Grayline boat tour. Perfect for exploring the city's scenic waterfront and learning its rich history in a single day. Join us for an unforgettable water adventure in Canada's capital!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required
Wildlife
History
The Rideau Canal, built between 1826 and 1832, was originally designed for military defense and to connect Ottawa to Lake Ontario.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction and supporting local conservation efforts.
Ottawa Tours
Discover Ottawa's historic waterways with a combined Rideau Canal cruise and Grayline boat tour. Perfect for exploring the city's scenic waterfront and learning its rich history in a single day. Join us for an unforgettable water adventure in Canada's capital!
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.
Arrive early for the best seats
Getting to the dock early ensures you can select the seats with the best views and avoid last-minute crowds.
Dress for the weather
Bring layers and waterproof clothing, especially during spring and fall when weather can be unpredictable.
Bring your camera or smartphone
Capture the stunning cityscapes and waterways from multiple viewpoints during the cruise.
Check the seasonal schedule
Verify departure times and availability ahead of your visit, especially in winter when tours may be limited.
Rain jacket or waterproof coat
Keeps you dry during unexpected showers or splashes from the boat.
spring|fall|winter|null
Comfortable walking shoes
Ideal for exploring the docks, nearby parks, and walking along waterfront pathways.
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Protect yourself from the sun during warmer months while on deck.
summer
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife and landscape viewing during the cruise.