Discover Ottawa from the water on this private 2-day Combo tour, combining scenic Rideau Canal cruising with engaging Grayline guided explorations. Perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days (approximately 4–6 hours each day)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes leisurely boat cruising and light walking during guided tours.
Wildlife
History
The Rideau Canal was constructed between 1826 and 1832 to secure waterway communication in the event of war and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, including vessel maintenance and waste reduction to protect the canal’s ecosystem.
Ottawa Tours
Discover Ottawa from the water on this private 2-day Combo tour, combining scenic Rideau Canal cruising with engaging Grayline guided explorations. Perfect for history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike!
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 in layers
Ottawa's weather can change quickly, especially near the water, so wearing layers ensures comfort throughout the day.
Bring a camera
Capture the stunning views of the canal, cityscape, and wildlife along the route.
Arrive early
Arriving 15 minutes before your tour starts allows for a smooth check-in and better planning.
Stay hydrated
Bring bottled water to stay refreshed during your outdoor adventure, especially during warm weather.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Dressing in layers or waterproof clothing ensures comfort regardless of the weather conditions.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes are helpful during guided walking portions of the tour.
Sun protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself during sunny daytime outings.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the scenic views and memorable moments along the water and onshore stops.