Cruise the historic Rideau Canal aboard a premier electric vessel, then savor a luxurious 3-course meal at Ottawa's Ritz Carlton. Discover culture, nature, and fine dining in one unforgettable experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4.5 hours total
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels since the cruise involves minimal physical exertion and dining is relaxed.
Wildlife
History
The Rideau Canal, completed in 1832, is North America’s oldest continuously operated canal and a key feature of Canadian heritage.
Conservation
The electric vessel used for the cruise reduces carbon emissions, supporting clean water and air preservation around the canal.
Ottawa Tours
Cruise the historic Rideau Canal aboard a premier electric vessel, then savor a luxurious 3-course meal at Ottawa's Ritz Carlton. Discover culture, nature, and fine dining in one unforgettable experience.
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 Boarding
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the cruise departure to ensure a smooth boarding process.
Dress for the Weather
Even though the boat is electric and quiet, temperatures on the water can be cooler—layer your clothing accordingly.
Bring a Camera or Smartphone
Capture the stunning views and historic sites along the Rideau Canal during your cruise.
Notify Dietary Restrictions in Advance
Inform the restaurant ahead of time about any food allergies or dietary preferences for a tailored dining experience.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you comfortable during cool spring breezes on the water.
spring
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from glare while enjoying the sunny canal views.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture stunning landscapes and memorable moments throughout the experience.
Comfortable Footwear
Ideal for walking around the dock area and the Ritz Carlton restaurant.