Discover Ottawa from a new vantage point on the private EKEAU Canal Tour. Enjoy serene waters, stunning scenery, and personalized service on this unforgettable boat adventure. Read on to learn more about what makes this experience so special.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required
Wildlife
History
The EKEAU Canal, completed in the early 20th century, played a vital role in Ottawa’s shipping and industrial history.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including minimal environmental impact and respect for local wildlife and habitats.
Ottawa Tours
Discover Ottawa from a new vantage point on the private EKEAU Canal Tour. Enjoy serene waters, stunning scenery, and personalized service on this unforgettable boat adventure. Read on to learn more about what makes this experience so special.
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 for changing weather
Ottawa's weather can vary, so layering ensures comfort regardless of conditions.
Arrive early for the best views
Getting to the dock a few minutes before your scheduled departure maximizes your experience.
Bring your camera or smartphone
Capture beautiful scenes along the canal and wildlife encounters during the tour.
Respect wildlife and natural surroundings
Maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing animals or plants during the trip.
Warm clothing and layers
Layers help keep you comfortable in changing temperatures during your boat tour.
spring|fall|winter
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Protection from the sun enhances comfort during sunny, warm days on the water.
summer
Waterproof jacket or poncho
Useful in case of unexpected rain or splashes during the tour.
spring|fall|winter
Binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing and spotting distant scenery.