Join an exclusive boat tour for a dazzling fireworks display over the Ottawa River. Relax aboard the Paula D with vibrant music and stunning city views on this magical cruise.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves relaxing seated time with minimal physical effort.
Wildlife
History
The Ottawa River has been a vital waterway for thousands of years, serving Indigenous peoples and early trade routes long before the city of Ottawa was established.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours supports sustainable tourism practices by minimizing waste on their cruises and promoting awareness of preserving the river’s natural environment.
Ottawa Tours
Join an exclusive boat tour for a dazzling fireworks display over the Ottawa River. Relax aboard the Paula D with vibrant music and stunning city views on this magical cruise.
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.
Check Weather Forecast
Fireworks cruises operate rain or shine but strong winds or storms may cause cancellations.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Arriving 15 minutes before departure ensures a smooth boarding process and best seating options.
Bring a Light Jacket
Even summer nights on the river can get chilly, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
Keep Your Camera Ready
Fireworks and city lights offer fantastic photo opportunities, so prepare your camera or smartphone.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Even summer evenings on the river can be cool, so a jacket helps keep you comfortable.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the sparkling fireworks and stunning city views onboard.
Bug Spray
Protect against mosquitoes and other insects common near the water at dusk.
summer
Sunglasses and Hat
Use during the daylight hours before the fireworks begin for sun protection.
summer