Discover Ottawa’s iconic landmarks with Ottawa Tours’ flexible One Day Pass—perfect for visitors wanting a personalized, hassle-free city experience. Hop on and off a double-decker bus as you uncover the history, culture, and scenery of Canada’s capital at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, comfortable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, built in 1832, was originally designed for strategic defense and waterway transit, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours and local operators prioritize sustainable practices, including reduced emissions and promoting eco-friendly tourism.
Ottawa Tours
Discover Ottawa’s iconic landmarks with Ottawa Tours’ flexible One Day Pass—perfect for visitors wanting a personalized, hassle-free city experience. Hop on and off a double-decker bus as you uncover the history, culture, and scenery of Canada’s capital at your own pace.
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.
Board early to beat crowds
Starting your tour early ensures you have more time to explore popular sites without the midday rush.
Bring layers for variable weather
Ottawa’s weather can change quickly; packing a light jacket or umbrella will keep you comfortable.
Use the multilingual narration
Listen attentively to the commentary for deeper insights into Ottawa’s history and culture.
Plan your photo stops
Identify key landmarks you want to photograph and time your hopping on and off accordingly.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good footwear ensures comfort during walks or extended periods on the bus.
Light weather protection
A small umbrella or rain jacket helps you stay dry in unpredictable weather.
spring, fall, winter
Camera or smartphone
Capture the city’s stunning landmarks and scenic views along the route.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while walking between stops or enjoying the open-top bus experience.