Experience a private 1.5-hour Rideau Canal cruise followed by a gourmet meal at the Ritz Carlton in Ottawa. Explore historic waterways aboard an electric vessel and savor exquisite dining in one seamless adventure.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2.5–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Rideau Canal, completed in 1832, is North America's oldest continuously operated canal and a National Historic Site of Canada.
Conservation
Electric vessels like the one used for this cruise help minimize water and air pollution, supporting the canal's delicate ecosystem.
Ottawa Tours
Experience a private 1.5-hour Rideau Canal cruise followed by a gourmet meal at the Ritz Carlton in Ottawa. Explore historic waterways aboard an electric vessel and savor exquisite dining in one seamless adventure.
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 20 minutes before your cruise departure to ensure smooth boarding and seating.
Dress in Layers
Even on warm days, the breeze on the canal can be cool, so layering clothing is ideal for comfort.
Bring a Camera
Waterfront views and historic locks create excellent photo opportunities, so be sure to have your camera or smartphone ready.
Notify Dietary Restrictions
Inform the restaurant ahead of time about any dietary needs to ensure your 3-course meal can be tailored accordingly.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Keeps you comfortable during cool breezes on the water.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects your skin during sunny afternoon cruises.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture the scenic beauty and special moments throughout the trip.
Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during warm weather while on the boat.
summer