Set sail on the Ottawa River for a spectacular firework show aboard the Paula D with Ottawa Tours. Enjoy music, city lights, and unforgettable views in a unique boat tour experience.
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; minimal physical exertion required.
Wildlife
History
The Ottawa River has been a vital waterway for Indigenous peoples and early settlers, shaping the development of Ottawa as Canada’s capital.
Conservation
Efforts by local organizations focus on preserving the Ottawa River’s natural habitat and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices.
Ottawa Tours
Set sail on the Ottawa River for a spectacular firework show aboard the Paula D with Ottawa Tours. Enjoy music, city lights, and unforgettable views in a unique boat tour 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 Best Boarding
Arriving 15-20 minutes early ensures smooth boarding and better deck seating options.
Dress in Layers
Even summer evenings on the river can get chilly; bring a light jacket or sweater.
Bring a Camera
Capture stunning fireworks and cityscape photos, but use a camera with low light capabilities.
Avoid Large Bags
Space is limited on the boat, so travel light to keep the experience comfortable for all guests.
Light Jacket
To stay comfortable as temperatures drop on the river at night.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
To capture the fireworks and city lights during the cruise.
Bug Spray
Protects against mosquitoes near the water after dark.
summer
Comfortable Footwear
Helps with stability and comfort while boarding and moving on deck.