Discover Ottawa from the water with a scenic 1.5-hour cruise along the Ottawa River. Relax on the upper deck, enjoy stunning views, and learn about the city’s history—all in one memorable trip.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, as the activity involves relaxing seated time with minimal physical exertion.
Wildlife
History
Ottawa River has been a vital trade route since Indigenous peoples originally navigated its waters, shaping the city’s development.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including minimizing emissions and respecting local wildlife habitats.
Ottawa Tours
Discover Ottawa from the water with a scenic 1.5-hour cruise along the Ottawa River. Relax on the upper deck, enjoy stunning views, and learn about the city’s history—all in one memorable trip.
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 for the weather
Since you'll be on the water, bring layers and rain gear to stay comfortable regardless of conditions.
Arrive early
Get to the departure point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled cruise to board comfortably.
Bring a camera
Capture panoramic views and reflections along the river, especially during sunset or sunrise if timing aligns.
Sip accordingly
Feel free to bring a beverage to enjoy onboard, but keep it sealed and alcohol regulations in mind.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered clothing will help keep you comfortable on the water regardless of conditions.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from sun exposure, especially during midday trips.
summer
Binoculars
Useful for birdwatching or viewing distant landmarks along the river.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the stunning river vistas and city skyline from a unique vantage point.