Solve clues across Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and ByWard Market on a self-guided scavenger hunt through Ottawa’s core. Flexible, app-driven and family friendly, this walking tour pairs civic history with playful puzzles.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You start at a bronze statue of Samuel de Champlain, the city humming around you — cyclists threading along the Rideau Canal, tourists clustering at the Centennial Flame, and the limestone mass of Parliament Hill looming ahead. The scavenger hunt drops you into downtown Ottawa the way a good map drops a pin: specific, clickable, and full of small surprises.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short bursts of walking and standing while solving clues.
Wildlife
History
Ottawa grew from a 19th-century timber town into Canada’s capital; Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal reflect its political founding and 19th-century engineering ambitions.
Conservation
The Rideau Canal’s UNESCO status highlights heritage preservation; visitors are asked to stay on paths, avoid climbing monuments, and pack out litter to protect historic fabric and wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the Ottawa Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Charge your phone
The tour is app-based and requires internet — bring a fully charged phone and a power bank for longer outings.
Wear grippy shoes
Sections of the route use flagstone or cobbles near heritage sites — steady footwear reduces slips.
Start early or late
Begin before 10am for quieter streets or late afternoon for softer light and active markets.
Pack a small water bottle
There are cafés along the route but having water on hand keeps the group moving between stops.
Smartphone with data
Required to run the World City Trail app and access clues and navigation.
Comfortable walking shoes
Flat, supportive shoes help on cobbles, sidewalks, and short stair sections.
Light weather layer
A windbreaker or light jacket handles spring chills or summer breezes along the canal.
Portable battery pack
Keeps your phone powered if you pause the tour or take many photos.