Enjoy a lively musical boat tour aboard the Ottawa River Queen in Gatineau. Sip drinks, take in stunning views, and jam out to Dueling Pianos on this unique Canadian cruise experience.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required; easy to enjoy while seated or casually moving around the boat.
Wildlife
History
The Ottawa River Queen is a beautifully preserved 19th-century paddle steamer reflecting the region’s rich river transport history.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours supports sustainable tourism practices by maintaining clean waterways and promoting eco-friendly boating operations.
Ottawa Tours
Enjoy a lively musical boat tour aboard the Ottawa River Queen in Gatineau. Sip drinks, take in stunning views, and jam out to Dueling Pianos on this unique Canadian cruise 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 Seating
To secure a prime spot for views and the piano performances, arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.
Dress for Changing Weather
Even in summer, river breezes can be cool, so bring a light jacket or layer.
Bring Cash or Card for Drinks
The full-service bar accepts various payment methods, but having card or cash on hand ensures quick service.
Book in Advance During Peak Season
Cruises fill quickly during summer weekends; reserving early guarantees your spot.
Light Jacket or Windbreaker
To stay comfortable during breezy or cooler moments on the deck.
spring
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from sun glare reflecting off the water.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture memorable views of landmarks and lively performances.
Comfortable Footwear
Wear shoes suitable for walking on the boat’s deck safely.