Step aboard an electric boat for the Serial Killer Cruise along Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, where mystery and history combine. Can you solve the clues and outsmart the killer?
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activity involves mostly sitting and light walking boarding the boat.
Wildlife
History
The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage site, constructed in the early 19th century as a military and commercial waterway.
Conservation
Ottawa Tours emphasizes eco-friendly electric boats to minimize environmental impact on the Rideau Canal ecosystem.
Ottawa Tours
Step aboard an electric boat for the Serial Killer Cruise along Ottawa’s Rideau Canal, where mystery and history combine. Can you solve the clues and outsmart the killer?
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 Changing Weather
Layers are key since temperatures on the water can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall.
Bring a Waterproof Bag
Protect your belongings from unexpected splashes or light rain during the cruise.
Arrive Early for Boarding
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure to get settled and receive briefing materials.
Charge Your Camera Fully
You’ll want to capture the historic canal views and moments from the thrill of the mystery game.
Light Jacket
Keeps you comfortable during cool breezes on the water.
spring
Sunscreen
Protects your skin from strong sun exposure while on the open boat.
summer
Waterproof Phone Case
Helps safeguard your phone from splashes or unexpected rain.
Binoculars
Useful for spotting wildlife or distant landmarks along the canal.