Walking Ottawa reveals its best features through several excellent guided experiences. The most worthwhile tours combine Parliament Hill’s grandeur with the historic ByWard Market, while others smartly pair Rideau Canal walks with boat cruises. The city’s WWI history comes alive through specialized tours that connect modern Ottawa to its wartime past.
The small-group options that include food tastings in the market offer just the right mix of history and local flavors. For independent travelers, the self-guided scavenger hunts work beautifully, letting you explore at your own pace while discovering hidden corners of the capital.
Let’s look at the top walking tours that showcase the very best of Ottawa.
Good To Know
- The Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise covers iconic landmarks, includes a Rideau Canal boat ride, and is guided by local experts in a small group.
- The Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt allows flexible exploration with no entry fees, but requires moderate fitness and internet access.
- The Explore Canada Through Ottawa’s Eyes tour highlights the Rideau Canal, National War Memorial, and World War I history using the On This Spot app.
- The Historic and Cultural Highlights Tour offers a captivating journey led by a professional local guide, including food and drink elements.
- The City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour encourages exploration of Ottawa’s hidden gems and allows a personalized itinerary.
Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise
The Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions on a guided 1.5-hour walk. Led by a local guide, the tour takes you past iconic landmarks like the giant spider sculpture, Royal Mint, and Notre Dame Basilica.
You’ll also experience the vibrant ByWard Market and visit the Centennial Flame and Fairmont Chateau Laurier. The tour includes a seasonal Rideau Canal boat cruise, providing a unique perspective of the city. With a maximum of 10 travelers, this small-group tour ensures a personalized experience.
The meeting point is at Maman, and the tour ends at 2 Rideau St. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.
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Ottawa Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt
For those seeking a more independent exploration of Ottawa’s highlights, the Ottawa Self-Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt offers an engaging and interactive experience. This self-paced activity spans from June 5, 2021, to July 29, 2025, allowing participants to discover the city’s rich history and architecture through over 40 challenges.
The tour starts at the Government Conference Centre and ends at the lively ByWard Market, a 2-block distance. Accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-friendly, the tour requires a moderate fitness level and internet access. With no entry fees included, this scavenger hunt provides a unique and budget-friendly way to uncover the gems of Ottawa at one’s own pace.
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Explore Canada Through Ottawas Eyes With Walking Tours Through the City
Explore Canada through the eyes of Ottawa with a self-guided walking tour that showcases the city’s storied landmarks and natural wonders. The tour highlights the historical Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial, Sparks Street, and the awe-inspiring Parliament Hill.
Along the way, you’ll learn about Canada’s involvement in World War I and the vital role of the Rideau Canal in the country’s early development. The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and service animals are welcome.
With the On This Spot app, you’ll embark on a captivating journey through Ottawa’s rich history and natural beauty. However, be aware of the mixed reviews regarding the app’s functionality.
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Gems and Surprises – Ottawa Walking Tour
Captivating Ottawa Walk: Historic and Cultural Highlights offers a truly immersive experience, uncovering the city’s hidden gems and surprising delights. Led by a professional local guide, this tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Ottawa’s historic and cultural highlights.
Guests can expect a dynamic mix of sights, stories, and insights that bring the city to life. The tour’s food and drink elements add a delightful touch, ensuring a well-rounded experience. While the duration isn’t specified, the tour’s appeal is clear – it’s a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic and engaging exploration of Ottawa.
With limited availability, early booking is advised to secure a spot on this likely-to-sell-out tour.
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Ottawa City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour
Shifting gears from the immersive guided tour, the Ottawa City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour offers a more independent and interactive way to discover the city. This self-paced experience encourages visitors to explore Ottawa’s hidden gems, challenging them to solve clues and complete tasks along the way.
Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour allows you to craft your own itinerary, moving at your own pace and focusing on the areas that pique your interest. With the guidance of a detailed map and app, you’ll uncover the stories behind the city’s landmarks, creating a personalized and engaging exploration of Ottawa.
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Ottawa Rideau River Self-Guided Walking Tour Scavenger Hunt
Although the Ottawa Rideau River Self-Guided Walking Tour Scavenger Hunt may lack the guiding presence of a tour leader, it offers a unique and immersive way to discover the city’s hidden gems. Participants can explore the stunning Rideau Canal at their own pace, taking in the serene waterways and historic architecture.
Along the way, they’ll uncover clues and complete challenges, turning the walk into an engaging treasure hunt. This self-guided tour is perfect for adventurous visitors who want to enjoy Ottawa’s rich history and natural beauty. With no set schedule or itinerary, it allows for a truly personalized experience, perfect for independent travelers.
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Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour
For those seeking a spine-chilling adventure beyond the serene Rideau Canal, the Ottawa: Haunted Night Walking Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s darkest secrets. Priced at $20.04 per person, the 75-minute guided tour invites you to explore Ottawa’s haunted locations, led by expert storytellers in iconic black cloaks.
Uncover unsolved mysteries, hear spooky ghost stories, and discover stunning downtown areas as you navigate the city by lantern light. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour promises an engaging and fantastic experience, as attested by the positive reviews.
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Ottawa Embassies Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt
Ideal for diplomats, political enthusiasts, and architecture aficionados, the Ottawa Embassies Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt invites you to discover the city’s vibrant international presence.
This 2-hour walking tour allows you to explore the grand embassy buildings, each with unique architectural styles representing their home countries. Along the way, you’ll solve clues and complete challenges, bringing an interactive and engaging element to your stroll.
Whether you’re admiring the striking facades or uncovering hidden details, this self-guided experience offers an immersive way to learn about Ottawa’s diplomatic community and the diverse cultures that shape the nation’s capital.
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Ottawa: Highlights and History Walking Tour
Discover the rich history and iconic landmarks of Canada’s capital on the 3-hour Ottawa: Highlights and History Walking Tour. Covering 200 years of the city’s past, this tour takes visitors to Parliament Hill, 19th-century buildings, and the Byward Market, Ottawa’s oldest retail site.
You’ll walk along the Ottawa River rapids, explore the Sussex area with its mix of old and new architecture, and visit Majors Hill Park and the Rideau Canal locks. The tour culminates at Parliament Hill, where you’ll see historic memorials. No extra charges apply, though refreshments are at your own expense. The tour isn’t suitable for young children, but dress for the weather and enjoy this comprehensive introduction to Ottawa.
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Ottawa: Walking Tour in the Heart of the Capital
Embarking on this 2.5-hour walking tour, visitors explore the heart of Ottawa, uncovering the city’s most captivating sites and delving into its rich history. The tour accommodates small groups of up to 4 people or can be booked privately.
Led by passionate and friendly guides, guests learn about Ottawa’s origins through informative anecdotes. With over 5 years of all-season tours and hundreds of 5-star reviews, this walking adventure offers a personal experience. Umbrellas, hats, and gloves are provided upon request.
While food and water aren’t included, the tour’s flexibility allows groups larger than 4 and adjustments to the schedule if needed.
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Ottawa: Small-Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise
This small-group walking tour of Ottawa offers a comprehensive exploration of the city, culminating in a relaxing cruise along the iconic Rideau Canal. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll see the Giant Spider sculpture “Maman,” explore the vibrant ByWard Market, and pass by notable landmarks like the Royal Mint, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Centennial Flame.
The guided tour is perfect for those seeking an immersive experience, with a knowledgeable guide providing context and insights. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour operates rain or shine. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this walking tour with a Rideau Canal cruise is an excellent way to discover the heart of Canada’s capital city.
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The Sum Up
Ottawa offers a variety of walking tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s landmarks, neighborhoods, and unique attractions. Whether it’s a small-group tour, a self-guided adventure, or a combination of walking and boating, there’s something for all to discover the best of what Canada’s capital has to offer. These tours provide an engaging and efficient way to experience the city’s rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture.