Ottawa’s waterways serve up several worthwhile boat experiences, each offering a different take on Canada’s capital. Your best bets include the intimate Small Group Night Tour, combining an evening river cruise with the Parliament’s sound-and-light show – perfect for photography buffs. History fans will appreciate the Rideau Canal cruise‘s narrated journey through the UNESCO World Heritage waterway. For something quirky and fun, we love the Lilo Floating Tiki Bar, where you can sip drinks while gently cruising past the city’s landmarks. The Small Group Tour hits all the right notes, pairing river views with essential Ottawa sights.
Let’s check out the top boat tours worth your time and money in Ottawa.
Key Points
The Ottawa Small Group Night Tour offers a personalized experience with a maximum of 6 guests, including a narrated drive, Sound and Light Show, and a river cruise.
The Rideau Canal Cruise provides a 1.5-hour journey on a fully-electric passenger boat, offering views of landmarks and commentary on 30 locations.
Pauls Boat Line offers a narrated journey along the Ottawa River with bilingual commentary and comfortable seating across two viewing decks.
The Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour provides an efficient introduction to the city’s top sights, including a scenic river cruise and walking tours of major attractions.
The Lilo Floating Tiki Bar offers a unique and memorable experience on the water, accommodating up to 12 travelers in a fun atmosphere with a licensed bar.
Ottawa Small Group Night Tour With River Cruise Light Show
Although Ottawa is known for its charming city streets and historic architecture, one of the best ways to experience the capital at night is through the Ottawa Small Group Night Tour with River Cruise.
This 4.5/5 rated tour provides a rundown of the city, with a maximum of 6 guests per group. The experience includes a narrated drive, the seasonal Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill, and a relaxing river cruise with historical commentary.
Guests appreciate the knowledgeable local guides, skip-the-line entry, and complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off. While occasional communication issues have been reported, the tour is highly recommended for those seeking a unique nighttime perspective of Ottawa.
Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise
The Rideau Canal Cruise offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the historic waterways of Ottawa from a different perspective. This 1-hour 30-minute tour aboard a fully-electric passenger boat provides views of landmarks like the Château Laurier and Canadian Museum of Nature.
Along the way, an engaging guide shares insights into Ottawa’s history, pointing out 30 locations, including the German and Armenian embassies.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews and an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, the cruise is a popular activity, though some travelers note issues with parking and seating comfort.
The tour departs from a centrally-located meeting point and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Ottawa Boat Cruise – Pauls Boat Line
Frequently, visitors to Ottawa opt for the Pauls Boat Line cruise, which offers a distinct perspective on the city’s iconic landmarks.
The tour provides a narrated journey along the Ottawa River, with bilingual commentary in French and English. Passengers can enjoy comfortable seating on two viewing decks while taking in scenic views of Parliament Hill, Nepean Point, and other notable sights.
The cruise is a relaxed, hassle-free sightseeing experience, though some have found the tour lacking in excitement.
While the tour is generally well-received, with an average rating of 4.5 stars, a few customers have reported issues with accessibility and booking processes.
Best of Ottawa Small Group Tour With River Cruise
This highly-rated small group tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the highlights of Ottawa.
It includes a scenic river cruise, walking tours of iconic landmarks, and insights from knowledgeable guides. With a maximum of 9 travelers, the experience is personalized and allows for ample questions.
The tour covers major attractions like the Parliament Buildings, Peace Tower, and Canadian War Museum (when the river cruise isn’t operating).
While some guests have noted issues with vehicle size and guide knowledge, the majority praise the tour’s value, convenience, and the guides’ accommodating nature.
This is an excellent option for those seeking an efficient overview of Ottawa’s top sights.
Floating Tiki Bar (Boat Tour) on the Ottawa River
For a truly unique and unforgettable experience on the Ottawa River, the Lilo Floating Tiki Bar offers a one-of-a-kind boat tour.
With an overall rating of 5.0 and a 93% recommendation rate, this floating tiki bar provides a fun and relaxing atmosphere for up to 12 travelers.
While guests must bring their own food, the fully licensed bar offers a variety of drink options.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Reviewers praise the friendly staff, beautiful scenery, and memorable experience, though some note issues with shared tours, music policies, and drink quality.
For the best pricing, it’s recommended to book directly through the company’s website.
Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise
The Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s top attractions.
For $71.88 per person, this 4-star rated tour takes you on a narrated walking journey to see landmarks like the Giant Spider sculpture, Royal Mint, and Notre Dame Basilica.
The tour also includes a seasonal boat cruise along the Rideau Canal.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews for its knowledgeable guides and scenic views, some travelers have reported issues with tour organization and communication from the booking platform.
Common Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat Tours?
Life jackets are typically provided on boat tours and cruises for safety reasons. Passengers are usually required to wear them while on the water to ensure their protection in case of an emergency.
What Is the Maximum Capacity of the Boats?
The maximum capacity of the boats varies, but generally ranges from 20 to 150 passengers depending on the size and type of vessel. Customers should check with the tour operator for the specific capacity of the boat they’ll be taking.
Are the Boat Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
The boat tours are designed to be wheelchair accessible, with ramps and designated seating areas to accommodate passengers with mobility needs. Most operators strive to ensure an inclusive and comfortable experience for all guests.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?
Passengers can generally bring their own food and drinks on board, but it’s best to check with the specific tour operator beforehand. Some may have restrictions or offer their own refreshments for purchase.
Do the Boat Tours Operate Year-Round or Only Seasonally?
The boat tours typically operate seasonally, with most running from late spring to early fall. Their schedules and availability may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operators for the current season’s hours of operation.
The Sum Up
Ottawa offers several boat tours and cruises that allow visitors to explore the city’s waterways and landmarks. These tours provide unique perspectives of the city, from scenic night cruises to lively tiki bar experiences. Whether you’re interested in a casual daytime cruise or an evening light show, there’s a boat tour in Ottawa to suit your preferences.