Ottawa’s best tours distill centuries of Canadian history and culture into bite-sized, memorable experiences. The standout City Beers tour combines local craft brewing with neighborhood exploration – perfect for understanding the capital’s sudsy heritage. For families and fun-seekers, the amphibious vehicle tour splashes from streets to river, offering unique views of Parliament Hill. Budget travelers and active folks will appreciate the Express City Bike Tour, which covers major sites efficiently in just a few hours. The self-guided walking tours, with clear maps and descriptions, work well for independent spirits who like to set their own pace.
Let’s examine the top Ottawa tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- The Ottawa Brewery Tour offers a 3-hour experience visiting 2 local breweries with beer sampling and brewing process insights.
- The Unique Sightseeing Experience combines land and water perspectives, showcasing attractions like Parliament Hill and Notre Dame Basilica in approximately 1 hour.
- The Express City Bike Tour provides a 2-hour leisurely exploration of top landmarks and hidden gems, suitable for up to 12 travelers.
- While self-guided walking tours are available, in-person tours are recommended for a better experience compared to the reported negative experiences with the On This Spot app.
- The tours across Ottawa offer high entertainment value, informative guides, insights into the city’s vibrant culture, and excellent value for the experiences.
City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries
This Ottawa brewery tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s thriving craft beer scene.
Lasting approximately 3 hours, the tour visits 2 local breweries, such as Mill St. and Beyond the Pale. Travelers can sample a variety of beers while learning about the brewing process from knowledgeable local guides.
The tour accommodates up to 25 participants and comes with all taxes, fees, sampling, and transportation covered.
Travelers consistently praise the tour’s entertainment value, beer quality, and informative guides.
As long as you meet the minimum drinking age of 19 and have no serious medical conditions, this brewery tour is an excellent way to discover Ottawa’s vibrant beer culture.
Read our full review: City Beers: Bus Tour of Ottawa Breweries Review
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Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water
The Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water provides visitors with a unique sightseeing experience that combines both land and water perspectives of the nation’s capital.
This bilingual tour aboard an amphibious vehicle allows travelers to explore Ottawa’s top attractions, including Parliament Hill, Notre Dame Basilica, and the National War Memorial Monument.
The tour also ventures into the Ottawa River, offering a distinctive vantage point of the city and Gatineau.
Lasting approximately one hour, the tour accommodates up to 24 passengers and is ideal for first-time visitors and those short on time.
With an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 488 reviews, this tour is a highly recommended way to discover Ottawa’s landmarks and waterways.
Read our full review: Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water Review
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2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
Typically, the 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour allows visitors to discover the capital’s top landmarks and hidden gems at a leisurely pace.
Departing from the central meeting point, the tour accommodates up to 12 travelers and welcomes families. Participants can expect knowledgeable guides, scenic bike paths, and a focus on safety.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, transportation, and gratuities, providing an excellent value. With consistently high ratings and positive feedback, the Ottawa Express City Bike Tour offers an engaging and memorable way to explore the city.
Whether visitors are looking for an educational experience or a fun family activity, this tour delivers an excellent introduction to Ottawa’s vibrant culture and attractions.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour Review
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Explore Canada Through Ottawas Eyes With Walking Tours Through the City
Exploring Canada through Ottawa’s eyes is best achieved with the city’s walking tours, offering visitors an immersive experience to uncover its vibrant culture and captivating landmarks.
The self-guided walking tour starts at Majors Hill Park and ends at 111 Wellington St, providing convenient access to the city’s highlights.
While the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with service animals allowed, it’s worth noting that previous reviewers had negative experiences with the On This Spot app used for the tour.
To ensure a satisfactory experience, it’s recommended to consider in-person tours or ensure the app is functioning before embarking on the self-guided journey.
Read our full review: Explore Canada Through Ottawas Eyes With Walking Tours Through the City Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Make Reservations for the City Tours?
It’s generally recommended to make reservations for city tours, as they can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Reserving a spot ensures you get a spot on the tour of your choice.
Are the Tours Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tours’ accessibility varies, so it’s best to check with the tour operators about accommodations for people with mobility issues. Many offer options like wheelchair-friendly vehicles or shorter walking routes, but it’s important to inquire ahead of time.
Are the Tour Guides Knowledgeable About the City’s History?
The tour guides are usually well-versed in the city’s history, providing informative and engaging commentary. They’re knowledgeable about the landmarks, events, and cultural significance of the areas covered during the tours.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tours?
Yes, you can typically bring your own food and drinks on the tours. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure their policies allow it. Many tours may have restrictions or designated areas for eating and drinking.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Multiple Tours?
Many tour companies offer discounts for booking multiple tours or packages. Customers should check with the specific tour operator to inquire about any available bundled deals or multi-tour discounts. This can provide significant savings for those planning to take several tours.
The Sum Up
Ottawa offers a variety of engaging city tours that allow visitors to explore the city’s history, culture, and local flavors. From brewery tours to bike rides and walking adventures, there’s something for every traveler. Whether you’re interested in tasting local beers, taking in the city’s landmarks, or enjoying the local way of life, Ottawa’s diverse tour options provide an excellent way to experience the best of the nation’s capital.