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Ottawa Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended Ottawa Cruises & boat tours

Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

1. Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus

Climb aboard a unique vehicle that can travel on land and water and discover the historical attractions of Ottawa and the Ottawa River from different perspectives. Spend 40 minutes on land and 20 minutes on the water. Admire landmark monuments and attractions such as Lake Dow, Landsdowne Park, and Byward Market. Get a magnificent view of the city as you cruise along the river aboard the amphibious vehicle. See all the important sights of Ottawa and the city of Gatineau, located just across the water. Avail of an activity that is both fun and educational for the entire family, and ideal for those who are short of time but want to see it all.

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

2. Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Discover the natural beauty of the region that captured the imagination of the first European explorer Samuel de Champlain. Climb aboard the 'Paula D' for a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise on the Ottawa River. This must-do experience offers an entertaining glimpse of the region's rich history and leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your stay. For your convenience, there are two departure docks, one located in Gatineau and another in Ottawa. Once boarded, sit back and relax as you cruise down the river. Enjoy spectacular views of the city and learn about the river's past life as a watery highway for transporting resources with your guide's engaging and informative commentary in both English and French. During your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to see the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal Locks, and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau from the river. You'll also be able to spot some sights that are only visible from the water or from Gatineau. While you're taking in the sights, savor a nice cold beverage (at your own expense) on the large open-air upper deck. Alternatively, escape the elements and visit the closed-in lower deck to take advantage of the on-board canteen with a bar.

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

3. Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal aboard a brand-new electric vessel. Admire top attractions like the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, and the National Arts Centre from this iconic waterway. The cruise departs from the heart of downtown Ottawa. Step aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel, the only one of its kind. Your experienced and friendly crew will answer your questions and ensure your safety. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as your live guide shares entertaining insights into the region, its history, and rich cultural heritage. Discover the Rideau Canal from the Chateau Laurier to Dow's Lake. Learn about 30 different sites that have marked the history of Ottawa including the Trans-Canada Highway, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canal Ritz, Lansdowne Park, Bank Street Bridge, Dow’s Lake, Commissioners Park, Dominion Arboretum, and many more.

Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River

4. Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River

Take a relaxing tour up and down the Ottawa River on a floating tiki bar. Just head to one of the embarkment sites, climb aboard and get the party started. The activity provider's captains are all small vessel certified and licensed. Enjoy fancy drinks and snacks as the floating palapa boat takes you along the river, offering stunning views of the shoreline. Whether it’s just hanging out with friends for a fun time, spending some relaxing time with your family, taking a romantic cruise, or a group excursion, this tour is one of the most unique ways to get out on the water. Cruise the time away sipping drinks, and listening to or singing karaoke to your favorite tropical tunes.

Ottawa: Scenic City Tour with Canal Cruise

5. Ottawa: Scenic City Tour with Canal Cruise

Enjoy a half-day tour to visit some of Ottawa's most popular attractions including various Parliament buildings. After exploring these landmarks, take part in a canal cruise and catch a glimpse of must-see sites throughout the capital city. Start the day with pickup from your downtown Ottawa hotel. While heading to your first stop on the tour, which is Parliament Hill, your guide will give you your first introduction to the city. They are able to answer questions, provide you with fun facts and point out important landmarks and sites. On your tour of the Parliament headquarters, get a behind-the-scenes look at the state-of-the-art facilities. There will be plenty of free time available where you can explore the surrounding buildings, wander the grounds, and capture some amazing photos of the nearby sites.  Finish the day with a relaxing 1.5-hour river cruise that will have you leisurely floating down Rideau Canal (seasonal availability from mid-May to mid-October). After your memorable experience, your tour guide will take you back to your downtown Ottawa hotel.

Ottawa: 3.5-Hour Night Tour with River Cruise

6. Ottawa: 3.5-Hour Night Tour with River Cruise

Surprises aplenty lie ahead when you choose to spend an evening in Ottowa. Uniquely designed to show you that nightlife in Canada’s capital city is more than just drinking, dancing, and visiting nightclubs, this guided tour will leave you with memories – and photos – that will last a lifetime.  Navigating the streets of Ottawa by night can be stressful, which is why your tour will begin with a pickup from a complimentary shuttle. Choose any downtown hotel or prearranged destination and your tour guide will pick you up and take you on your way to the first stop on the tour. While driving you to your first stop – a sunset river cruise – your tour guide will provide you with amazing facts about the city. Feel free to ask your tour guide anything about the city. You will reach the Ottawa riverside in just enough time to set sail on a lovely Paula D cruise boat. As you casually drift down the river, you will be treated to a beautiful sunset and some unique views of the city’s most popular landmarks and attractions. Just sit back and take in the beautiful sights or grab your camera and capture the moment.  When your river cruise is over, drive you around some of the most exciting areas in the city. Your tour guide will provide you with interesting historical facts at each of the locations. Make sure you have your camera ready to take photos of the brightly lit landmarks and attractions. After your driving tour, it's time to experience the nightlife. Ask your tour guide for recommendations or be adventurous and pick at random. The tour will end with the unmissable Northern Lights show. Watch as a stunning projected light and sound show lights up the Parliament Building.

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What people are saying about Ottawa

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 78 reviews

This was a very informative and fun tour. Jason, our guide, was knowledgeable in many aspects of Canadian history and current events. Was great about answering questions ( we had a lot) and kept the walking pace easy as we are an older couple. The boat ride was nice and relaxing but Jason was the best part. We learned so much from him. He was excellent.

Lovely views of the Ottawa river tour, the guide has been very informative in both English and French, and the ship sailing was very comfortable. Duration of the event was very satisfying.

Our river cruise was so fun. It was a colder day but good The tour guide was excellent

The explanations were clear, the remarks were interesting and humorous. thank you!

Very fun tour! Sights were beautiful and tour was informative!