Rideau Canal: Our most recommended tours and activities

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

1. 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: Guided Bike Tour through Gatineau and Ottawa

2. Ottawa: Guided Bike Tour through Gatineau and Ottawa

Canada's Capital is famous for the recreatinal pathway system linking our two ciies and two provinces. We access the pathway directly from our downtown bike path site starting on the World Heritage Rideau Canal, proceeding south to Dow's Lake, Hartwell Lockstation, Rideau Falls, the Arboretum, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa River and Chaudière Falls. Commentary on our history, culture and society. And even a little gossip from our professional guides. We finish the experience back on the Rideau Canal downtown. Our new Giant bikes are light and efficient. Slower participants can use electric assist models if necessary at 20$ additional fee. If e-bikes are required, please inform us in advance. The pace is easy.

Ottawa City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour

3. Ottawa City Scavenger Hunt and Self-Guided Walking Tour

Explore Ottowa at your own pace with this scavenger hunt (mobile web-based). Stroll past famous sites like the Canadian Museum of History and the ByWard Market, and learn all about them through our mobile website's personalized instructions and directions. Complete fun challenges along the way, collecting points as you go. Begin by converting your purchase on our website (TouristScavengerHunt.com) instructions are sent to you post-purchase by messaging and text. Next, go to the starting point in front of the Government Conference Center. Head out on your walk, and begin solving riddles and puzzles to unlock your next destination and learn about each site on the way. Make stops at Chateau Laurier, the Supreme Court, Byward Market, and, of course, the Parliament Hill. Learn a little history about the sites as you complete mini-challenges. Take as little or as much time as you like at each stop. Visit a total of 36 locations.

Ottawa: Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

4. Ottawa: Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

Expereince Ottawa's hidden corners and hear about its captivating past and abundance of culture on this guided walking tour. See beautiful historic buildings and world-class museums, as you hear some facinating stories. Meet your guide at a centrally-located meeting point that is just a stone throw away from the National Arts Centre and The National War Memorial. Listen as your guide tells you about how Ottawa was once notorious for being the most dangerous town in North America. Follow your guide on a journey through the city, as they expose hidden gems and other secrets that are hiding in plain sight. Trace the city's exciting story of going from an untamed frontier town to Canada's capital. Find out about expensive mistakes made by the city and about the shenanigans of past Mayors before ending your tour at the entrance to the Major's Hill Park.

Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental

5. Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental

Explore our main historical and national sites on two wheels: Rideau Canal, Rivers: Rideau, Ottawa and Gatineau Lakes: Dow's and Pinks Museums: National Gallery, History, Nature, War Waterfalls: Rideau, Hog's Back, Chaudière Locales: Glebe, Rockcliffe, Westboro Cafes/restaurants: just ask Enjoy our new Giant bicycles, available in various models and sizes, according to your needs. We select and adjust each bicycle according to your size and planned route. Helmet, lock and route assistance are provided. Starting on the Rideau Canal pathway , you have a wonderfull self-guided choice of 200km of traffic free routes to choose from. We take time to offer advice and instructions for both directions and safe cycling.

Ottawa Embassies self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt

6. Ottawa Embassies self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt

Looking for things to do in Ottawa? Our Ottawa Embassies scavenger hunt is a 3-hour self-guided walking tour with challenges around the diplomatic neighborhood. Learn about Ottawa’s international importance, and discover some of its attractions. Indeed, you will solve challenges to discover your next destinations. Walk from Strathcona Park to MacDonald Gardens Park to Laurier House, passing by numerous embassies, the Rideau River, and some monuments. Have fun solving the varied challenges. The Ottawa Embassies Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 3.4 km / 2.1 mi walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 2 hours to complete. - A fun learning experience - Learn some local history - Challenge your knowledge: 36 varied challenges - Walk at your own pace: 3.4 km / 2.1 mi - Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule - Take as little, or as much time as you wish to complete your hunt Buy 1 scavenger hunt for your party of 1 to 6 people.

Ottawa : Rideau River & Attractions

7. Ottawa : Rideau River & Attractions

Explore Rideau river and around that area with our flexible team.You can relax your self seen river,park and surrounding areas with natural resources. There are so many paid activities to enroll for your happiness .It may be land or water ,either way: We are promise to make your tour memorable forever .

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Other Sightseeing Options in Rideau Canal

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What people are saying about Rideau Canal

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 239 reviews

Guide & boat were excellent BUT 70% of my fellow passengers were complete a-holes - they talked so much we could barely hear the guide, even though he set the expectation at the beginning AND 1/2 way through. My ancestors dug that thing & I wanted to learn about it. So please administer Ritalin to every rider, combine masking with built-in gags, OR, if u r just there to talk with your friends & family, CHAT ON THE BENCH BESIDE THE CANAL. STAY OFF THE BOAT OR DO AS YOU WERE ASKED & SHUT YOUR YAP UNTIL THE RIDE BACK. No one cares what the passengers have to say.

A pleasant and relaxing boat ride on the canal with an engaging tour guide. The ride back was optimal for getting up and taking pictures. And it was fun waving to any passerbys

Really nice tour. Gabriella did a great job commentating for us. We appreciated her sense of humour!

Very entertaining and quite informative! Brendan is so funny!

very pleasant, good weather and explanations from the guide.