A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History

Ottawa , Canada

A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History

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(7 reviews)

50m - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Are you looking for a way to explore Ottawa at your own pace? On this self-guided audio tour, you will relive Ottawa‘s turbulent early history when rioters and rogues ran rampant.

Ottawa‘s significance extends beyond its Houses of Parliament and famous museums. Before becoming Canada‘s capital, it was a rough, lawless place in the wilderness. On this walking tour through old Bytown, you’ll trace the city’s evolution from a small lumber town to Queen Victoria‘s choice as Canada‘s capital and discover Ottawa‘s hidden backstory.

You'll stroll down York Street and learn about the early days of the iconic Byward Market. Ottawa‘s past will come to life in the serene Jeanne d‘Arc Courtyard, where you‘ll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that fueled the feuding Bytown residents. On Sussex Drive, you‘ll explore popular sites from new perspectives and travel back to when rogues, rioters, and disease made the streets unsafe.

Available options

A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History

What's included

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Begin your tour at Major's Hill Park, where you'll pay tribute to Colonel John By, the visionary behind the Rideau Canal, at his statue overlooking the Ottawa River.

Pass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario.

Stop 3 Pass by

Explore Major's Hill Park, a scenic green space offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.

Walk down York Street, passing by the York Steps, which played a significant role in the early development of Bytown.

Pass by the York Street Millennium Fountain, a modern landmark symbolizing Ottawa's ongoing evolution and progress.

Stop 6 Pass by

Discover the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, bustling with vendors, restaurants, and artisans.

Enter the serene Jeanne d'Arc Courtyard, where you'll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that shaped Bytown's early community.

Learn about Rochon House, a historic building with ties to Ottawa's early lumber industry and cultural heritage.

Discover the legacy of Élisabeth Bruyère, who founded Ottawa's first hospital to serve the community's healthcare needs.

Pass by LaSalle Academy, a historic educational institution contributing to Ottawa's intellectual and cultural landscape since its establishment.

End your tour at Sussex Drive, where you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture and a testament to Ottawa's rich religious heritage.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Meeting point

The tour begins at the entrance to Major's Hill Park on Mackenzie Avenue, just behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. It starts directly opposite 555 Mackenzie Avenue, the Connaught Building.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE 
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
3. Create an account
4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
5. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE 
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the

About Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It's known for its stunning architecture, vibrant festivals, and the iconic Parliament Hill. The city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventures along the scenic Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park.

Top Attractions

Parliament Hill

The political and cultural heart of Canada, featuring the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Peace Tower.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (tours may have fees)

Rideau Canal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal is the longest skating rink in the world in winter and a popular spot for boating in summer.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (skate rentals available in winter)

ByWard Market

A historic market area with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore (costs vary for food and shopping)

National Gallery of Canada

A premier art museum featuring Canadian and international art, including works by the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists.

Museum 1-2 hours CAD 18 (free for youth under 12)

Gatineau Park

A vast natural park across the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, offering hiking, biking, and scenic views.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free (parking fees may apply)

Must-Try Local Dishes

BeaverTails

Fried dough pastries stretched to resemble a beaver's tail, topped with various sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and maple butter.

Dessert Vegetarian (check for specific toppings)

Poutine

A Canadian classic made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.

Main Course Vegetarian options available (check for specific ingredients)

Tourtière

A traditional Quebecois meat pie, often made with minced pork, veal, or beef, and seasoned with spices.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gatineau Park Skiing in Mont-Tremblant Whitewater rafting on the Ottawa River Boating on the Rideau Canal Picnicking in Major's Hill Park Spa treatments Visiting museums (National Gallery, Canadian War Museum) Exploring historic sites (Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall)

Best Time to Visit

June to August, October

Summer is the peak tourist season with warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions open. October is also popular for fall foliage.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, French
Widely spoken: English, French, and other immigrant languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ottawa is generally safe with low crime rates. However, as with any city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.