2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
Active
2h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join our small-group, fun and leisurely bike tour that shows you the best of Ottawa in less time. Pedal your way around with our super comfortable bikes on scenic and safe waterfront bicycle pathways and on backroads of quaint neighbourhoods. Ebike add on is available upon request!
We will stop about 6-7 times to see some of the city’s stunning look outs, hidden gems and must-see landmarks and attractions including Rideau Canal, Rideau Hall, the National War Memorial and Byward market while our fun and friendly local guides will tell you stories at each stop about history, local culture and life in Ottawa!
You will be amazed by how much you will see and learn and how many pictures you snap in just 2 hours. Suitable for all ages, this biking experience is ideal for easy-going bicyclists and families who want to see more of Ottawa in less time and also get lots of local tips about what to do and see in Ottawa!
Available options
2024- Express
What's included
Local guide
Bicycle
Helmet
Detailed itinerary
1
Meet us 20 minutes before your tour start time.
2
Stop 2
Visit the historic Rideau Canal
3
Learn about Ottawa's oldest stone building and its legacy.
4
Stop 4
Starting the tour we first visit the war memorial.
5
Stop 5
Cycling through the backroads, you will get a sense of Ottawa's past and current neighbourhood.
6
Stop 6
Visit Government General's residence to learn about Canadian political system and enjoy the beautiful Gardens
7
Cycle through the historic neighbourhood of New Edinburg and stop to enjoy a beautiful view and fresh breeze at Rideau Falls.
8
Stop 8
Stop to learn a bit about the incredible collection in the gallery and snap some photos of the famous Spider Sculpture!
9
Stop 9
Pass by
You will see the best views of the Parliament Hill from the look outs that we with bring you to, will learn about it and can get some nice shots!
10
Stop 10
See Locks original operation as boats pass by.
What's not included
Transportation to/from attractions
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
31 reviews
5★
31
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
265 reviews
5★
258
4★
6
3★
0
2★
1
1★
0
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guest must arrive to the tour starting location 20 minutes prior to the tour starting time for bike fitting and tour and safety review.
Where to park: We recommend finding a private parking lot nearby or using the following underground parking lots: National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St.) City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W)
We are located at 65 Sparks St. which is a pedestrian street between Elgin and Metcalfe. We are a few steps away from the Parliament Hills and the National War Memorial.
Meeting point
Arrive at Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals at 65 Sparks st. 20 minutes prior to the tour start time.
Where to park: We recommend finding a private parking lot nearby or using the following underground parking lots:
National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St.)
City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W)
Important notes
613-608-7407
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.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unusual requests
Getting there
By air
- Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Ottawa Station
By bus
Ottawa Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
OC Transpo is the primary public transit system in Ottawa, with a wide network of bus routes and the O-Train light rail system.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
The Glebe
Westboro
Centretown
Day trips
Gatineau, Quebec
15 km from Ottawa • Half-day to full-day
A city across the Ottawa River with cultural attractions, nature parks, and scenic views.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
130 km from Ottawa • Full-day
A popular resort town known for its ski slopes, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Kingston, Ontario
200 km from Ottawa • Full-day
A historic city on the shores of Lake Ontario with a rich past and vibrant present.
Festivals
Winterlude • February
Canadian Tulip Festival • May
Ottawa Jazz Festival • June-July
Pro tips
- Visit Parliament Hill at sunrise or sunset for stunning views and fewer crowds
- Take a boat tour of the Rideau Canal for a unique perspective of the city
- Explore the ByWard Market on a weekend for the best market experience
- Try local craft beers and foods at the many breweries and eateries in the city
- Use the OC Transpo app for real-time transit information and trip planning
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
