Ottawa Embassies self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt
Active
2h - 3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
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
- See the sights! 32 locations
- Learn some local history
- Challenge your knowledge
- Fun for all ages, kids included
- Walk at your own pace
- Pets are not allowed in all locations on this tour.
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout.
- Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule
Available options
Ottawa Embassies self-guided walking tour & scavenger hunt
What's included
36 varied challenges
Scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone (data required)
24/7 customer support
Detailed itinerary
1
This is the starting point for your adventure through Ottawa's Embassies neighborhood.
Learn about this park and its name
Solve a few challenges in the park
2
Learn the difference between a High Commission and an Embassy.
Learn about this country, and solve a challenge here.
5 minutes on site
3
Learn about this country and its embassy here.
Solve a challenge
5 minutes here.
4
See and learn about the pedestrian bridge over the Ottawa River. Also learn about the river itself, where it starts and ends.
Solve a few challenges here.
5
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
6
Learn about this country and its high commission here in Ottawa.
Also, see the embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela just before.
Solve 2 challenges here.
Spend 10 minutes here
7
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
8
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
9
Learn about this country and its High Commission here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
10
Discover this French cooking school here in Ottawa. Solve 2 challenges here.
Spend 5 minutes here
11
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
On your way here, also see the Embassy of Russia and learn the history of its fire in 1956.
Solve 2 challenges.
Spend 10 minutes here
12
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
13
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Also, see the Embassy of Sudan on your way here, and learn about that country.
Solve 2 challenges.
Spend 10 minutes here
14
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
See a few murals and street art installations as you walk to this embassy.
Solve 3 challenges here.
Spend 10 minutes here
15
Walk through this beautiful park, and learn about its features and historic significance.
Solve a few challenges here.
16
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
See several more urban art installations as you walk here.
Solve several challenges.
Spend 15 minutes here
17
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
18
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
19
Learn about this country and its High Commission here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
20
Discover the residence of 2 former Canadian Prime Ministers. Discover who and learn more about this house.
Solve a few challenges here.
10 minutes walking to here and solving challenges.
21
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
22
Learn about this country and its high commission here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
23
Learn about this country and its embassy here in Ottawa.
Solve a challenge.
Spend 5 minutes here
What's not included
This tour is strictly exterior sightseeing, you need not enter any of the locations seen on it.
You can pause the activity to visit any of the locations along the tour route.
Available languages
Written guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Once you're standing near the Strathcona Park parking area, and have completed the transaction with our website, follow the start instructions in the "Order Complete" email.
Important notes
You must convert your voucher to our website before beginning the activity.
To do so, your TripAdvisor/Viator account Must Have your Real Email as we will email instructions to them. These will tell you how to convert your purchase on our website to complete the activity.
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
