Ottawa Rideau River self guided walking tour and scavenger hunt

Ottawa , Canada

Ottawa Rideau River self guided walking tour and 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

Are you looking for things to do in Ottawa? A walk along the Rideau River is an opportunity to learn about the importance of the city and discover some of its attractions. You will have to solve challenges at each step to discover your next destination.

Walk from Rideau Falls Park to Green Island to Rideau Hall and the residence of the Prime Minister of Canada, passing some parks, and mansions. You will have fun completing challenges.

The Ottawa Rideau River Tourist Scavenger Hunt is a 3.9 km / 2.4 mi walking tour with challenges along the way. It should take you 2 hours to complete.
- A fun learning experience
- See the sights! 22 locations
- Learn some local history
- Challenge your knowledge: 22 varied challenges
- Fun for all ages, kids included
- Walk at your own pace: 3.9 km / 2.4 mi
- Pets are allowed throughout this tour
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout.
- Start whenever you are ready, from your smartphone – no fixed schedule

Available options

Ottawa Rideau River self guided walking tour and scavenger hunt

What's included

22 points of interest seen

Scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone (data required)

24/7 customer support

22 varied challenges

Detailed itinerary

See several monuments, and the actual Rideau "curtain" Falls as you walk around this park, learning about its monuments' significance and solving challenges.

Learn about this organisation and its history.
Solve a challenge as you spend 5 minutes here.

See the Ottawa River and learn about its origin and end points, and about Gatineau across the water.
Solve a challenge.

Walk over the Rideau River Falls to Green Island where you'll encounter several monuments, and solve 4 challenges.
15 minutes

Learn about the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, which war it fought in, and solve a challenge here.

See and learn about this monument and who it honors.
Solve a challenge here

See the statue of Lt-Col. John McCrae and learn about his poem "In Flanders Fields".
Solve 2 challenges here.

See this government building and solve a challenge with it as you make your way across Green Island to Maple Island.
10 min

Walk across the south Minto Bridget from Green Island to Maple Island.
Here discover a Hungarian Monument and solve a challenge.

Walk across the north Minto Bridge and solve another challenge before entering Stanley Park.
From here, seek an embassy and solve another challenge.

See the Embassy of Spain in Canada and learn about its history.
Solve a challenge. Spend 5 minutes here.

Admire this small yet beautiful Anglican church. Learn its history and significance.
Solve a challenge here.
Spend 5 minutes here.

Stop 13 Pass by

Walk by the secondary entrance gate to Rideau Hall's ground. Learn about the estate that houses the Governor General of Canada, its history, and its significance.
Solve a challenge here.
5 minutes

See and learn about the Embassy of Vietnam to Canada.
Solve a challenge here.
5 minutes.

In front of Rideau Hall's main entrance, see this grand equestrian statue of Queen Elizabeth II.
Solve a challenge here.

Learn about Stornoway, the official residence of the leader of the opposition party.
Solve a challenge here,
Spend 5 minutes

See the gatehouse the RCMP uses to guard the Prime Minister of Canada.
Solve a challenge here.

Learn about the Trans Canada Trail which is behind 10 Sussex and the residence of the Prime Minister, along the Ottawa River.
5 minutes

See and learn about South Africa's High Commission to Canada. Learn about its flag and who's residence this was originally.
Solve a challenge here.
Spend 5 minutes

Through the gate, see the residence of Canada's prime minister. Learn about this house and its history as you solve a challenge here.
5 minutes here

See and learn about the Embassy of France to Canada.
Solve a challenge here
5 minutes

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

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 parking area of Rideau Falls Park, 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.