Ottawa , Canada

Ottawa Small Group Premium City Tour

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(159 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Your See Sight Tours guide will greet you at your downtown Ottawa accommodations before beginning your journey in the comfort of one of our complimentary vehicles.

Start with a scenic drive through Rockcliffe Park, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive chance to see some of the city’s most beautiful sights, often missed by visitors.

Next, board a Rideau Canal Cruise and take in over 50 points of interest along the water, including the breathtaking Rideau Falls, while learning about the city’s history from a fresh perspective.

Continue with a narrated drive past Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Parliament Buildings, with stops at the Supreme Court of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History for photo opportunities and insights from your guide.

Conclude your tour with a visit to Parliament Hill, the seat of Canada’s government. Explore the grounds on a self-guided walk!

At the end of your experience, your guide will provide a comfortable return to your downtown Ottawa hotel.

Available options

Ottawa Small Group Premium City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Complimentary Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off in Downtown Ottawa

Canadian Museum of History (Admission Included) (Seasonal: November-April)

Stop at Parliament Hill for self-guided walking tour of the grounds

Small Group Driving Tour (Max 9 Guests)

Rideau Canal Cruise (Admission Included) (Seasonal: April-November)

Detailed itinerary

Your Ottawa sightseeing tour begins with pick up from your hotel before heading out on a narrated drive past some must-see sights! You’ll pass the Parliament Buildings and make stops outside the Supreme Court and Canadian Museum of History for photos with a view.

We’ll take you on a driving tour through Rockcliffe Park. Large tour buses aren’t allowed to go here, but since we’re in a smaller, passenger van you’ll have the chance to check out some sights that most tourists won’t get to see, such as: the official residence of the US Ambassador to Canada, the Governor General’s Residence (Rideau Hall), and the Prime Minister’s Residence. We’ll also stop at the Rockcliffe lookout point where you take some amazing pictures while looking out on Ottawa River.

Stop 3 Pass by

After your tour of Rockcliffe Park, you'll visit to the Ottawa’s Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. You will marvel at the elegant gothic-style interiors in Ottawa’s largest and oldest standing church.

Next, you will enjoy a narrated drive passing iconic attractions such as the Parliament Buildings and make stops outside the Supreme Court and Canadian Museum of History to capture beautiful images of the scenery.

Stop 5

To complete your tour your guide will take you to Parliament Hill - home of the Parliament of Canada. Here you will get the opportunity to learn about the rich nation's history and admire the beautiful Gothic revival-style buildings and their architectural elements of national symbolic importance on a self-guided walking tour of the grounds.

Stop 6

Departing from the docks at Jacques Cartier Park, this relaxing river cruise will have you leisurely floating down the Ottawa River. During your enjoyable river cruise, you will be able to view over 55 different sites along the river which include everything from Chateau Laurier Hotel and Rideau Falls to the Parliament Buildings, Supreme Court of Canada, and the Prime Minister's House.

(Cruise availabilty is seasonal. During the winter months - the river cruise will be replaced by a visit to the Canadian Museum of History)
*Note - this tour does not include lunch, though snacks are available for purchase on board the boat

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

75 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.4

84 reviews

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Ottawa River cruise is a seasonal attraction, when the cruise is not operating it will be replaced with a Canadian War Museum of History tour

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The duration of tours are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• The boat cruise is seasonal (approx. May - October) and weather dependent.
• Hotel pickups commence prior to this time

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.