Did you know that you can easily walk or bike between world-class attractions, culinary hotspots and green outdoor spaces in Canada’s capital? And taking a tour can help you discover local favourites that you might not otherwise encounter! Join us on a journey through some of Ottawa’s best walking and cycling tours.
Cycling tours
Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals
More than 800 kilometres (497 miles) of multi-use pathways criss-cross the Ottawa-Gatineau region — a cyclist’s dream destination! Rent a bike from Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals or join one of their guided tours to ride by some of the city’s most scenic spaces and grand attractions. Choose from leisurely rides, challenging routes, themed tours and customized experiences. They provide a bicycle, helmet, water bottle and an expert guide. Tours depart from their kiosk on Sparks Street.
RentABike
Local company RentABike has been operating for over 25 years. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy outing or you’re a serious cyclist, you’ll find your ride amongst their selection of more than 200 bikes, including comfort, road, off-road and even tandem bicycles. Rent one by the day, the weekend or even the whole week! RentABike is located across the street from the Fairmont Château Laurier under the Plaza Bridge, at the Rideau Canal level.
Walking tours
Ottawa Walking Tours
Join Ottawa Walking Tours (OWT) for multilingual, two-hour walking tours of Ottawa that explore fascinating history, cool architecture and beautiful art. OWT’s most popular tour is the Historical Highlights Walking Tour which stops at sites like Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, the Rideau Canal — Ontario’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site – and Major’s Hill Park, among others.
The Haunted Walk of Ottawa
For a unique spin on Ottawa’s past, join the cloaked guides of The Haunted Walk of Ottawa for spooky strolls through downtown. The Original Haunted Walk tour shares ghost stories about the Bytown Museum, the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier and even a haunted high school. Tours are available in English and French and depart from the Haunted Walk Ticket Office at the corner of Sparks Street and Elgin Street.
Ottawa Free Tours
Looking for a budget-friendly (free) guided tour? From spring through fall, Ottawa Free Tours offers their Capital City Tour a few times a week. Tours start at the National War Memorial and cover Ottawa’s rowdy past Prime Ministers, the construction of the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market neighbourhood and more. The knowledgeable guides accept donations.
Peoples' History Walking Tours
Discover Ottawa’s untold stories with Peoples' History Walking Tours, focusing on workers, immigrants, and marginalized communities. Explore the Rideau Canal’s labourers, Parliament Hill’s transformation, Ottawa’s protest history, and more. From colonialism to community struggles, these eye-opening tours offer a fresh take on the city’s past!
Food tours
C’est Bon Ottawa
If your idea of a fun tour includes food, you’re in luck! Local company C’est Bon Ottawa offers a guided gourmet tours of the iconic ByWard Market neighbourhood. Enjoy food samples as you stroll between food shops, farmers’ markets and restaurants and meet the people behind Ottawa’s tasty culinary scene!
Love cycling AND eating? Join the Bike & Bites Tour offered by partners C’est Bon Ottawa and Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals. Follow your cycling guide to some of the city’s main attractions while uncovering hidden gems and must-try eateries along the way.
Ottawa's Most Unique
Calling all poutine lovers! Ottawa’s Most Unique offers an unforgettable Poutine Tour in the vibrant Centretown neighborhood, taking you to three handpicked restaurants serving unique twists on Canada’s iconic dish. Enjoy premium drinks, savor creative poutine variations, and get insider tips on Ottawa’s best local eats along the way. Whether you're a visitor or a local, this tour is a must-try culinary adventure!
