Tours & Activities in Ottawa
Ottawa is the nation's capital and every corner of this diverse city reflects Canada's rich culture and history. Warm spring days thaw out tangled rivers, the long summer's sun reflects off the copper roofs of Parliament, autumn sets the maple trees ablaze in colour and in winter, children play hockey on frozen waterways.
A blend of urban and natural landscapes makes Ottawa an ideal place for those seeking activities and adventures. Urbanites will enjoy exploring the city's history and culture and naturalists can take advantage of a wealth of recreational opportunities all year round.
SPIRITED SPRING
Spring was called the season of the melting snow by the Algonquin people that made their homes along the Kitcisìpi, now known as the Ottawa River. These First Nations people created a rich history, weaving the changing of the seasons into legends and tales still told today. Learn about Canada's First Nations cultures by taking an aboriginal history and cultural tour, an interactive learning experience in a First Nations village on Victoria Island in downtown Ottawa.
Ottawa is a lively city. Festivals abound year round, celebrating each season. In spring, families can enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival, International Children's Festival and Dragon Boat Festival. These colourful celebrations are fun to attend and watch. View the activities from a unique perspective; rise above and float in the silence of a hot-air balloon with Windborne Ballooning, which takes visitors on one- to two-hour excursions. Alternatively, take a thrilling ride over the city on an airplane tour with the Ottawa Flying Club or Rockcliffe Flying Club. Or, see Ottawa's most famous attractions from the water on a boat tour; many of Ottawa's most important sites are situated along the Ottawa River between Ottawa and its twin city of Gatineau. Numerous companies offer sightseeing cruises; Canada Ducks gives visitors a unique experience on Second World War amphibious vehicles.
SUNNY SUMMER
Sightseeing can be done in any season but is particularly enjoyable in summer. Explore Ottawa's rich history through a sightseeing and interpretive guide service. There is often no need to book ahead and tours are offered in a variety of languages. Motorcoach and van tours are a popular option, especially for those short of time. These tours provide visitors with a view of all Ottawa's major sights and attractions as well as the opportunity to hop on and off at convenient locations, including museums, galleries and government buildings.
Some visitors prefer a more personal guided walking tour. Ottawa Walking Tours offers enjoyable and informative excursions that highlight historical and architectural aspects of Ottawa's central area. Guided tours are friendly and personal, giving visitors the opportunity to ask questions as well as make friends. Self-guided tours are a great option for those who prefer a more self-directed pace. Ottawa's major sites and attractions are concentrated along Confederation Boulevard. Follow this ceremonial route through the city's centre, over the Ottawa River to Gatineau and back again to see over 60 cultural attractions.
Ghost and cemetery tours fit in well to a spare evening. The Haunted Walk of Ottawa tour begins at dusk, taking visitors on an exploration of the darker side of the city.
AUTUMN ADVENTURE
Ottawa is a delightful mix of urban and rural landscapes; natural waterways and parks provide plenty of opportunities for adventure. The city lies at the confluence of three rivers—Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau—that feed hundreds of lakes and are home to a great diversity of wildlife. The plentiful waterways make Ottawa a dream for water-sport enthusiasts. Rent a canoe or kayak for a leisurely paddle, to find a secluded fishing spot or to navigate the tangle of waterways. For a white-water thrill, join HorizonX on an Ottawa River rafting adventure.
Beautiful city views splashed with autumn colours can also be discovered from vantage points in the city's plentiful parks. Trail information is readily available and bicycle rentals abound. Cyco's is a particularly well known shop; mountain bikes, tandems, hybrids, road bikes and child trailers can all be rented. Or enjoy the view while taking in a round of golf at one of the city's dozen golf courses, including several located along the shores of the Ottawa River.
WINTER WONDERLAND
The quiet, still days of winter come to life easily. A peaceful cross-country skiing trip through Gatineau Park, which has over 200 km (124 mi) of groomed trails, is rewarding. The Rideau Canal is a lively spot every day of winter when this naturally frozen skating rink is filled with fresh-faced hockey players and families of skaters. And the Winterlude festival celebrates winter with snow and ice sculptures, a giant snow playground, skating and entertainment.
For those who prefer to spend the cooler days indoors, there are plenty of entertainment opportunities for all age groups. Ottawa is a very family-oriented city, with several amusement parks and mini-golf courses. The Midway Family Fun Park has a blend of indoor and outdoor activities. This large recreation complex has a climbing wall, arcade, bumper cars, and go-karts.
For rest and relaxation, many full-service spas offer aesthetic and therapeutic services. Personalized massages and acupuncture services are available at day spas such as Holtz Spa on Rideau Street and the centrally located York Street Spa. A more energetic form of relaxation can be found at more than 20 yoga studios throughout the city, including the Fitness Fusion Studio, which offers classes for people of all ages and fitness levels.
A blend of urban and natural landscapes makes Ottawa an ideal place for those seeking activities and adventures. Urbanites will enjoy exploring the city's history and culture and naturalists can take advantage of a wealth of recreational opportunities all year round.
SPIRITED SPRING
Spring was called the season of the melting snow by the Algonquin people that made their homes along the Kitcisìpi, now known as the Ottawa River. These First Nations people created a rich history, weaving the changing of the seasons into legends and tales still told today. Learn about Canada's First Nations cultures by taking an aboriginal history and cultural tour, an interactive learning experience in a First Nations village on Victoria Island in downtown Ottawa.
Ottawa is a lively city. Festivals abound year round, celebrating each season. In spring, families can enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival, International Children's Festival and Dragon Boat Festival. These colourful celebrations are fun to attend and watch. View the activities from a unique perspective; rise above and float in the silence of a hot-air balloon with Windborne Ballooning, which takes visitors on one- to two-hour excursions. Alternatively, take a thrilling ride over the city on an airplane tour with the Ottawa Flying Club or Rockcliffe Flying Club. Or, see Ottawa's most famous attractions from the water on a boat tour; many of Ottawa's most important sites are situated along the Ottawa River between Ottawa and its twin city of Gatineau. Numerous companies offer sightseeing cruises; Canada Ducks gives visitors a unique experience on Second World War amphibious vehicles.
SUNNY SUMMER
Sightseeing can be done in any season but is particularly enjoyable in summer. Explore Ottawa's rich history through a sightseeing and interpretive guide service. There is often no need to book ahead and tours are offered in a variety of languages. Motorcoach and van tours are a popular option, especially for those short of time. These tours provide visitors with a view of all Ottawa's major sights and attractions as well as the opportunity to hop on and off at convenient locations, including museums, galleries and government buildings.
Some visitors prefer a more personal guided walking tour. Ottawa Walking Tours offers enjoyable and informative excursions that highlight historical and architectural aspects of Ottawa's central area. Guided tours are friendly and personal, giving visitors the opportunity to ask questions as well as make friends. Self-guided tours are a great option for those who prefer a more self-directed pace. Ottawa's major sites and attractions are concentrated along Confederation Boulevard. Follow this ceremonial route through the city's centre, over the Ottawa River to Gatineau and back again to see over 60 cultural attractions.
Ghost and cemetery tours fit in well to a spare evening. The Haunted Walk of Ottawa tour begins at dusk, taking visitors on an exploration of the darker side of the city.
AUTUMN ADVENTURE
Ottawa is a delightful mix of urban and rural landscapes; natural waterways and parks provide plenty of opportunities for adventure. The city lies at the confluence of three rivers—Ottawa, Rideau and Gatineau—that feed hundreds of lakes and are home to a great diversity of wildlife. The plentiful waterways make Ottawa a dream for water-sport enthusiasts. Rent a canoe or kayak for a leisurely paddle, to find a secluded fishing spot or to navigate the tangle of waterways. For a white-water thrill, join HorizonX on an Ottawa River rafting adventure.
Beautiful city views splashed with autumn colours can also be discovered from vantage points in the city's plentiful parks. Trail information is readily available and bicycle rentals abound. Cyco's is a particularly well known shop; mountain bikes, tandems, hybrids, road bikes and child trailers can all be rented. Or enjoy the view while taking in a round of golf at one of the city's dozen golf courses, including several located along the shores of the Ottawa River.
WINTER WONDERLAND
The quiet, still days of winter come to life easily. A peaceful cross-country skiing trip through Gatineau Park, which has over 200 km (124 mi) of groomed trails, is rewarding. The Rideau Canal is a lively spot every day of winter when this naturally frozen skating rink is filled with fresh-faced hockey players and families of skaters. And the Winterlude festival celebrates winter with snow and ice sculptures, a giant snow playground, skating and entertainment.
For those who prefer to spend the cooler days indoors, there are plenty of entertainment opportunities for all age groups. Ottawa is a very family-oriented city, with several amusement parks and mini-golf courses. The Midway Family Fun Park has a blend of indoor and outdoor activities. This large recreation complex has a climbing wall, arcade, bumper cars, and go-karts.
For rest and relaxation, many full-service spas offer aesthetic and therapeutic services. Personalized massages and acupuncture services are available at day spas such as Holtz Spa on Rideau Street and the centrally located York Street Spa. A more energetic form of relaxation can be found at more than 20 yoga studios throughout the city, including the Fitness Fusion Studio, which offers classes for people of all ages and fitness levels.
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