Ottawa · Canada
Ottawa Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Ottawa tours and things to do in Canada’s capital: stand before the Gothic Parliament Hill, cruise the UNESCO Rideau Canal, explore world-class national museums, sample the flavours of the ByWard Market and escape to the trails of Gatineau Park. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
109 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Ottawa
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Ottawa
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Ottawa by interest
Whatever brings you to Ottawa — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Parliament Hill
Nation’s seat.
ExploreCity sightseeing
Capital highlights.
ExploreRideau Canal
UNESCO waterway.
ExploreMuseums
World-class collections.
ExploreFood & market
ByWard flavours.
ExploreGatineau Park
Forest & lakes.
ExploreWalking tours
On foot.
ExploreOttawa highlights
Parliament & canal.
ExploreWhat to see
Top attractions in Ottawa
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Parliament Hill
Nation’s seat.
15 toursView tours
City Sightseeing
Capital highlights.
15 toursView tours
Rideau Canal
UNESCO waterway.
10 toursView tours
Museums
World-class.
10 toursView tours
ByWard Market
Food & flavours.
10 toursView tours
Gatineau Park
Forest & lakes.
10 toursView tours
Walking Tours
On foot.
10 toursView tours
Ottawa
Canada’s capital.
15 toursView tours
City awayParliament Hill
Nation’s seat.
from €33View trips
City awayCity Sightseeing
Capital highlights.
from €37View trips
City awayRideau Canal
UNESCO waterway.
from €33View trips
City awayMuseums
World-class.
from €30View trips
City awayByWard Market
Food & flavours.
from €23View trips
30 min awayGatineau Park
Forest & lakes.
from €75View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Ottawa visitor asks before booking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Warm and lively — peak season.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Crisp days and glorious fall colours.
Spring (Apr–May)
Mild, with the famous tulip festival.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cold and snowy — skate the canal.
For the canal cruise
May to October, when boats run.
Best overall
Summer and autumn for warm, colourful days.
One day
Parliament and a canal cruise.
Two days
Add the museums and the market.
Three+ days
Add Gatineau Park and day trips.
For history
Parliament Hill and the museums.
For the canal
A Rideau Canal cruise or skate.
For nature
A day in Gatineau Park.
On foot
The centre and market are easily walked.
By O-Train
A light-rail line crosses the city.
Tours
City and amphibus tours cover the sights.
By boat
Cruises run along the Rideau Canal.
Where to stay
Stay near Parliament or the ByWard Market.
Canadian dollar
Canada uses the dollar; cards widely taken.
Parliament
Book ahead for free guided tours.
Canal cruise
Choose a sunset cruise for the views.
Museums
Allow a half day for the big museums.
ByWard Market
Try a BeaverTail pastry.
Winter skating
Skate the canal in the cold months.
Combos
Some tours pair the city with a cruise.
Parliament tours
Free tours fill up — book ahead.
Canal cruises
Cruises fill up in summer — reserve early.
Food tours
Small market tours fill up — book ahead.
Gatineau trips
Park tours fill up — reserve early.
Walking tours
Popular walks fill up — book ahead.
Festivals
Tulip festival and Canada Day are busiest.
Parliament tour
Around €30–50 for a Parliament area tour.
City tour
About €33–60 for a city sightseeing tour.
Canal cruise
Roughly €33–50 for a Rideau Canal cruise.
Food tour
Around €23–50 for a ByWard Market tour.
Gatineau trip
About €75+ for a Gatineau Park tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
When to visit
Ottawa through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Tulips.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Mild.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Jun–Aug
- Best for
- Cruises & sun.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Sep–Oct
- Best for
- Fall colours.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Nov–Feb
- Best for
- Canal skating.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cold.
People also ask
Ottawa travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Ottawa?
The highest-rated experiences are Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the national museums, and the ByWard Market.
What should I book in advance in Ottawa?
Reserve Parliament tours, canal cruises and food tours ahead, especially in summer.
How many days do I need in Ottawa?
One day covers Parliament and the canal, and two to three let you add the museums, the market and Gatineau Park.
Is Ottawa worth visiting?
Yes — Canada’s capital blends grand Parliament buildings, the UNESCO Rideau Canal and top national museums.
When is the best time to visit Ottawa?
Summer and autumn for warm weather and fall colours; winter for skating the canal.
What is the Rideau Canal?
A UNESCO-listed historic canal through Ottawa, a skating rink in winter.
What is the ByWard Market?
Ottawa’s historic market and food district.
109 Ottawa experiencesfrom €22 · free cancellation
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