Ottawa, Ontario Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Ottawa, Ontario Shore Excursions
Ottawa, Ontario
Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 63.59
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Boat Cruise - Rideau Canal Cruise
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 42.72
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Boat Cruise - Paul's Boat Line
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 40.05
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 44.50
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 40.05
Ottawa, Ontario
2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 59.10
Ottawa, Ontario
Original Haunted Walk of Ottawa
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.35
Ottawa, Ontario
Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 162.33
Ottawa, Ontario
Canadian War Museum Admission
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 18.60
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Small Group Premium City Tour
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 103.98
Ottawa, Ontario
Oh Canada Eh!? Dinner Musical
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 78.55
Ottawa, Ontario
Self-Guided Biking in Ottawa-Gatineau
Duration: 2 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 29.91
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 87.52
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 5.00
Ottawa, Ontario
Full Day Pontiac Wine & Cider Tour - Day Trip From Ottawa & Gatineau
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 136.52
Ottawa, Ontario
Soft Adventure Rafting on the Ottawa River
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 162.32
Ottawa, Ontario
Cycling Ottawa's 200th Anniversary, self-guided
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 26.18
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa 200th Anniversary Landmarks
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 51.62
Ottawa, Ontario
Secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel Tour
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 25.35
Ottawa, Ontario
Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 82.25
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Premium Night Driving Tour with River Cruise
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 82.29
Ottawa, Ontario
Ultimate Ottawa Lazy River Rafting Tour - From Ottawa & Gatineau
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 138.39
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 66.58
Ottawa, Ontario
Guided ByWard Market Food Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 108.47
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa's Original Historical Highlights Public Walking Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 17.95
Ottawa, Ontario
Private Behind the Scenes Brewery tour by bus - 15 or more
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1395.13
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Ecological Reserve Kayak Tour with TURTLE Sightings
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 63.59
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa's Most Unique Poutine Tour
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD NaN
Ottawa, Ontario
Flying Dress Photoshoot Experience in Ottawa
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 336.63
Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa Food Tour with ByWard Market Flavors & 6 Local Tastings
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 86.03
Related destinations to Ottawa, Ontario
Halifax, Nova Scotia Shore Excursions
Montréal, Québec Shore Excursions
Quebec City, Québec Shore Excursions
What should a first-time visitor know about a shore excursion in Ottawa?
If you are arriving in Ottawa on a cruise, expect a compact, culture-rich day that is easy to navigate. Shore time is limited, so itineraries commonly focus on civic landmarks, nearby museums and pleasant outdoor routes along the Rideau Canal. Guided groups tend to coordinate dock transfers and timed entrances to save time, while independent visitors should allow extra buffer for transport and security lines. Practical considerations include weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes, and a watch on time to return for departure, especially during busy festival periods. Ottawa shore excursions
Which top attractions are typically included on Ottawa shore excursions?
Top highlights often concentrate within a walkable core: Parliament Hill with its ceremonial grounds, the Rideau Canal locks and waterside paths, the lively ByWard Market and several national museums and galleries. Sightseeing frequently crosses the Ottawa River to include the Canadian Museum of History for perspectives on national heritage and Indigenous cultures. Many itineraries pair outdoor vistas with indoor collections to suit varied interests. Travel times between these sites are short compared with larger capitals, allowing visitors to see several signature attractions in a single day on Ottawa tours
Should I choose a half-day or full-day option for an Ottawa visit?
Half-day outings usually cover one or two concentrated areas—such as Parliament Hill and the ByWard Market—or a canal cruise plus a brief museum stop, providing a taste of the city with less walking. Full-day options allow deeper exploration, including more time at major museums, a longer riverside route or a drive into Gatineau Park for scenic viewpoints. Your choice depends on energy levels, the calibre of interest in museums and history, and ship schedule flexibility. Remember transit and security checks can consume significant time, so plan accordingly for Ottawa shore excursions
How do Ottawa shore excursions highlight culture and history?
Guided experiences typically weave political history, Indigenous perspectives and artistic heritage into a coherent narrative. Expect stops at Parliament Hill, national museums with curated collections, and interpretive remarks about early settlement, Confederation, and contemporary Canadian identity. Many guides contextualise public art and monuments, and some shore excursions include bilingual commentary reflecting English and French influences. Museums may require timed entry, so schedules focus on essential exhibits while offering recommendations for further independent exploration beyond the ship’s timeframe on Ottawa tours
Can I experience nature and scenic views during a short visit to Ottawa?
Parks and waterfronts are integral to the city’s character and easily experienced even with limited time. Short options include strolling along the Rideau Canal locks, viewing the Ottawa River vistas from Major’s Hill Park, or enjoying landscaped areas around national institutions. For more expansive scenery, some itineraries transfer across the river to Gatineau Park for lookout points and forested drives, though that requires more time. Seasonal variations change the visual appeal—spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn colour and winter skating provide distinct experiences on Ottawa shore excursions
What food and local cuisine should I try on a brief stop in Ottawa?
Local tastes reflect Canada’s multicultural scene and regional specialities found in markets and casual eateries. The ByWard Market area offers pastries, artisanal snacks and street food; try a regional fried pastry treat and classic poutine to sample comfort flavours. Small bakeries, delis and multicultural restaurants provide quick but authentic bites, while craft breweries and cafés present local beverages. Allow time for a market stroll to sample items suited to walking, and consider dietary needs when choosing busy food hubs during peak visiting hours on Ottawa tours
What activity level should I expect on an Ottawa shore excursion?
Expect a moderate activity level that mixes short walks, occasional stair or incline sections and periods of standing during guided talks. Urban routes are generally flat and paved, but time at large museums may involve longer indoor walking. Some itineraries incorporate canal boat rides or light cycling options for a different pace. If mobility is limited, there are slower-paced or vehicle-based programmes that reduce walking distances. Choose an excursion that matches your stamina and mobility needs, and factor in rest breaks to fully appreciate the sights on Ottawa shore excursions
How accessible are shore excursions and major sites in Ottawa?
Most principal sites and museums in the downtown corridor offer ramps, elevators and accessible washrooms, with staff familiar with mobility needs. Streets and pathways by the canal and parks are largely paved but can include cobbles in heritage areas, so care is advisable. Accessible transport options exist for transfers between the port and city, though some smaller historical buildings may have limited access. Operators and attraction pages generally list accessibility features in advance, so checking specifics helps ensure a smooth visit during Ottawa tours
When is the best time of year to visit Ottawa on a shore excursion?
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for mild weather, full cultural programming and open outdoor attractions; this period also hosts major events such as the Tulip Festival and summer concerts that animate the city. Autumn brings vivid foliage and cooler temperatures, while winter offers unique experiences like skating on the Rideau Canal but requires warm clothing and snow-aware logistics. Shoulder seasons may reduce crowds but could limit some seasonal services. Consider festival timing and weather when planning a short visit for the most satisfying experience on Ottawa shore excursions
What are the advantages of taking a guided excursion versus exploring independently in Ottawa?
Choosing a guided option provides structured transport, curated commentary and efficient navigation of priorities within limited time, which is helpful when you need to meet ship schedules. Independent exploration offers flexibility to linger at personal interests, sample market foods or deviate from a set route, but it demands confidence with local transit and timing. Both approaches can succeed in Ottawa’s compact centre; your preference for context-rich interpretation versus autonomous discovery will determine the best fit, bearing in mind time constraints and mobility considerations on Ottawa tours