The best way to experience Ottawa is on two wheels, with bike tours ranging from DIY adventures to expert-guided excursions. Basic self-guided options start with bike and helmet rentals plus detailed city maps – perfect for independent travelers. For those wanting local insights, I love the 2-hour guided city highlights tour, which hits all the major spots efficiently. The longer 3.5-hour guided option gives you more depth and hidden gems. My personal favorite combines cycling with swimming stops – it’s a refreshing way to see the city, especially in summer. Let’s explore the top bike tours Ottawa has to offer.
Key Points
- Self-guided bike tours offer the freedom to explore Ottawa’s landmarks at your own pace, with rental options including bikes, helmets, and maps.
- Guided and express bike tours provide an engaging way to learn about Ottawa’s culture and neighborhoods, with personalized experiences and coverage of major landmarks.
- Unique tour options, such as the Swim and Bike tour, combine cycling with other activities to showcase the city’s natural beauty and historical sites.
- Comprehensive city exploration tours, lasting 3.5 hours, allow visitors to discover Ottawa’s highlights with the guidance of a local English-speaking expert.
- Bike tour options cater to various needs, including accessibility for wheelchair users and strollers, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Cycling the Nations Capital, Self-Guided
Although a self-guided experience, this cycling tour of Ottawa’s renowned landmarks offers travelers the freedom to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture at their own pace.
Riders can choose between new Giant bike models, including electric-assisted options, ensuring a comfortable journey. The rental package includes a helmet, lock, and map, making it easy to navigate the city’s Rideau Canal and discover iconic sights.
Conveniently located near the Famous Five Statue, the tour is accessible to all, with wheelchair and stroller options available.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer or exploring with a group, this half-day bike excursion provides an exceptional way to experience the best of Ottawa.
Read our full review: Cycling the Nations Capital, Self-Guided Review
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Ottawa: 4 or 8-Hour Bike Rental With Self-Guided Tour
Travelers seeking a personalized exploration of Ottawa’s landmarks can embark on a self-guided bike tour through the city.
The 4 or 8-hour bike rental option allows visitors to discover the nation’s capital at their own pace. With a rating of 4.8 from 8 reviews, this activity offers a flexible and independent way to experience the city’s picturesque parks, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Priced at Kč 682 per person, the bike rental includes a map and recommendations for must-see attractions.
Whether cycling for 4 or 8 hours, this self-guided tour provides an active and immersive way to explore Ottawa’s diverse offerings.
Read our full review: Ottawa: 4 or 8-Hour Bike Rental With Self-Guided Tour Review
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2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
The 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour offers travelers a comprehensive introduction to the capital city’s must-see landmarks and hidden gems.
With 273 glowing reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Riders will explore designated bike paths and quaint backroads, taking in sights like Rideau Hall, the Rideau Canal path, the War Memorial, and the Byward Market.
Included in the tour are bike rentals, helmets, water, and a knowledgeable local guide. Travelers can look forward to a maximum group size of 12, confirmation upon booking, and infant seats if needed.
With a lowest price guarantee starting at $57.71, this tour provides an engaging way to experience Ottawa’s culture and neighborhoods.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour Review
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Swim and Bike
Offering a unique blend of outdoor activities, the Swim and Bike tour allows visitors to explore Ottawa’s picturesque neighborhoods and waterways.
This 2.5-hour tour takes cyclists through Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, and River House, showcasing the city’s historical landmarks and homes of prominent figures.
Along the way, guests can enjoy scenic views of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers before swimming in the Ottawa River.
The tour provides comfort model bicycles, helmets, and water, and is accessible for wheelchair users.
With flexible booking options and a free cancellation policy, the Swim and Bike tour is an excellent way to experience Ottawa’s natural beauty and rich history.
Read our full review: Swim and Bike Review
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Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour
For those seeking an immersive exploration of Ottawa’s vibrant neighborhoods and stunning natural landscapes, the Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour offers an unparalleled experience.
This 3-hour guided tour takes cyclists through Centretown, Glebe, and Hintonburg, showcasing the city’s architectural gems and lively urban culture. Along the way, riders will discover the Rideau Canal, Lansdowne Park, the Canadian War Museum, and Parliament Hill.
The tour also ventures into Ottawa’s natural wonders, including the Dominion Arboretum, Central Experimental Farm, and Fletcher Wildlife Garden.
With all necessary equipment provided and a maximum group size of 10, this bike tour is accessible to travelers of all abilities.
Read our full review: Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour Review
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Ottawa: Guided Bike Tour Through Gatineau and Ottawa
Set out on a guided bike tour that showcases the natural splendor and vibrant culture spanning Gatineau and Ottawa.
Pedal through the picturesque Gatineau Park, admiring the breathtaking vistas of the Ottawa River.
Traverse the historic Chaudière Bridge, connecting the two cities, as you learn about the region’s rich heritage.
Stop at iconic landmarks like the Canadian Museum of History and Parliament Hill, gaining insider insights.
Enjoy the flexibility of a 2.5-hour tour that caters to all skill levels, with provided bikes and helmets.
With a 5-star rating, this guided adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Ottawa’s natural wonders and urban charms.
Read our full review: Ottawa: Guided Bike Tour Through Gatineau and Ottawa Review
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Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour
This 3.5-hour bike tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Ottawa’s iconic landmarks and scenic landscapes.
Ideal for travelers and newcomers, the tour boasts a 5/5 rating from 89 reviews, with 100% of travelers recommending it. For $87.66 per person, the small group (maximum 10) can enjoy visiting major attractions like Hogs Back Falls, the Rideau Canal, and the ByWard Market.
With a local English-speaking guide, you will cycle along scenic routes, taking in views of downtown Ottawa and Quebec. The tour includes a bicycle, helmet, water, and snack, ensuring a comfortable and informative experience.
Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, this bike tour is an excellent way to discover the city’s highlights.
Read our full review: Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour Review
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Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental
Departing from downtown Ottawa, the 4-Hour Bike Rental offers visitors an opportunity to explore the city’s scenic pathways and iconic landmarks at their own pace.
Priced from $28.55 per person, the rental includes a new Giant bicycle, helmet, lock, and map, along with assistance for route planning and safety.
Riders can discover historical sites like the Rideau Canal and National Gallery, and enjoy over 200km of traffic-free routes suitable for various participant types.
The service features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and allows guests to reserve now and pay later, making it a convenient and flexible option for experiencing Ottawa by bike.
Read our full review: Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental Review
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Self-Guided Biking in Ottawa-Gatineau
Travelers can strike out on their own and explore the Ottawa-Gatineau region by embarking on a self-guided biking adventure.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, this experience offers the freedom to pedal through scenic bike paths, away from car traffic, and discover green areas at their own pace.
The tour includes the use of a bicycle, helmet, lock, and map, along with all taxes and fees.
Participants must arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the tour starts and can choose their own itinerary using the provided map.
The service has received a 5.0 rating, with travelers praising the helpful staff and the enjoyable experience of exploring Ottawa’s attractions independently.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Biking in Ottawa-Gatineau Review
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Ottawa: 2 or 3.5-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour
Embarking on a sightseeing bike tour in Ottawa offers visitors an engaging way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
The Ottawa: 2 or 3.5-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour provides a comprehensive experience, with two duration options to suit various schedules. The 2-hour tour covers the city’s top attractions, including Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the ByWard Market, while the 3.5-hour tour extends the journey to Gatineau Park.
Guided by knowledgeable locals, the tours provide insightful commentary and allow participants to enjoy Ottawa’s rich history and culture.
With a 5-star rating and affordable pricing, this bike tour is an excellent way for visitors to discover the beauty and charm of Canada’s capital city.
Read our full review: Ottawa: 2 or 3.5-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour Review
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Recap
Ottawa offers a variety of bike tours that cater to different interests and fitness levels. Whether you prefer a self-guided adventure or a guided tour, you’ll find options that let you explore the city’s top sights, scenic paths, and vibrant neighborhoods. With bike rentals available, it’s easy to discover Ottawa’s charm and beauty at your own pace.