Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, is a vibrant cultural hub brimming with historical landmarks and picturseque waterways. The Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the city’s top attractions. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this immersive experience explores iconic sites like the Giant Spider sculpture, Royal Mint, and the stunning Notre Dame Basilica. But the true highlight might just be the scenic Rideau Canal cruise, providing a unique perspective of Ottawa’s stunning waterfront. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned local, this tour promises to unveil the city’s rich history and captivating charm. There’s more to discover, so let’s dive in.

This experience made our list of the 12 Best Walking Tours In Ottawa.

Key Points

1. This small group walking tour of Ottawa showcases the city’s top landmarks, including the giant spider sculpture, Royal Mint, and Notre Dame Basilica.

2. The tour includes a guided exploration of the vibrant Byward Market and visits to the Centennial Flame and Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

3. Participants will enjoy a seasonal Rideau Canal boat cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city’s picturesque waterfront views.

4. The tour is led by a local guide who provides insightful narration throughout the experience, lasting around 11 reviews.

5. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors, including infants on laps.

Tour Overview

The article highlights a small group walking tour of Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, that includes a boat cruise along the iconic Rideau Canal.

Lasting around 11 reviews, the tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ottawa’s top landmarks and attractions.

Guests will be led by a local guide who’ll provide insightful narration as they stroll past iconic sights like the giant spider sculpture, the Royal Mint, and the Notre Dame Basilica.

The tour also includes a visit to the lively ByWard Market and the chance to see the Centennial Flame and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

The experience culminates with a seasonal cruise along the picturesque Rideau Canal, allowing participants to soak in the city’s beauty from the water.

Inclusions

Typically, the tour includes a local guide who provides a fully narrated experience, allowing guests to learn about the city’s landmarks as they stroll past them.

The guided walk takes visitors to see the giant spider sculpture, the Royal Mint, and the stunning Notre Dame Basilica.

Next, the group explores the vibrant Byward Market before continuing on to the Centennial Flame and the iconic Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

The highlight of the tour is a seasonal Rideau Canal cruise, where guests can soak in the city’s waterfront views.

All admission fees are included, and gratuities are optional.

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this small group tour offers an intimate and personalized experience of Ottawa’s top attractions.

Meeting Point

Participants meet in front of the Maman Giant Spider sculpture at the National Gallery of Canada, located at 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8.

They’re advised to arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour’s scheduled start time.

This meeting point offers a convenient and easily recognizable location for the group to gather before embarking on their walking tour.

The giant spider sculpture, a signature piece of art, serves as a prominent landmark that helps participants identify the starting point.

From here, the local tour guide will lead the group through the city, providing a fully narrated experience as they explore Ottawa’s top landmarks and attractions.

End Point

At the conclusion of the tour, the group gathers at 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N, where the tour guide escorts participants to the boat for the seasonal Rideau Canal cruise.

This marks the end of the walking portion of the tour.

The canal cruise provides a unique perspective of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the stunning architecture and natural beauty from the water.

The tour guide provides insightful commentary throughout the cruise, highlighting the history and significance of the landmarks.

Visitors can sit back, relax, and take in the sights as they glide along the tranquil waterway.

The boat cruise is the perfect way to cap off an engaging and informative exploration of Ottawa’s top attractions.

Additional Information

The tour offers several additional conveniences and flexibilities for visitors. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring participants have all the necessary details before the tour. The walking route and boat cruise are wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating a range of mobility needs. Service animals are also allowed on the tour. Travelers can easily access the meeting point via public transportation, as it’s located near several transit options. Infants are welcome to join on laps, making the experience family-friendly. All surfaces encountered during the walking portion are wheelchair accessible, providing inclusive access throughout the tour.

Capacity	Details
Maximum Travelers	10
Cancellation Policy	Free up to 24 hours
Accessibility	Wheelchair, Stroller, Service Animals

Scenic Highlights

This walking tour showcases Ottawa’s iconic landmarks and picturesque settings, providing an engaging and comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

Travelers stroll past the striking giant spider sculpture at the National Gallery of Canada, admiring its whimsical modern design against the backdrop of the striking neoclassical building.

The tour then leads participants past the stately Royal Mint and the stunning Notre Dame Basilica, offering insights into the city’s architectural heritage.

The experience culminates with a serene cruise along the Rideau Canal, allowing visitors to soak in the serene waterways and admire the charming Fairmont Chateau Laurier from the water.

Boat Cruise Experience

After the walking tour, participants board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the iconic Rideau Canal.

During this scenic portion of the experience, the guide provides informative commentary, highlighting the historical significance and natural beauty of the waterway as it winds through the heart of Ottawa.

Travelers can admire the stunning architecture of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and other landmarks from the unique vantage point of the water, seeing the city’s serene ambiance.

The Rideau Canal cruise offers a peaceful and picturesque way to cap off the comprehensive tour, providing a perfect opportunity to reflect on the diverse array of attractions and experiences encountered throughout the day.

Accessibility and Transportation

Designed to accommodate travelers of all abilities, the tour offers a wheelchair and stroller accessible experience, with surfaces suitable for mobility aids.

Conveniently located near public transportation, the meeting point allows easy access for participants, while service animals are welcome to join the small group of no more than 10 visitors.

Infants can be accommodated on laps, ensuring a family-friendly outing.

Whether visitors require specialized assistance or are traveling with young children, the tour’s attention to accessibility ensures an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

From the meeting point at the iconic Maman sculpture to the end point at the Rideau Street dock, the tour is designed to be accessible and inclusive for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Limited Mobility?

The tour is suitable for people with limited mobility as it is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with surfaces that are wheelchair-friendly. The tour also allows service animals and infants on laps.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Landmarks?

The tour can be customized to visit specific landmarks, depending on the group’s interests. While the standard tour covers notable sights, the guide can accommodate requests to modify the itinerary within the tour duration and accessibility constraints.

What Is the Tour Guide’s Level of Expertise on the City?

The tour guide is highly knowledgeable about Ottawa, providing a fully-narrated experience that brings the city’s landmarks and history to life. They offer deep insights, bringing an expert perspective to the walking tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour does not explicitly offer discounts for seniors or students. However, some tour providers may provide discounted rates for these groups upon request or with valid identification. It’s best to inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Stops?

The tour duration and additional stops can be customized for groups. Customers should contact the tour operator to inquire about extending the tour or adding extra stops, which may incur an additional fee. The operator will work with the customer to accommodate their preferences.

Recap

The Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise offers visitors a comprehensive and immersive exploration of Canada’s capital.

Led by a local expert, the tour showcases the city’s top landmarks, including the iconic Giant Spider sculpture and the vibrant Byward Market.

The scenic Rideau Canal cruise provides a unique perspective of Ottawa’s waterfront, making this small group experience an excellent way to discover the city’s rich history and culture.