Ottawa: Small-Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise

Explore the vibrant heart of Canada’s capital on a small-group walking tour with a scenic boat cruise. This engaging experience showcases Ottawa’s rich history and cultural landmarks, from the iconic Maman Giant Spider sculpture to the serene waterways. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour immerses visitors in the city’s past and present, revealing the stories behind iconic sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Royal Mint. The highlight, however, is a relaxing cruise along the Ottawa River, offering a unique perspective on the city’s skyline and natural beauty. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local seeking a fresh outlook, this tour promises to…

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

Key Points

• A 2-hour, small-group walking tour that highlights iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica and Royal Mint in downtown Ottawa.
• Includes a scenic cruise on the Ottawa River with views of the city’s skyline and natural beauty.
• Covers vibrant neighborhoods like ByWard Market, known for its artisan shops and local cuisine.
• Guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who provides historical and cultural insights throughout the tour.
• Offers flexibility to enhance engagement and enjoyment, with a focus on customer feedback for tour improvement.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Ottawa Walking Tour with Boat Cruise offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s landmarks and cultural attractions. Priced at CZK 1,660 per person, the 2-hour tour is limited to just 10 participants and conducted in English.

Highlights include visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Royal Mint, ByWard Market, Centennial Flame, and Fairmont Chateau Laurier. The tour culminates with a relaxing cruise on the Ottawa River, providing scenic views of the city’s downtown core.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour operates rain or shine. Customers should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a timely departure, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at the Maman Giant Spider sculpture in front of the National Gallery, where participants meet their guide. From there, they’ll visit the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Royal Mint before exploring the lively ByWard Market, known for its artisan shops and nightlife. Along the way, they’ll see the Centennial Flame and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier. The tour concludes with a relaxing cruise on the Ottawa River, offering scenic views of the city’s downtown.

Itinerary Highlights
Meet at Maman Giant Spider	Visit Notre Dame Cathedral	Explore ByWard Market	Cruise on Ottawa River
See Royal Mint	View Centennial Flame	See Fairmont Chateau Laurier	–

Experience Details

This guided walking tour includes historical landmarks and cultural institutions, providing participants an immersive experience of the city’s rich heritage.

Visitors will stroll through the downtown core, taking in scenic views of the city center during the relaxing river cruise.

The tour covers a range of notable sights, from the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica to the Royal Mint.

Guests will also explore the vibrant ByWard Market, known for its artisan shops and lively nightlife.

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience.

Important Information

Exact tour length may vary based on individual walking speeds, as participants’ pacing can impact the overall duration.

The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should come prepared for the weather. Visitors are advised to arrive 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to ensure a timely departure. This allows the group to begin the tour together and maximize the experience.

While the itinerary highlights key landmarks and cultural sites, the actual time spent at each location may differ depending on the group’s interest and pace.

The tour is designed to be flexible, ensuring an engaging and memorable exploration of Ottawa’s highlights.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the available customer reviews, the overall rating for the Ottawa Walking Tour with Boat Cruise stands at 3 out of 5 stars.

Participants have provided positive remarks about the clarity and friendliness of the tour guide.

However, some feedback indicates that the boat cruise portion of the tour lacked interest.

The tour is generally well-received, but there’s room for improvement in ensuring a consistently engaging experience for all participants.

The operator may want to consider feedback regarding the boat cruise to enhance the overall tour and maintain high customer satisfaction.

Meet at the Maman Giant Spider

The tour begins at the iconic Maman Giant Spider sculpture in front of the National Gallery of Canada.

This 30-foot-tall bronze sculpture, created by artist Louise Bourgeois, serves as a striking meeting point for the group. Participants will gather here before embarking on their walking exploration of Ottawa’s historical landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.

The giant spider is a thought-provoking piece that symbolizes motherhood and protection, setting the stage for the culture to come.

From this central location, the guide will lead the small group on a journey through the city’s must-see sights, providing insightful commentary along the way.

Explore ByWard Market

From the National Gallery, the tour continues on to the vibrant ByWard Market.

This historic open-air marketplace is known for its array of artisan shops, cafés, and lively nightlife. Guests can browse the stalls, sampling local produce and handcrafted goods.

The market’s unique architecture and bustling atmosphere provide a glimpse into Ottawa’s cultural heritage. The guide shares insights into the market’s history and points out notable landmarks, enriching the walking experience.

With ample time to explore independently, visitors can enjoy the market’s lively energy and discover its hidden gems at their own pace.

Relax on the River Cruise

After exploring the vibrant ByWard Market, the tour culminates with a relaxing cruise along the picturesque Ottawa River.

Participants will board a comfortable boat and enjoy scenic views of downtown Ottawa, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal.

The cruise provides a tranquil respite from the walking portion of the tour, allowing visitors to sit back, relax, and take in the city’s waterfront sights.

The tour guide will point out notable landmarks and provide insights into the city’s history and culture.

This leisurely cruise is the perfect way to end the comprehensive sightseeing experience and leave participants with a lasting impression of Ottawa’s natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Wheelchair Accessible Options for the Tour?

The tour operator does not explicitly mention wheelchair accessibility options. Guests with mobility needs should contact the tour provider to inquire about accommodations and determine if the tour can be tailored to their requirements.

Can We Take Photographs During the Walking Tour?

Yes, participants are generally allowed to take photographs throughout the walking tour. However, visitors should be mindful of not disrupting the guide’s commentary or obstructing the path of the group.

Are There Any Food or Drink Breaks Included in the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any scheduled food or drink breaks. However, visitors are free to grab a snack or beverage on their own during the tour’s free time in the ByWard Market area.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers also have the option to reserve now and pay later for added flexibility.

How Many Stops Are Made During the River Cruise?

The tour includes a relaxing cruise on the Ottawa River, but the exact number of stops made during the river cruise is not specified in the provided information. The cruise offers scenic views of the city’s downtown area.

Recap

This small-group walking tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the vibrant culture and history of Ottawa. Guests will explore iconic landmarks, discover the charming ByWard Market, and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Ottawa River, all while receiving insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide. With a focus on immersive experiences and exclusive access, this tour offers a memorable way to experience Canada’s captivating capital city.

You can check if your dates are available here: