Swim and Bike

Explore the vibrant city of Ottawa through a unique blend of adventure and relaxation with the Swim and Bike tour. This guided excursion takes visitors on an exhilarating bike ride through picturesque neighborhoods, offering stunning views of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers. After the ride, cool off with a refreshing swim at the well-equipped River House. With knowledgeable guides, well-maintained facilities, and lifeguards on duty, this tour promises a memorable experience. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Swim and Bike tour provides a delightful way to learn about the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Bike Tours In Ottawa.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour guided biking tour in Ottawa includes a refreshing swim at River House after exploring historic neighborhoods and scenic waterways.
• The tour offers accessibility options like wheelchair users, e-bikes, and two-seat tandems for a comfortable and inclusive experience.
• Participants can enjoy breathtaking views of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, as well as significant landmarks like Rideau Hall and the Prime Minister’s residence.
• The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who shares insights on the city’s history and heritage, enhancing the overall experience.
• The swimming facilities at River House provide a safe and well-maintained area for participants to cool off and rejuvenate after the biking adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Experience

The 2.5-hour tour takes cyclists through the historic neighborhoods of Lowertown, New Edinburgh, and Rockcliffe Park, offering scenic views of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers.

Led by a knowledgeable, English-speaking guide, the tour highlights the area’s rich history and culture. Participants can enjoy biking through picturesque parks and bridges, followed by a refreshing swim at the River House.

The tour is accessible, with options for wheelchair users, e-bikes, and two-seat tandems, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

Pricing and Booking Information

From ₦4,920 per person, the Swim and Bike tour offers flexible booking options.

Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, with no upfront payment required. The tour’s cancellation policy provides free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

To ensure availability, participants can check for starting times and select their age group – Adults (18-99) or Children (17 and younger).

With these convenient and hassle-free booking arrangements, travelers can plan their Swim and Bike experience with confidence.

Meeting Point and Directions

The meeting point for the Swim and Bike tour is the front door of the Senate of Canada, situated opposite the Chateau Laurier and down to the Canal (EastArchPlaza Bridge).

The location is easily accessible and can be found on Google Maps for convenient directions. Participants will gather at this central meeting point before embarking on their 2.5-hour biking adventure through the scenic neighborhoods of Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, and along the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers.

The tour’s starting point provides a convenient and well-known landmark for all attendees to find and begin their guided exploration of Ottawa’s beautiful landscapes and historical sites.

What to Bring and Important Information

Participants should bring along their swimwear, towel, and water for the Swim and Bike tour.

The tour’s weather policy dictates that the tour may be canceled if weather conditions are deemed dangerous with advisory warnings. While the route is primarily flat, it’s worth noting that the conditions may change due to potential flooding, construction, or community events along the way.

The essential items to pack include:

1. Swimwear
2. Towel
3. Water

This information will ensure participants are well-prepared and can fully enjoy the scenic bike ride and refreshing swim at the end of the tour.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Positive feedback from past participants underscores the tour’s informative nature and breathtaking scenery. Based on 2 reviews, the tour earns an impressive 5/5 overall rating.

Guests praise the knowledgeable local guide, Art, who provided insights into notable landmarks like Rideau Hall and the Prime Minister’s residence. The scenic views, clean swimming facilities, and refreshing swim after biking are also highlighted as tour highlights.

Reviewers consistently describe the experience as positive, with the informative content and stunning scenery leaving a lasting impression. The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests this unique biking and swimming tour is an excellent way to explore Ottawa’s natural beauty and historical attractions.

Biking Through Picturesque Neighborhoods

Winding through Lowertown, New Edinburgh, and Rockcliffe Park, the biking portion of the tour showcases Ottawa’s picturesque neighborhoods.

Cyclists glide past architectural gems, lush greenery, and serene waterways, immersed in the city’s rich history and natural beauty. The experience offers three key highlights:

1. Breathtaking views of the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal, framed by the charming rows of heritage homes and leafy boulevards.

2. Pedaling across historic bridges, such as the Mackenzie King Bridge, while learning about the city’s significant landmarks.

3. A refreshing swim at the River House, a tranquil spot along the Ottawa River, after the biking adventure.

Scenic Views and Historical Landmarks

The tour’s scenic views and historical landmarks captivate participants as they bike through the city’s storied neighborhoods.

Along the route, riders pass by significant sites like Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, and the Prime Minister’s residence, offering a glimpse into Canada’s political landscape.

Crossing the Rideau and Ottawa Rivers provides breathtaking panoramas of the waterways and surrounding greenspaces.

The knowledgeable guide shares insights about the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, enhancing the overall experience.

Whether it’s admiring the gothic architecture of the Senate building or learning about the indigenous roots of the region, this tour immerses visitors in Ottawa’s remarkable past and present.

Refreshing Swim at River House

After the invigorating bike ride through the city’s picturesque neighborhoods, the tour takes participants to the River House, where they can enjoy a refreshing swim.

The River House offers:

1. Clean, well-maintained facilities with changing rooms and easy access to the river.
2. A safe swimming area, with lifeguards on duty to ensure everyone’s safety.
3. Stunning views of the Ottawa River, complementing the serene swimming experience.

This portion of the tour provides a perfect opportunity to cool off and rejuvenate after the bike ride, allowing participants to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Bikes Are Available for the Tour?

The tour offers both traditional bikes and e-bikes, as well as two-seat tandems, ensuring the experience is accessible to a wide range of participants. Guests can choose the option that best suits their needs and abilities.

Are Guides Knowledgeable About the Local History and Culture?

The tour guides are highly knowledgeable about local history and culture, providing insightful commentary on landmarks like Rideau Hall and the Prime Minister’s residence. Participants consistently praise the guides’ expertise and ability to enrich the overall tour experience.

Is There an Option for a Private or Group Tour?

This tour offers both private and group options. Customers can select a private tour for a more personalized experience or join a group tour to share the experience with others. Pricing and booking details are available on the tour’s website.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Bikes for the Tour?

Participants can bring their own bikes for the tour, but the tour operator also provides rental bikes. This allows for greater flexibility and personalization of the experience to suit the needs and preferences of each participant.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

The tour operator offers a variety of package deals and discounts. Customers can save on group bookings, early reservations, and combination packages with additional activities. Inquire about available offers when making a reservation.

Recap

The Swim and Bike tour in Ottawa offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and relaxation. Cyclists will explore picturesque neighborhoods and stunning riverside views, followed by a refreshing swim at the River House. With well-maintained facilities and lifeguards on duty, this tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories in the heart of Canada’s capital.

You can check if your dates are available here: