Tour guide in Ottawa John I.

Ottawa, Canada

English, French

Tours Delivered,
Since May 22, 2017

112.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm John I., your private tour guide in Ottawa

Guide #22961

4.9 (28)

Have a fun day touring in Ottawa and environs. I am a lifelong resident, and I love the city and the region. My background includes being a former History teacher, community activist, ardent skier, sailor, and traveler. I promise not to give the conventional "stay on the bus and look at the scenery" kind of tour. Learn about my city and its people, from the time of First Nations to the present. Find out what we do for fun, what we like to eat, the things we've learned, and how we became a significant part of the Canadian landscape. See the places most people miss, enjoy the fun like the locals do. Visit nearby towns and attractions that make Ottawa and the Valley attractive and interesting. We are on unceded and unsurrendered land of the Algonquin Nation of Kitigan zibi''. Three people (or two adults with younger children) are comfortable in my Subaru Outback equipped with air, sunroof, handicapped parking pass . Our daily activities will be tailored to your group's interests and activity level. A holiday is not a marathon! Don't see a tour you like? I can design a custom tour for whatever interests you and your group. just ask! Ottawa-Gatineau is a bilingual region and I am comfortable in both languages. My knowledge of local history, architecture, events and politics should let me answer all your questions. If not, I know where to find out! Please join me in Canada's beautiful capital. Bonjour! - History specialist - Certified ski instructor - Certified Boating instructor - Experienced tour guide -Widely travelled - open to client suggestions No smoking during the tour, please.

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Tours by John I.

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4.9

Traveller reviews for this guide

28 reviews

  • James C.
    October 2025

    Very nice day outside of Ottawa. Beautiful cruise around the Thousand Islands and a nice casual drive back to Ottawa through the countryside. Good guide for the wonderful day excursion.

  • Maree S.
    October 2024

    We Spent two full days travelling with John an amazing guide nothing a trouble and we visited sites and towns well off the beaten track he knows his work thoroughly and I highly recommend him as a tour guide for those wanting something different the tours were a perfect small towns in the Ottawa valley and Ottawa Valley Autumn Leaves. Thank you Graham

    Replied from John I.

    Thank you very much for your comments. I had a wonderful time showing off our beautiful countryside and the spectacular autumn leaves. I particularly enjoyed our visit to the general store, we had such fun there. I will make it a feature of future tours thanks to your excellent response. I hope you decide to return to Canada for another visit and I'd be pleased to be...

  • Maree S.
    October 2024

    We spent two full days travelling with John an amazing guide nothing a trouble and we visited sites and towns well off the beaten track. He knows his work thoroughly and i highly recommend him as a tour guide for those wanting something different the tours were Ottawa valley Autumn Leaves and a perfect small town in the Ottawa valley. Thank you Graham

    Replied from John I.

    You were great guests. It was un finding new things to interest us. The General Store is forever on my agenda! John

  • Tina B.
    July 2023

    We enjoyed our tour with John very much. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area and pleasant to be with. He also personalized the tour to include our interests on architecture. We would book further afield "country" tours with him if we had the time this trip.

    Replied from John I.

    Thanks for your kind remarks. We found we had many things in common. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip.