Welcome to the capital of Canada - friendly, stately Ottawa! Home of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, National Gallery of Canada and the stunning Gatineau region, Ottawa offers culture and nature lovers a wealth of places to explore. Enjoy a private Ottawa tour with a local guide who is eager to show you the highlights and hidden gems of their charming hometown.

Perched on the banks of the Ottawa River, Canada's Parliament Buildings form the city's stately centerpiece. Your guide can explain their history, and lead you up to the top of the Peace Tower for views of the city. Wander downtown past the Chateau Laurier and National Gallery, one of the world's most respected art institutions. Be sure to sample regional delicacies at the city's popular Byward Market.

If you visit during Ottawa's chilly winter, a skate along the Rideau Canal is an absolute must.

Take a private Ottawa tour with a knowledgeable local guide and you'll soon be eating poutine like a local.

Ottawa

Windshield Tour of Ottawa, Canada's Capital

This is by far my most popular tour.
There is a lot to see and do in the National Capital Region. If you have never been to Ottawa, you may be a bit overwhelmed by the choices, but I can do the picking and choosing for you to ensure you get the most comprehensive tour in the time you have available.

I can show you the city by car (mine or yours). If you wish to see museums, we have more per capita than any other city in Canada. Are you a foodie? Let me introduce you to our famous BeaverTails, or guide you to a wonderful selection of restaurants. And don't forget the poutine, with squeaky cheese curds!

The tour is yours, and I am here to ensure it is exactly what it is you want of it.

Maman, our giant spider at the National Art Gallery

Statue of Col. John By, founder of Ottawa, and Parliament Hill

The Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, looking towards Ottawa

The first locks of the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Ever notice the 4 on the clock is IIII, not IV?

This monument has a tragic story. Join my tour to find out all about it.

In Notre Dame Basilica, Ottawa's oldest and largest church.

The Centennial Flame in front of Parliament

Major's Hill Park, Ottawa's first city park

Samuel de Champlain, first visited here in 1613

The Centre Block and the Centennial Flame

Winter has its attractions too, like the inuksuk at Rideau Hall.

Tours of the RCMP stables are free, but timings need to be considered if you want this as part of your tour.

The balancing rocks at Remic Rapids. The area has been proclaimed by the city of Ottawa as a "culture park".

Personalized Private Tour of Ottawa by car or minivan.

Explore Ottawa History and Highlights in a Half-Day Shore Excursion

During this tour we will cover some of the sights and sounds of downtown Ottawa but we will also go farther afield so we won't miss anything.

Did you know that the gold reserves for France and Great Britain were stored at the Bank of Canada during WWII? I'll share with you this and more. For example, a short history of the Rideau canal built by Colonel John By to protect trade routes in case of an American attack. A story of the War Museum and how it pays tribute to those lost in wars Canada participated in.

We will also take a walk around the grounds of Rideau Hall to see where the Governor General and Prime Minister live. Come with me to see it all!

Sights and sounds of the city with private transportation. All Aboard!

This tour begins with me picking you and your group up at your hotel. We need a three to four hour window to see the sights, preferably starting before 1:00 PM.
You can tell me what you've seen and what you've missed on previous visits. Included for sure is the Byward Market area, Sussex Drive Mile of History, The Rideau Canal and Queen Elizabeth Drive. On the west side of downtown, we'll visit the Holocaust memorial, the War Museum, and the Chaudiere Falls.

A visit on the Quebec side gives us a better view of the Hill and the entrance to the Rideau Canal.

Arrived too late to book on time? Your private guide will meet your needs.

Last Minute Adventure in Ottawa

Conflict has been one of the most significant factors in shaping Canada. This started before Europeans arrived, with control of the land shifting between aboriginal groups. The Seven Years War, the American Revolution and the War of 1812 defined our borders. Internal struggles such as the Rebellions of 1837-8, the Red River Rebellion and the Northwest Rebellion defined our country.

The First World War is the most significant event. We came out of it in 1918 as different people than whom entered it in 1914. The Second World War set the tone for a prosperous economy that lasted to the end of the century.

War gave way to peacekeeping. And it in turn, also gave way to new wars such as that of Afghanistan.

This tour will take you on a journey to see how Canada developed and the role that war played in that development. And, with a little work on both our parts, we can make it a personal journey as well, tracking your family history with that of major world and national events.

Customizable itinerary:

Learn how Canada was shaped by conflict.

The Canadian War Museum - Private Tour

In these difficult times of Covid-19, we can still do a walking tour. We will respect social distancing at all times. Masks will be required at any indoor site.
Start time is whenever you want. This tour will cover (not necessarily in this order) Parliament Hill, Sparks St, the Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial, Confederation Park, the Byward Market, Major's Hill Park, Nepean Point, Notre Dame Basilica, the National Art Gallery, all within the sounds of the Peace Tower carillon. Ottawa is a city that exudes of history and culture. You will get the full stories behind each venue. Let me guide you to hidden gems and out of the way places where you will discover things that are not in the guide books. OR we can do a hiking tour on one of the many trails in the area. Most will be 2 hrs max.

Chateau Laurier Hotel, and some of the Valiants, on Confederation Square

On Parliament Hill, the monument to the War of 1812. (We won.)

Champlain taking a bearing with his astrolabe.Can you spot the error in the statue?

Maman, the most photographed statue in Ottawa. At the National Art Gallery.

The iconic view from the Mackenzie King bridge.

Two hours exploring the Nation's Capital, or a hike on one of our many trails.

Walking City Tour of Ottawa

From your hotel, an early start (30AM) to meet the 12:PM boat tour in Rockport. A comfortable boat ride through the islands past mansions, castles, and over sunken wrecks. One hour voyage, refreshments available. Return drive along the Thousand Islands Parkway, winding up in Brockville.
It is a charming waterfront city with outstanding tourist attractions - Tall Ships Landing, Canada's first railway tunnel, historic buildings and museums. Various lunch options. Enjoy a walk down the city's picturesque main street. Return to Ottawa via 401/416.

Expect high water and cold temperatures on the river in May and June. Season ends Thanksgiving weekend.

Enjoy the beauty of the Thousand Islands and the port City of Brockville

Brockville and the St. Lawrence River

Walking Tour of Ottawa with a Local Guide

The real history of Ottawa in only two hours!

Let's take a leisurely walk around some of the capitals highlights that you cannot miss when visiting Ottawa: Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial, the ByWard Market, Major's Hill Park, and Notre Dame Basilica.

Ottawa is a city that is full of history and unique architecture and culture. Join me on this tour and, as a local, I will share with you some of the stories behind each venue while we walk the city at your own pace.

Of course there are hidden gems we will get to explore, but above all there will be fun and wonderful stories that go along with each site.

A view of the Chateau Laurier Hotel from the Rideau Canal

Let's explore the city in a two-hour orientation tour

As the capital of Canada, Ottawa has a plethora of interesting and historical buildings. Some are there because it is the capital - Parliament, the Supreme Court, museums, and embassies. Some, like Notre Dame Cathedral, go back to the city's founding before Canada was a country.

There are monuments of prime ministers, heroic Canadians, events and symbols of ideals. You'll see Sir Robert Borden, the Famous Five, the National War Memorial, and even Sir Galahad!

Perhaps best of all, Ottawa is visually beautiful. It's dominated by the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers and has parkways and walking trails along a UNESCO Heritage Sight, the Rideau Canal.

I have lived in Ottawa for more than 40 years - studied its history and walked and biked in its splendour daily. Let me show you my city - the capital of Canada and a great place to live and enjoy life!

This tour is three hours, but a shorter tour could be crafted if you so desire. Please contact me and we'll work something out.

The following itinerary is customizable:

Famous buildings, historic sites & beautiful riversides.

Ottawa Highlights - Private Walking Tour

This tour takes us to places outside the city limits. It could be to Parc Omega in Quebec, or the Diefenbunker in Carp, the Thousand Islands, Old Fort Henry, or Upper Canada Village. We will see all of the highlights of your chosen destination in the comfort of my SUV or your vehicle. There may be some walking, such as at Upper Canada Village. This tour can be tailored to your requests.

If you are a hiker, I can take you to a drop off point for your hike on one of our highly rated trails, then I will pick you up when you are done. Let me know and I will create a custom tour for you.

Admission charges apply to some places. You are responsible for this part. Visit the website of your preferred attraction to get accurate information on hours and ticket prices. Sometimes deals can be had by booking your ticket on line or checking out sites like Groupon.

View from the Champlain Lookout in Gatineau Park

Ruins at Kingmsere, estate of Prime Minsiter McKenzie King.

The Black Sheep, venue for some of the best folk concerts in the country. Often recorded for the CBC.

Notre Dame Basilica, Ottawa's largest and oldest church.

Parliament Hill as seen from Nepean Point.

"Reconciliation" the Peacekeepers Monument in Ottawa

ByWard Market, oldest outdoor market in Canada.

Cartier Square Drill Hall, the oldest continuous operating military drill hall in Canada.

The Rideau Canal, the original reason why Ottawa exists.

Queen Victoria statue in the Parliamentary library

Conrad with a couple of friends at the RCMP stables.

A private 6 hour tour of some areas outside the city.

Ottawa Outlier Tour

Enjoy Tulips in Ottawa in a Half-Day Tour

Did you know that over one million tulips in Canada's national capital region are planted and cared for by the National Capital Commission?

Join me in this tour to enjoy the beauty of these flowers. The best time to visit if you'd like to go to the Tulip Festival is the first three weeks of May. But you can visit Ottawa all year around. Along with a tour of Ottawa by car we will feature the annual Tulip Festival. Make sure to bring your camera or smartphone for the spectacular displays!

I will meet you at you hotel and take it from there. We will be driving some regular hot spots in the city along with the stories that go along with them.

Featuring the Annual Tulip Festival with a private guide

Canada's wildlife is just an hour away from Ottawa

We leave Ottawa for a one hour drive to Montebello, QC , home of PARC OMEGA, a nature preserve featuring dozens of Canadian wildlife species. Our drive through the park takes us through several zones, each dedicated to cohabiting species. Explore and stretch your legs as you study the pioneer sites reflecting the old ways of doing things. Don't forget to buy carrots for the deer who will eat right out of your hand.
After lunch a surprise visit to a spectacular waterfall and a pioneer townsite.

A private tour featuring a nature park, lunch, and a surprise historic site.

Green Island, Ottawa - Private Walking Tour

For over a hundred years, Ottawa's streets have been showcasing memorials in homage to our history. Nonetheless, canadian's feelings regarding them have drastically varied along the years. Dissimilar to the static state of the memorials, the meaning attributed to them by the eye of the beholder has shifted. While on certain dates, perhaps there tends be a united sentiment about them, in other times, there is a lot of dissent.

This tour will start on scenic Green Island. As well as the memorials, you'll see where the Rideau River falls into the Ottawa River. The memorials on this tour will deal with events that you may not have heard of and things you did not learn at school. They will raise questions about how and when we choose to fight, and how lesser known parts of our past highlight, or question, what we believe and remember.

After Green Island, we will walk down Sussex Avenue to see several more memorials. Along the way, we will pass more beautiful sceneries and some of the older buildings in Ottawa.

Ottawa Memorial to Commonwealth Air Forces

Ottawa tours

Explore with 25 tours and 4 guides.

Conrad L.

$ 192 (USD)

Mark M.

$ 154 (USD)

John I.

$ 327 (USD)

Rob C.

$ 234 (USD)

Conrad L.

$ 135 (USD)

John I.

$ 576 (USD)

Mark M.

$ 115 (USD)

Rob C.

$ 231 (USD)

Conrad L.

$ 346 (USD)

Mark M.

$ 154 (USD)

John I.

$ 480 (USD)

Rob C.

$ 154 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Ottawa

Customize your tour

Ottawa tours

Things to do in Ottawa