Ottawa tours

Things to do in Ottawa

Ottawa, the capital city, offers a curious blend of historical significance and a certain youthful energy. Picture yourself standing before the Parliament Buildings, their presence a constant reminder of the country's legacy. Your local guide takes you on a journey through Ottawa, revealing the city's many hidden stories. Consider the ByWard Market, where you're surrounded by the scent of freshly baked pastries and the sight of unique crafts. In spring, the Tulip Festival offers its own kind of charm, while winter invites you to glide along the Rideau Canal. Walking through Ottawa, you sense its vibrancy, and a food and wine tour introduces you to local tastes like poutine and fine wines. Your guide ensures you bypass the usual waits, allowing you to explore Ottawa's rich history as if uncovering it for the first time. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Ottawa. Explore Ottawa your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Ottawa tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Ottawa for every interest, including: History tours: On private tours, watch Parks Canada staff hand‑crank boats through the Rideau Canal locks, step into the Bytown Museum beside the water, and see the Parliament Buildings from Wellington Street; time permitting, your guide can arrange entry to the Senate of Canada Building. Nature and Wildlife tours: Join a private guide to hike Pink Lake or the Champlain Lookout in Gatineau Park, or stay in town for easy birding at Mud Lake in Britannia with chances to spot beavers and herons along the Ottawa River. Layover tours: With pickup at YOW, fit a 3–4 hour private tour into your stop for a quick canal‑locks walk, a Parliament photo, and a BeaverTail in the ByWard Market before a timely drop‑off back at departures; your guide can hold your carry‑on and adjust the route to your clock. Downtown is walkable and linked by the O‑Train Line 1 and OC Transpo buses, but winter conditions and nature spots spread over kilometres can slow you down; you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Ottawa inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Take a private walking tour to delve into Ottawa's diverse neighborhoods, guided by a local who knows all the hidden corners. - ByWard Market: Perfect for foodies and cultural tourists, this area is brimming with local produce, artisanal goods, and lively nightlife. It's an ideal spot for families and groups looking to explore Ottawa's culinary scene. - Centretown: With historic architecture and vibrant street art, Centretown caters to those interested in culture and urban exploration. It's a neighborhood where every corner tells a story, perfect for travelers seeking deep connections. - Glebe: Known for its community vibe and eclectic shops, Glebe is a family-friendly area with parks and local eateries. It’s a great place to wander and discover local crafts and foods. - Hintonburg: An up-and-coming district with a mix of galleries, breweries, and cafes, Hintonburg attracts both young travelers and those looking to experience Ottawa’s contemporary arts scene. Day trip ideas from Ottawa From Ottawa, you can line up day trips to nearby cities, small towns, and parks, then shape your tour around food, nature, or history. Gatineau Park and Chelsea, Québec: Cross the river for forest trails, lake viewpoints, and quiet roads through the Gatineau Hills; it suits hikers, cyclists, and anyone who wants big views without a long drive, and the cafés in Chelsea give you an easy lunch stop after time on the trail. Wakefield, Québec: A riverside village with a bright covered bridge, local shops, and a relaxed main street; you can walk the riverside path, browse makers’ studios, and settle into a slow afternoon that works well if you like small-town charm, photography, and live music on some weekends. Merrickville on the Rideau Canal, Ontario: Stone buildings, canal locks, and artisan studios make a simple plan; watch boats pass through the locks, explore local glass and leather workshops, and add a canalside picnic if you like history, architecture, and craft shopping. Almonte, Ontario: A former mill town on the Mississippi River with falls, heritage mills, and indie boutiques; it fits design lovers and casual strollers, and you can pair coffee stops with short riverside walks and learn the town’s textile story as you go. Montréal, Québec: Big-city energy two hours away, where Old Montréal’s cobblestone streets, Plateau murals, and bagel shops keep you moving; focus your tour on neighbourhoods you care about, from market-to-table eats to street art and architecture, and still make it back for the evening. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Ottawa most travellers miss.