Free Historical Highlights Walking Tour of Ottawa
Overview of the tour in Ottawa
Canada’s bilingual capital is best explored on foot!
Ottawa is an amazing city with so many landmarks and hidden gems, but for me, history has very little to do with dates. History is about people!
Our professional, knowledgeable guides will lead you on a leisurely walk around Ottawa’s most famous monuments and locations that explain the city’s colorful history, its larger-than-life political characters, and its graceful architecture.
During the tour, you will explore the grounds of Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Sparks Street and Sussex Drive, Major's Hill Park, The Chateau Laurier, The UNESCO Rideau Canal, The Prime Minister's Offices, The By Ward Market and many other areas of interest within Ottawa’s downtown core.
This tour is the perfect opportunity to learn about Ottawa’s past, present, and future with an entertaining and educational experience.
And, of course, we are happy to make recommendations on what local activities to try, places to visit, things to see and do, pubs and restaurants to discover, and the hidden gems most tourists miss while in town.
This activity includes:
- Parliament Hill
- The National War Memorial
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Major's Hill Park
- Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa
On arrival
Our tours depart from the “Bear Catching Fish” statue, located at 89 Sparks Street, corner of Sparks & Metcalfe Streets, directly across from Bridgehead Coffee, 1 block south of Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa. Tours last approximately 2-2.5 hours. Your guide will be in front of the statue, holding a red umbrella. Please check in with your guide and let them know you registered for the tour on the FreeTour.com platform before the tour begins. Thank you.
Things to note
- Please arrive 5 minutes early as tours will start ON TIME!
- This is a "Pay What You Want" tour. Please provide your guide with a tip at the end of the tour to show your appreciation for their time and service. The recommended tip is $25 per adult for a 2-hour tour. We prefer cash payments but also accept debit cards, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as Apple, Google & Samsung Pay.
- Tours will run rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a water bottle are excellent ideas.
- Most importantly, if you decide to cancel your reservation for ANY reason, please cancel using the FreeTour.com app or website! It ensures we are aware of your cancellation, are not waiting for your arrival, and will not be charged by FreeTour.com for your registration. Please cancel a minimum of 90 minutes prior to your tour departure time. Your courtesy and understanding are GREATLY appreciated.
And as a special thank you for choosing Ottawa Walking Tours:
Stop by Bridgehead Coffee's Sparks Street location (96 Sparks Street, directly across the street from the Bear Catching Fish statue, your Ottawa Walking Tours meeting place) for 10% off any 12oz beverage.
* Just show this email to your Bridgehead barista to receive 10% off any 12oz beverage. This coupon is only redeemable at 96 Sparks Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5B7
Free Cancellation
You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.
