Free Historical Highlights Walking Tour of Ottawa
♡ Save


Explore Ottawa's vibrant history and architecture on foot with a knowledgeable guide. Visit Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, and more. Discover the capital's hidden gems and local tips!
Canada’s compact capital city is best explored on foot!
Ottawa is an amazing city with so many landmarks and hidden gems. History should never be boring because 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 buildings, monuments and locations that explain Ottawa'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 so much more!
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 recommend local pubs and restaurants, activities to try, things to see and do and the hidden gems locals love but most tourists miss while in town.
Join us and come discover Ottawa from a local's point of view!
Meeting point
Bear Catching Fish statue
Before you go
- Length
- About 2h 15min
- Coming up
- No dates listed yet
Questions about this tour
How much does this tour cost?
Nothing up front. You book for free and tip your guide at the end. Many travellers tip around €5 to €15 per person, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
How long does it take?
About 2h 15min.
Where does it start?
The meeting point is Bear Catching Fish statue. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
What languages is it in?
Languages are shown per departure once dates are listed.
When does it run?
No departures are listed right now. Set a date alert on this page and we will email you when one appears.
Do I need to book?
Booking is a good idea: groups are limited and popular times fill up. Create a free Tripsora account, pick a day and time, and press Book to finish with the tour provider.
Is it accessible?
The tour provider has added accessibility information for this tour. Check the details with them when you book, and tell your guide about any needs on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
The tour provider lists this tour as pet friendly.
Other free tours in Ottawa
Accessibility information availablePet friendly
Plan your trip to Ottawa
Travel guide
Northern Lights Viewing Spots: Where to Look and How to Plan
Aurora viewing depends on solar activity, clear dark skies and location, so no spot is guaranteed. This guide explains how to choose viewing areas and plan a trip with realistic expectations.
Travel guide
Scenic Train Routes Through Dramatic Mountain and Desert Scenery
Several well-known rail routes pass through dramatic alpine, highland and desert landscapes, rewarding travelers who value the journey as much as the destination. This guide describes the types of routes available and how to plan them.
Tripsora AI agent
Plan the rest of your Ottawa trip
Tell the AI agent where and when; it finds flights, hotels and tours and builds your day-by-day plan.
More for your Ottawa trip
Where to stay in Ottawa
Compare hotels and apartments on a map.
See stays ↗
Paid tours and tickets in Ottawa
Need a bigger group, a private guide or a skip-the-line ticket?
Browse tours ↗
Travel insurance
Flexible cover for trips and nomads.
Get a quote ↗
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you book, at no cost to you. Disclosure