Walking Tours Ottawa

Exploring Ottawa on Foot: A Guide to Walking Tours

🏢 Downtown Ottawa Tour (ByWard Market Area)

  • Distance: Approx. 2 km
  • Time: 1 hour - 1.5 hours

Highlights: ByWard Market, Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, National War Memorial, Notre-Dame Basilica, Confederation Square, and a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries.

🏰 Gatineau Park & Canadian Museum of History Tour

  • Distance: Approx. 5 km (Park), 1 km (Museum)
  • Time: 2 - 3 hours (Park), 1 hour (Museum)

Highlights: Gatineau Park’s stunning landscapes, Champlain Lookout, Meech Creek Valley, and the Canadian Museum of History featuring exhibits on Indigenous cultures, Canadian history, and world civilizations.

🌳 Rideau Canal & Little Italy Tour

  • Distance: Approx. 4 km
  • Time: 2 hours - 3 hours

Highlights: Rideau Canal locks, National Arts Centre, Ottawa University, Landsdowne Park, and Little Italy’s vibrant street art, restaurants, and cafes.

🌃 Ottawa Architecture & Heritage Tour

  • Distance: Approx. 3 km
  • Time: 2 - 3 hours

Highlights: Gothic Revival style buildings such as the Fairmont Château Laurier, the Victorian-era houses on Sussex Drive, and the elegant embassies that line downtown Ottawa.

🌄 Greenbelt & Mer Bleue Tour

  • Distance: Approx. 10 km (Greenbelt), 3 km (Mer Bleue)
  • Time: 3 - 4 hours (Greenbelt), 1 - 2 hours (Mer Bleue)

Highlights: Greenbelt’s diverse landscapes, Mer Bleue Bog (a rare and fragile wetland ecosystem), and wildlife spotting opportunities.

🚶 Hiking Trails in Ottawa

  • Distance: Varies per trail
  • Time: Varies per trail

Highlights: Gatineau Park’s numerous hiking trails, the Trans Canada Trail, and the Ottawa River Pathway which offers scenic views of the river and downtown Ottawa.

Tips for Walking Tours in Ottawa:

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking
  • Dress according to the weather as some paths can be shaded or exposed
  • Bring water, snacks, and a map or GPS device
  • Respect wildlife and follow all park regulations
  • Be aware of your surroundings and stay on marked trails
  • Enjoy the beauty of Ottawa at a leisurely pace and take plenty of photos!