Maksym KuzaievWhen I was younger, I was snobbish about boat tours, thinking they were something just for parents or senior citizens. But boy, was I proven wrong when I went on one for my birthday.
I learned that boat tours are for everyone and a hassle-free way to see attractions around Ottawa. The best part? There are different boat tours for every kind of traveller.
So, whether you’re looking to see historical landmarks, go sightseeing around the city, or enjoy a sunset tour, keep reading!
Ottawa Boat Cruise – Rideau Canal Cruise
Media Credit: ottawaboatcruise
Website: https://www.ottawaboatcruise.com/tour/ekeau-canal-cruise
Address: 1 Elgin St.
Contact Details: 819 317 2209; [email protected]
Duration: 90 minutes
Price Range:
- Adults – CA$47.99
- Children (3-11 years old) – CA$35.99
- Senior (65 and older) – CA$44.99
- Infants (0-2)- Free
Amenities/Features:
- Washroom
- Fully-licensed bar
- Snack menu
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (9:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
If you’re looking for something historical and educational, then this cruise is for you. Aside from the fact that you’ll be on North America’s first fully electric boat, you’ll experience the Rideau Canal as it was introduced in 1812.
The Rideau Canal has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. It has a significant impact, playing a key role in the country’s military history while being a key route in the 19th century. It’s a well-preserved example of a slackwater canal in the region.
Some route highlights are Chateau Laurier, an iconic luxury hotel that looks like a castle, and the Ottawa Locks, which are manually-operated locks linking the Rideau Canal to the Ottawa River since 1832.
This tour is available every May to October and will take you on a 202-kilometre journey from Kingston to Ottawa, passing by beautiful bodies of water. It’s also known to be safe and reliable, with the company holding this tour having 30 years of experience.
Accessibility Reminders:
Entrance is free for one (1) companion of a PWD requiring assistance. Motorized scooters and electric wheelchairs are not allowed on board since the dockside staff are unable to assist with transfers. There’s suitable room for wheelchairs on board. Washrooms aren’t accessible by wheelchair users, however. So kindly use any of the available restrooms near the dock. If you or someone you know needs mobility assistance, you can call in advance before booking your tickets.
Pro Tip:
Download the Ottawa Tours app before going on a cruise so you can access the audio tour in 9 different languages.
Amphibus – Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water
Media Credit: ladydivetours
Website: https://ladydive.com/ottawa-city-tour/
Address: 44 Parks St.
Contact Details: 613 524 2221; [email protected]
Duration: 1 hour (30-40 minutes land, 20-30 minutes water)
Price Range:
- Adults (18-64) – CA$53.99
- Children (3-12) – CA$38.79
- Infants (0-2) – CA$17.20
- Seniors (65+)- CA$50.99
- Student (13-17) – CA$50.99
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: (08:30 AM – 04:30 PM)
If you want the unique experience of riding in a vehicle that is both a bus and a boat, then this tour is for you! Kids and kids at heart get such a kick out of this because it sounds like something out of a cartoon—like a magic bus!
But more than the novelty of the experience, this tour allows you to see so many historical sights (75 to be exact!) and just have a relaxing time being shown around the city. The guide is bilingual and is often very entertaining.
Some of the highlights of the tour include the National War Memorial or “The Response”, the Privy Council Office, ByWard Market, National Gallery of Canada, Rideau Falls, the French Embassy, 24 Sussex Drive, and, of course, the Ottawa River.
Accessibility Reminders:
The amphibus is not wheelchair-accessible, unlike Lady Dive’s other buses. However, there are staff who can help you ride on board. If you have issues with mobility, it’s best to inform them before booking.
Pro Tip:
There are no refunds if you miss your tour or are late for it (some of us learned the hard way)!
Cancellations have to be made two days prior to your scheduled tour. If you bought cancellation insurance, you still have to inform the staff at least 8 hours before the tour.
Paul’s Boat Line – Ottawa River Cruise
Media Credit: ottawaboatcruise
Website: https://www.ottawaboatcruise.com/tour/ottawa-river-cruise
Address: 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 8X5
Contact Details: 819 317 2426; [email protected]
Duration: 60-90 minutes (Depending on place of departure)
Price Range:
- Adults (Ages 12 and above) – CA$44.99
- Children (Ages 3-11)- CA$32.99
- Senior (Ages 65 and above) – CA$41.99
- Infants (Ages 0-2) – Free
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: (09:00 AM – 07:00 PM)
You’ll get to enjoy 50 locations while riding luxuriously in a double-decker cruise. This is a good option if you just want to lounge about, enjoy a drink (or two or three), and see about 50 prime Ottawa spots.
This takes on a slightly different route from the others. Some of the highlights from this tour include the National Gallery of Canada, Canadian Museum of History, Supreme Court, Parliament Buildings, Chateau Laurier Hotel, Macdonald-Cartier Bridge, and Rockcliffe Parks.
This is perfect for tourists or for locals wanting to see the city in a different light, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Accessibility Reminders:
Only the lower deck is accessible to wheelchairs. Only the Hull Marina location has a ramp. For a stress-free transfer, it’s better if people in wheelchairs go straight to this entrance. The boat has a wide entrance, easily accessible by wheelchair.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing a car, there’s paid parking here.
Sunset Yacht Cruise on the Ottawa River
Media Credit: ottawayacht
Website: https://ottawayacht.ca/#SharedCruises
Address: 1067 Jacques Cartier Street
Contact Details:
- 343 550 0175 (admin)
- 343 209 2209 (urgent)
- [email protected]
Duration: 75 minutes
Price Range: CA$75
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: (09:00 AM – 11:30 PM)
A lovely yacht cruise during sunset is a luxurious experience everyone should tick off their bucket list at some point. The yacht caters to a much smaller number – a maximum of 24 people.
You get the full experience here – beautiful views, a curated playlist, yummy food, and the soft golden hour light (perfect for pictures).
The rules here are just a bit more particular. Here’s a rundown:
- Always follow the captain’s orders.
- Make sure to always be respectful of the crew. Inform them if you’re including them in photos!
- There’s a zero tolerance for unsafe, rowdy, or disruptive behaviour. Drink responsibly.
- Make sure to check in before boarding.
- Only soft-soled boat shoes are allowed; otherwise, you have to be barefoot when you board.
- Don’t apply sunscreen, perfume, or bug spray while on deck.
- No confetti or party poppers allowed!
- Never throw anything in the water.
- Smoking, vaping, or taking any drugs is prohibited.
- Listen to the safety briefing.
Pro Tip:
If you’re not sure about attire, wear something you’re comfortable and confident in! Don’t forget to wear layers in case it gets cold and wear sensible shoes.
Ottawa Kayak and Ecological Reserve Tours
Media Credit: riverviewkayak
Website: https://www.riverviewkayak.com/
Address: 727 Tweddle Road
Contact: 613-808-0770; [email protected]
Duration: 3 hours on weekends, 2 hours on weekdays
Price: CA $60 for solo on weekends, CA$65 for weekdays, CA$45 for 2 or more kayakers
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: (09:00 AM – 11:30 PM)
If the boat tour you’re looking for is something a bit more adventurous, consider kayaking your way through Ottawa. This is a different way of seeing the city, for sure!
For the price of the tour, you’ll get to rent your personal floating device, paddle, rope, pail bucket, flashlight, and audible signal device. While most of the other tours on this list promise to be splash-free, this tour somehow guarantees that you’ll get wet.
What’s special about this tour is the animals you might be able to see along the way, such as turtles and different kinds of birds, like the great blue heron!
Pro Tip:
Bring water and snacks, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and aqua shoes (if you have them)!
And there you have it – the best boat tours in Ottawa with varying experiences and routes! You don’t have to worry because there’s something for every kind of need and mood.
Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want to relax and go sightseeing, you’ll find something for you here. It’s also great that almost all of these tours are very accessible to PWDs, seniors, and students!
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