Cycling Ottawa's Rideau Canal: Self-guided bike tour

Ride four waterways, set your own distance, return when you're done

Self-guided cycling tour of Ottawa starting from the Rideau Canal with a new Giant bike, helmet, lock and map. You choose the distance between 15km and 25km and the pace, following dedicated pathways past Rideau Falls, Hog's Back Falls, the Arboretum and multiple river views. No guide accompanies you, and the route avoids roads and traffic entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided cycling tour in Ottawa

• Pick up bike and gear
• Receive professional bike fitting
• Follow map along Rideau Canal
• Cycle past Rideau Falls and Hog's Back Falls
• Visit Arboretum and Central Farm
• Enjoy views of Rideau, Ottawa, and Gatineau Rivers
• Experience Ottawa's 200th Anniversary celebrations

The experience

You pick up a fitted Giant bike at the Rideau Canal location downtown and head out on pathways that follow four major waterways: the Rideau Canal, Rideau River, Ottawa River and Gatineau River. The route is flat and easy to navigate, with no roads to cross and no traffic to manage. You decide how far to ride, anywhere from 15km to 25km, and when to turn back, so a morning rider can cover the full distance or a casual afternoon means shorter loops past the same landmarks.

The bike comes with a helmet, lock and a map marked with the route. Electric assist is available if you want it. Everything is fitted to your size before you leave, and the directions are designed to be self-explanatory so you don't need to check a phone. Rideau Falls and Hog's Back Falls are both on the pathway system, as are the Arboretum and Central Farm, so the major stops are built into the route itself rather than requiring navigation decisions.

You're cycling during Ottawa's 200th anniversary year, and the operator notes the community is safe and helpful to visitors. The pathways are wheelchair accessible, and specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with small children. Strollers and prams work on the routes as well.

What’s included

• New Giant bike in your size.
• helmet.
• lock.
• detailed map with route marked.
• professional fitting before departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 30 Oct

AgesAdult (18 to 79 years) · Senior (81 to 95 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Rentabike

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to set your own pace and distance without a guide's schedule. The self-guided format and flat pathways mean you can ride for a full morning or a quick afternoon loop, and turn back whenever you're ready.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride an electric bike on this self-guided tour?

Electric assist is available as an upgrade, so you can add it when you pick up your bike if you prefer pedal-assist for the full distance or any part of it.

What happens if I want to ride less than 15km or more than 25km?

The 15km to 25km range reflects the pathway system's main loop, but you control your own distance. You can ride shorter if you prefer, or extend your route by exploring side branches of the waterway pathways.

Is there a guide with me, or do I navigate alone?

This is a self-guided tour, so you ride at your own pace with the map and directions provided. No guide accompanies you, which is why the cost is lower than a guided option.

What are Rideau Falls and Hog's Back Falls like from the bike path?

Both waterfalls are accessible directly from the pathway system: Rideau Falls is on the Rideau Canal route and Hog's Back Falls is on the Rideau River section, so you pass them as part of the ride rather than making a detour.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist to do this?

The pathways are flat and easy to navigate, and the operator notes the tour suits all physical fitness levels. The distance is your choice, so you can ride as far as feels comfortable.