Helicopter tour over Ottawa: Parliament Hill and Gatineau Park

See Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and Gatineau Park from above in one flight

A helicopter tour over Ottawa and the National Capital Region that departs from a local airfield and circles Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, the Château Laurier, Gatineau Park and the Rideau Canal with live commentary from a professional pilot. Children under 24 months ride free. Headsets let you hear the guide clearly over the rotor noise. Tours run 30 to 45 minutes and guides speak English, Spanish or French.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Ottawa and Gatineau

• Fly over Gatineau Park
• Pass Casino Lac Leamy
• Fly over Ottawa River
• View Canadian Museum of History
• Fly over Alexandra Bridge
• Admire Parliament Hill
• See Prime Minister's residence
• Admire Fairmont Château Laurier
• Fly over Dow's Lake
• Discover Rideau Canal
• Fly over Rideau Hall
• View Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The experience

The tour starts at the airfield and lifts off toward Gatineau Park, crossing the Ottawa River and the Alexandra Bridge before banking toward the city center. From the air, Parliament Hill comes into view first: the Gothic Revival buildings and the Peace Tower sit at the political heart of the capital. The route then passes over Rideau Hall, the official residence of the Governor General, and the Château Laurier, the grand hotel that anchors downtown.

You'll circle Dow's Lake and follow the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that cuts through the city in a long ribbon of water. The pilot points out the Canadian Museum of History across the river in Gatineau, and Casino Lac Leamy on the Quebec side. The helicopter climbs back over Gatineau Park for the final stretch (the forested expanse that defines the region's northern edge) before returning to the airfield. Headsets come with every seat so you hear the commentary clearly. Guides offer live narration in English, Spanish or French.

The flight lasts between 30 and 45 minutes from takeoff to landing. Children under 24 months ride free, and the tour is wheelchair accessible if you contact the operator ahead of time to arrange it. Pregnant travelers and anyone with cardiovascular concerns should check with a doctor first, though the flight itself is smooth and the pace is set by the pilot, not by physical effort on your part.

What’s included

• Professional pilot and live commentary in English, Spanish or French.
• headsets to hear the guide clearly.
• all taxes and fees.
• free entry for children under 24 months.

Options for this experience

2 options

Extend your experienceGuide in English, Spanish or French · 20 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 19:30Take in the beauty of Canada's National Capital Region on our extended tour by airplane and helicopter.

Ottawa Helicopter TourGuide in English, Spanish or French · 20 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 19:30

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Wednesday20 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 19:30

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (3 and older) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Select Aviation College

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Ottawa's landmarks (Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, Rideau Hall) from the air in a single flight without spending a full day on the ground. The 30–45 minute window fits a free afternoon or a morning before other plans, and the helicopter's height and speed let you cover the whole National Capital Region in one loop.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 3): 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.

What does Parliament Hill look like from a helicopter?

Parliament Hill sits at the center of the flight path, and you see the Gothic Revival buildings, the Peace Tower and the grounds spread out below as the helicopter circles overhead. The iconic green roofs and the layout of the complex are much clearer from the air than from street level.

Can I bring my infant or toddler on the helicopter tour?

Children under 24 months ride free and can sit in a pram or stroller that fits inside the cabin. Infants and small children are welcome. Just let the operator know their age when you book so they can confirm the space.

How long does the entire tour take from start to finish?

The flight itself runs 30 to 45 minutes in the air. Plan for additional time at the airfield before departure for a safety briefing and boarding, and a few minutes after landing to disembark and collect your belongings.

Does the tour fly over Gatineau Park?

Yes, Gatineau Park is the final highlight of the route. The helicopter climbs over the forested expanse on the Quebec side of the Ottawa River before returning to the airfield, giving you a bird's-eye view of the park's landscape.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchair users?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, but you'll need to contact the operator in advance to arrange it. Let them know about your accessibility needs when you book so they can confirm the logistics and ensure everything is set up for you.