Ottawa City Tour: Amphibus Parliament Hill

See Ottawa from both the street and the water in a single trip

An amphibus tour of Ottawa and Gatineau that travels by land through Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, the National Gallery of Canada and the National War Memorial, then floats on the Ottawa River for a water-level view of the same landmarks. A bilingual guide shares anecdotes throughout the one-hour route. The tour operates in all weather and suits all fitness levels; arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Ottawa by land and water

• Meet at departure point
• Board amphibious vehicle
• Pass Rideau Canal
• See National Gallery of Canada
• Visit ByWard Market
• View Parliament Hill and Buildings
• Pass Major's Hill Park
• See Notre Dame Basilica
• Pass Gatineau Park
• View National War Memorial
• Pass Gatineau City Hall
• Float on Ottawa River
• Return to starting point

The Experience

What makes an amphibus different is that you don't switch vehicles halfway through—the same craft that carries you down Sparks Street drives straight into the Ottawa River and floats. The tour covers Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, ByWard Market, and the National War Memorial on land, then transitions to water to see Rideau Canal, Major's Hill Park behind the Chateau Laurier, and Gatineau Park from the river itself. A bilingual guide narrates in English and French throughout, mixing historical context with humorous anecdotes about the city.

The one-hour route is compact enough to fit into a morning or afternoon without eating a full day, yet it reaches across both sides of the river and into Gatineau. You'll pass through the market district and along the canal, then float past the same Parliament Hill you just drove past from ground level—the shift in perspective is the whole point. The tour runs regardless of weather, so bring a jacket if the forecast looks uncertain.

Arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before departure so the driver can account for everyone before boarding. Public transportation options are nearby if you're coming from elsewhere in the city. The amphibus itself handles all the transitions; you stay aboard the entire time.

What’s included

Bilingual guide in English and French; amphibus vehicle for the full one-hour route covering both land and water.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Lady Dive Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to see Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and ByWard Market from both street level and water in a single loop, rather than planning separate walking or transit stops.

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Top questions

What exactly is an amphibus and how does it work?

An amphibus is a vehicle that drives on city streets like a bus, then enters the water and floats like a boat. On this tour, you board once and stay aboard as it transitions from Ottawa's streets into the Ottawa River, eliminating the need to change vehicles or walk between stops.

Does the tour go into Gatineau, or just look at it from the water?

The tour crosses into Gatineau by land and water. You'll drive through Gatineau streets and see Gatineau Park and Gatineau City Hall from both the amphibus and the river perspective.

What landmarks do you actually see on the water portion?

From the river, you see Rideau Canal, Major's Hill Park behind the Chateau Laurier, and Gatineau Park. The water-level view gives you a different angle on Parliament Hill and the other sites you passed on land.

Is the guide bilingual, and can you request English or French only?

The guide is bilingual in English and French and narrates in both languages throughout the tour. The guide shares anecdotes and historical information as you travel both by land and water.

How long is the entire tour, and does it include time to get off and walk around?

The tour is one hour total. You remain on the amphibus the entire time; there are no stops where you disembark to explore on foot.

What should I wear, and does the tour run if the weather is bad?

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain, wind or cold. Bring a waterproof jacket if rain is forecast, since you'll be on the water as well as the streets.