Ottawa bike tour: Glebe, Rideau Canal & Parliament Hill

Ride through Ottawa's trendiest streets, lakeside paths and public art on two wheels

A guided bike tour of Ottawa covering the Glebe, Centretown, Little Italy and Hintonburg neighbourhoods, plus the Rideau Canal, Arboretum and Parliament Hill, on comfortable bikes with helmet and snack included. The tour runs three hours with a live English-speaking guide. Children from age nine are welcome. Arrive 20 minutes early at Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals on Sparks Street for bike fitting and a safety review.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Rideau Canalpass by
2. Canadian War Museum10m
3. Parliament Hillpass by

Bike tour through Ottawa neighbourhoods and nature

• Arrive at Escape Bicycle Tours 20 minutes early
• Bike through the trendy Glebe neighbourhood
• Visit lively shopping and eating area
• Enjoy scenic ride on Rideau Canal
• Pass by vast farmland in city center
• Stop to admire quaint garden
• Ride through scenic bike paths surrounded by trees
• See rock sculptures and chat with artist
• Stop at Chaudière Falls and museum architecture
• Pass scenic route with views of Parliament Hill
• Ride along gorgeous waterfront pathway

The experience

The route starts at Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals on Sparks Street, a few steps from Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial. You'll ride through the Glebe's shopping and dining streets, then follow the historic Rideau Canal on scenic pathways lined with trees. The tour also passes through the Arboretum's lush green spaces and the experimental farm in the heart of the city, giving you a real sense of how Ottawa's nature sits alongside its neighbourhoods.

Beyond the waterfront, the guide takes you through Centretown, Little Italy and Hintonburg, stopping to show you interesting buildings, street art installations and local shops and eateries that locals actually use. You'll see the rock sculptures and chat with the artist, then pass by Chaudière Falls and the Canadian War Museum before riding past Parliament Hill for the best views. The whole day is built around comfortable bikes and a storyteller guide who knows the city's local life and culture, not just the tourist highlights.

Each bike comes with a helmet and a Power Bar snack. The tour takes three hours, and you need to arrive 20 minutes early for bike fitting and a safety briefing. E-bikes are available on request if you want extra assistance on the ride.

What’s included

• Comfortable bike.
• helmet.
• Power Bar snack.
• three-hour guided tour with a live English-speaking guide through Ottawa's neighbourhoods, waterfront and public art.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 May 2027

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (9 to 12 years) · Under 9: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the commentary throughout, so you follow along comfortably as a group. This works well for anyone with moderate fitness who wants to see Ottawa's local scene beyond the downtown core.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (9 to 12 years). Under 9: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What neighbourhoods do you actually ride through on this Ottawa bike tour?

The Glebe, Centretown, Little Italy and Hintonburg are the main neighbourhoods on the route, each with its own character and local shops and restaurants the guide will point out.

Is the Rideau Canal part of the bike route?

Yes, you ride along the historic Rideau Canal on scenic pathways. It's one of the main waterfront stretches of the tour.

Do you need to bring your own bike or helmet?

No, the tour includes a comfortable bike and helmet for each rider, plus a Power Bar snack.

How much time should I allow before the tour starts?

Arrive 20 minutes before the departure time at Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals on Sparks Street for bike fitting and a safety review.