Ottawa: 2-Hour Bike Tour Parliament Hill & Rideau Canal
Two Hours on a Bike, Six Stops Across Ottawa's Core
You'll pedal through Ottawa's core landmarks (Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, Rideau Hall, and the National Gallery) with a local guide who stops 6-7 times to explain the history and point out the best views. The two-hour format means you see the essential Ottawa without spending your whole day on a bike, and you leave with local tips about what else to do in the city. Arrive 20 minutes early for bike fitting at 65 Sparks Street.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Ottawa by bike in 2 hours
- Meet 20 minutes before start
- Visit Rideau Canal
- See Ottawa Locks operation
- Stop at National Gallery and Spider Sculpture
- Visit War Memorial
- View Parliament Hill lookouts
- Cycle through backroads and ByWard Market
- Visit Rideau Hall and gardens
- Explore New Edinburg and Rideau Falls
- Learn about Ottawa's oldest stone building
- Rideau Canal 15m
- ByWard Market 10m
- Rideau Hall 15m
- National Gallery of Canada 5m
- Ottawa Locks 10m
What’s included
- Your tour includes a local guide who shares stories about Ottawa's history and local culture, a comfortable bicycle fitted to your size, a helmet, and stops at six or seven key landmarks: the Rideau Canal and its locks, Parliament Hill with views from scenic lookouts, the National War Memorial, Rideau Hall and its gardens, the ByWard Market neighbourhood, Rideau Falls, and the National Gallery of Canada.
- E-bikes are available upon request.
- Arrive 20 minutes early for bike fitting and a safety review.
Times
Next departure: 2 May 2027
Before you book
Operated by Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals
Prices and times updated 19 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
"How much can we actually see in two hours?" That's the question most people ask before they book, and it's the right one. The answer is: way more than you'd think, especially if you're on a bike with someone who knows where the lookouts are and which backroads skip the traffic. The Rideau Canal opens up first. You'll see the locks where boats actually pass through, and your guide will walk you through how the whole system works. It's the kind of detail that sticks with you, the mechanics of a place you'd otherwise just pedal past.
From there the tour moves through Parliament Hill and the National War Memorial, then cuts into the quieter neighbourhoods: New Edinburgh, the backroads that show you how Ottawa actually lives rather than how it performs for tourists. You stop at Rideau Hall to learn about the Governor General's residence and the gardens, and somewhere in the middle of all this you're at the National Gallery of Canada snapping photos of the famous Spider Sculpture. The guide talks about history and local culture at each stop, so it's not just a ride. It's a ride with context. Six or seven stops packed into two hours means you're moving, but not rushed. The pace is built for families and easy-going cyclists, and the bikes themselves are comfortable enough that you're not fighting the machine.
The practical side: arrive 20 minutes early for bike fitting and a safety review. The tour starts at 65 Sparks Street, a pedestrian street just steps from Parliament Hill, so parking is nearby at the National Arts Centre or City Hall underground lots. E-bikes are available if you want them, and the whole route stays on scenic waterfront pathways and safe backroads. Helmets and a local guide are included, and the tour works for all ages: infant seats are available, and the route is wheelchair accessible if you need it.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cover Ottawa's main sights in a single morning without arranging transport between stops or figuring out which landmarks are worth your time: the two-hour format and local guide handle both, leaving you with the rest of your day free and a list of local tips for what to do next.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 12 years). Children under 7 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.
How long is the Ottawa bike tour?
Two hours, including 6-7 stops at landmarks and lookouts.
What landmarks do you visit on the bike tour?
Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the National War Memorial, Rideau Hall, ByWard Market, New Edinburgh neighbourhood, Rideau Falls, and the National Gallery of Canada.
What's included in the tour?
A local guide, a comfortable bicycle, and a helmet. E-bikes are available upon request.
Where do I meet for the tour?
At 65 Sparks Street, a pedestrian street between Elgin and Metcalfe, a few steps from Parliament Hill. Arrive 20 minutes early for bike fitting and safety review.
Is the route wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all areas and surfaces on the tour route are wheelchair accessible.
Where can I park?
The National Arts Centre (1 Elgin St.) and City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W.) both have underground parking nearby.
Can I add an e-bike to my tour?
Yes, e-bikes are available upon request.
Is this tour good for beginners?
Yes, it's designed for easy-going cyclists and all fitness levels. The pace is leisurely and the bikes are comfortable.
What if I'm not comfortable cycling?
The tour is built for cyclists of all abilities on safe waterfront pathways and backroads. If you have concerns, contact the operator before booking.
Ottawa: 2-Hour Bike Tour Parliament Hill & Rideau Canal
2h · EN
from CA$ 79 per person
≈ US$ 57 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.