Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Tour: Double-Decker Bus Sightseeing

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/10

Duration1h 30m

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN · FR

Mobile ticketAccepted

See Ottawa's museums and monuments from a double-decker bus, stopping where you want to linger.

This hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of Ottawa runs a fixed route with stops at the Canadian War Museum, Canadian Museum of History, National Gallery of Canada, Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Rideau Hall, ByWard Market, and the Ottawa Sign, among others. A professional driver and live guide in English or French narrate the route aboard a double-decker bus or trolley. You board at the main kiosk at Parliament and can get off and rejoin at any stop; the pace is yours to set. Hotel pickup is available before 9:30–9:45 a.m. for an additional $5 payable to the driver, with 24 hours' notice required.

1h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Ottawa city hop-on hop-off tour

Start at main kiosk on Sparks St
Pass by Nature Museum
Pass by Ottawa BlackJacks home
Pass different stop during Tulip Festival
Pass no stop during Tulip Festival
Stop at Ottawa Sign on York Street
Pass by Rideau Hall
Pass by RCMP Stables
Pass by Aviation and Space Museum
Pass by Art Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral
Pass by Museum of History
Pass by War Museum
Pass by Rideau Canal and National Arts Centre
Return to main kiosk

The Experience

Start at the main kiosk at the corner of Elgin and Sparks, across from Parliament of Canada. The double-decker bus or trolley departs on a set route that covers the city's major attractions—you stay on board for the full loop if you want an overview, or step off at any stop and catch the next bus when you're ready to move on. The guide provides live commentary in English or French throughout the ride, so you get the context for what you're passing without needing to research it beforehand.

The route passes the Canadian Museum of Nature, Rideau Hall (the Governor General's residence), the RCMP Stables, and the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. It also stops at ByWard Market near the Ottawa Sign at York Street, where you can browse the market stalls and grab food. The bus swings past the National Gallery of Canada, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the Royal Canadian Mint, then continues to the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum. You'll also see the National Arts Centre, the National War Memorial, and Rideau Canal along the way. A stop at TD Place marks the home of the Ottawa Redblacks if sports matter to your visit.

The whole loop takes roughly 90 minutes if you ride straight through, but that's not the point—the hop-on hop-off format means you're not locked into a schedule. Spend an hour at a museum, rejoin the bus later, or skip stops that don't interest you. Local taxes and transport are included; the driver and guide are professionals. The buses are wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller. If you need a hotel pickup before 9:30–9:45 a.m., contact the supplier at least 24 hours ahead; the pickup fee is $5, paid to the driver when they arrive.

What’s included

Transport by double-decker bus or trolley.
professional driver and guide providing live commentary in English or French.
local taxes.
wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stops.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Grayline Ottawa

Is this one for you?The 90-minute loop is designed to give you an overview without eating the whole day—you can ride the full route and still have afternoon hours free to explore on foot, or hop off at one or two stops and spend as long as you want there.