Ottawa River Boat Cruise: Parliament Hill & Royal Canadian Mint

See Ottawa's landmarks from the water instead of the street

A 90-minute boat cruise on the Ottawa River departing from either Hull Marina in Jacques Cartier Park or Ottawa Dock at the foot of the Ottawa Locks, with live bilingual commentary in English and French. The route passes Parliament Hill, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Supreme Court, Rideau Falls, and 24 Sussex Drive. All fees, taxes and commentary are included. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ottawa River sightseeing cruise

• Depart from Hull Marina or Ottawa Dock
• Relax on the upper deck with beverage
• Visit canteen and bar on lower deck
• Enjoy live bilingual commentary
• View Ottawa cityscape and river history
• See National Gallery of Canada
• See Samuel de Champlain statue lookout
• See Canadian Museum of History
• See Supreme Court of Canada
• See Parliament Hill
• See Royal Canadian Mint
• See Rideau Falls
• See 24 Sussex Drive residence
• See Rockville Park

The experience

The Paula D boat departs from one of two locations: Hull Marina on the Gatineau side or Ottawa Dock downtown. Both routes follow the same stretch of river and run for 90 minutes, with a live guide providing commentary in both English and French throughout. The boat has an upper deck where you can relax with a beverage and take in the landscape, and a lower deck with a canteen and bar.

The cruise passes nine major Ottawa landmarks and sites. You'll see Parliament Hill, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, Rideau Falls, 24 Sussex Drive (the official residence of the Canadian Prime Minister), and Rockville Park. The route also includes a view of the Samuel de Champlain statue. The commentary explains how the river once served as a highway for transporting resources and connects the natural landscape to the city's history.

Choose your departure point based on where you're staying or which dock is more convenient. The Hull Marina location is wheelchair accessible. The Ottawa Dock is not. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Public transportation is available near both departure points.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• live bilingual commentary in English and French.
• access to the upper and lower decks.
• canteen and bar on board.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departure from the Ottawa DockGuide in English or French · Available from 20 Jun 2027Starting point at 1 Canal Ln, Ottawa, ON K1P 5P6, Canada; taxes and fees are included

Departure from the Hull MarinaGuide in English or French · Available from 20 Jun 2027Starting point at Parc Jacques-Cartier, 160 Rue Laurier, Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8, Canada; taxes and fees are included

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 timesNext departure: 20 Jun 2027

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish and French

Audio guideEnglish and French

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.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ottawa Boat Cruise Inc.

Is this one for you?Pick the Hull Marina departure if you need wheelchair access or are staying on the Gatineau side. Choose Ottawa Dock if you're downtown and want to walk straight from your hotel to the boat.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years); Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): 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. No refund if you cancel.

Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair on the Ottawa River cruise?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on both departures. Wheelchairs are accessible only at the Hull Marina on the Gatineau side. The Ottawa Dock location does not have wheelchair access.

What is the difference between the Hull Marina and Ottawa Dock departures?

Both cruises follow the same 90-minute route and pass the same landmarks. The Hull Marina departs from Jacques Cartier Park on the Gatineau side and is wheelchair accessible. The Ottawa Dock departs from downtown at the foot of the Ottawa Locks and is not wheelchair accessible. Choose based on which location is closer to you.

Is there food and drink available on the boat?

The Paula D has a canteen and bar on the lower deck where you can purchase beverages and snacks. You're welcome to bring your own food and drink as well.

What landmarks will I see on the cruise?

The 90-minute route passes Parliament Hill, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Canadian Museum of History, the National Gallery of Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, Rideau Falls, 24 Sussex Drive, Rockville Park, and the Samuel de Champlain statue. A live guide in English and French explains the history and significance of each site.

Can I reschedule or get a refund if my plans change?

Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so book only when you're certain of your travel dates.