Ottawa River Tiki Bar Cruise: Hawaiian Float & Parliament Views

Float past Parliament and the capital's waterfront without leaving the water

A 90-minute tiki bar cruise on the Ottawa River departing from Gatineau near the Canadian Museum of History, where you float past Parliament Hill, the Ottawa Locks, and Rideau Falls on a Hawaiian-style boat with live music and a full licensed bar. The boat returns to the wharf about a 3-minute walk from the Museum; if you prefer to depart from the Ottawa side instead, you can arrange that by email after booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Relaxing cruise on Ottawa River

• Board Hawaiian-style Tiki Hut
• See Parliament Buildings from river
• Pass by National Gallery of Canada
• View Nepean Point and Supreme Court
• Pass Canadian Museum of History
• See Parliament Hill and Royal Canadian Mint
• Pass Rideau Falls
• View Prime Minister's Official Residence
• Cruise along Rockcliffe shoreline
• Pass NCC River House
• Pass beneath Alexandra Bridge
• Glide past Victoria Island
• Begin journey at Ottawa Locks
• Enjoy refreshments and tropical tunes
• Return to Wharf near Museum

The Experience

You board a Hawaiian-style tiki hut at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau and spend 90 minutes drifting downstream on the Ottawa River. The route passes under the Alexandra Bridge, glides by Victoria Island in the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, and floats past some of the capital's most recognizable landmarks — Parliament Hill and its buildings from the water, the striking architecture of the Museum itself on the Quebec shoreline, the Prime Minister's official residence tucked into one of Ottawa's most prestigious neighbourhoods, and the elegant homes and mature forests along the Rockcliffe shoreline.

The boat carries a restroom on board and a full licensed bar where you can order drinks and cocktails. You're welcome to bring your own food. Tropical music plays throughout, and the guide provides live commentary in English on what you're seeing. The atmosphere is built for celebration — families, friends, coworkers, school groups, or anyone marking a special occasion or just wanting a different angle on the capital. The day ends at the NCC River House, a restored heritage boathouse on the waterfront, which is about a 3-minute walk from where you started.

If you'd rather depart from the Ottawa side of the river, send an email after booking to arrange it. Public transportation options are available near the Museum, and the cruise suits all fitness levels — infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed on board.

What’s included

• 90-minute cruise on a Hawaiian-style tiki boat.
• live guide commentary in English.
• tropical music throughout.
• full licensed bar on board with drinks to purchase.
• restroom on board.
• you can bring your own food.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ottawa Palapa Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you're spending an afternoon in Gatineau or near Parliament Hill and want to see the capital's landmarks from the water without arranging your own boat or navigating the river yourself — the route, timing, and music are all set, and the bar means you can celebrate or simply relax while floating past the Locks, Parliament, and Rideau Falls.

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Top questions

What landmarks will I actually see from the water on this Ottawa River cruise?

You'll pass Parliament Hill and the Parliament Buildings, the Canadian Museum of History, the Ottawa Locks (one of North America's oldest manually operated lock systems), the Alexandra Bridge connecting Ottawa and Gatineau, Victoria Island, Rideau Falls where the Rideau River meets the Ottawa River, the Prime Minister's official residence, and the Rockcliffe shoreline with its elegant homes and forests.

Can I bring my own food and drinks, or is there a bar on the boat?

You can bring your own food on board. There's a full licensed bar where you can purchase cocktails and other drinks, and a restroom is available during the cruise.

How long is the tiki bar cruise, and when does it return?

The cruise lasts 90 minutes and ends at the NCC River House, a heritage boathouse on the waterfront about a 3-minute walk from the Canadian Museum of History where you depart.

Does the cruise work for families with young children or groups?

Yes — infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, service animals are allowed, and the boat is suitable for all fitness levels. School groups and celebrations are welcome, and the live guide in English provides commentary throughout the route.

Can I choose to depart from the Ottawa side instead of Gatineau?

Yes, you can arrange an Ottawa departure by sending an email after you book. The standard departure is from Gatineau near the Canadian Museum of History.