Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Explore Ottawa’s natural wonders and historic landmarks on a scenic river cruise. This 1.5-hour tour provides breathtaking views of the Parliament Buildings and Rideau Canal Locks, enhanced by bilingual commentary. With an affordable price tag and rave reviews, it’s an immersive way to experience the city’s beauty. Free cancellation gives you the flexibility to plan your day, while the tour app offers convenient booking. Discover why this cruise is a must-do activity for visitors to Ottawa.

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About Your Stay

A 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise along the Ottawa River, offering panoramic views of iconic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings and Rideau Canal Locks.
Bilingual commentary in English and French, providing insights into the region’s history and making the experience inclusive for all visitors.
Unique sights and perspectives accessible only from the water, enhancing the overall experience and showcasing the city’s natural beauty.
Captivating commentary from knowledgeable guides, enriching the journey with engaging stories and historical information.
Highly rated by customers for its affordability, fun, and scenic beauty, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 from over 1,330 reviews.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ottawa Riverboat sightseeing cruise offers a 1.5-hour tour along the picturesque Ottawa River. Priced from $35.35 per person, the cruise provides bilingual commentary in English and French, offering insights into the city’s rich history and the river’s past as a transportation route.

Guests can enjoy views of the Parliament Buildings, Rideau Canal Locks, and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, the tour is accessible and flexible.

Two departure docks in Gatineau and Ottawa make it convenient for visitors.

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Highlights of the Experience

Guests aboard the Ottawa Riverboat sightseeing cruise can expect to be captivated by the stunning views and insightful commentary.

The tour offers an immersive experience, highlighting the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

The tour offers an immersive experience, highlighting the city’s rich history and natural beauty.

Key highlights include:

Panoramic vistas of the Parliament Buildings, Rideau Canal Locks, and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Bilingual commentary in English and French, providing valuable insights into the region’s past as a vital transportation route.
Unique sights and perspectives only accessible from the water, offering a unique vantage point to explore the area.

Bilingual Commentary and Insights

One of the standout features of the Ottawa Riverboat sightseeing cruise is its bilingual commentary, which is provided in both English and French.

This allows visitors from diverse backgrounds to fully engage with the tour and gain insights into Ottawa’s rich history and the river’s past as a vital transportation route.

The knowledgeable guides seamlessly switch between the two languages, ensuring all guests can follow along and appreciate the unique sights and stories shared throughout the 1.5-hour journey.

This inclusive approach enhances the overall experience and allows everyone to enjoy the city’s heritage.

Scenic Views From the Water

As the Ottawa Riverboat glides along the tranquil waters, passengers are treated to unparalleled views of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The cruise offers a unique perspective on Ottawa’s skyline, showcasing:

The striking Parliament Buildings, with their distinctive Gothic Revival architecture, standing tall on the riverbank.
The historic Rideau Canal Locks, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, where boats seamlessly navigate the changes in water level.
The striking silhouettes of the Gatineau Hills, providing a picturesque backdrop to the river’s journey.

This scenic water tour allows visitors to appreciate Ottawa’s architectural wonders and natural beauty from a refreshing vantage point.

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Accessibility and Amenities

The Ottawa Riverboat cruise is designed to be accessible for all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly boarding and on-board facilities.

The cruise offers two departure docks – one in Gatineau and one in Ottawa – providing options for travelers.

The cruise offers two departure docks, one in Gatineau and one in Ottawa, providing options for travelers.

Once aboard, guests can enjoy the open-air upper deck and an on-board canteen with a bar, where they can purchase beverages and snacks at their own expense.

The bilingual commentary in English and French ensures everyone can fully appreciate the insights into Ottawa’s history and the river’s past as a transportation route.

There's plenty more to explore in Ottawa

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly positive impressions of the Ottawa Riverboat cruise, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on over 1,330 reviews.

Reviewers praise the tour guides’ bilingual skills and engaging commentary, rating them 4.5 out of 5. The transportation aspect also received high marks at 4.4 out of 5, while value for money scored 4.1 out of 5.

Notable customer feedback highlights the affordability, fun, and scenic beauty of the tour, with the ability to see unique sights only visible from the water.

Overall rating: 4.3/5 based on 1,330+ reviews
Guide rating: 4.5/5
Transportation rating: 4.4/5

Downloading the Tour App

Why download the Ottawa Tours app?

The app provides information in 9 additional languages beyond the bilingual commentary offered on the cruise. This makes the tour more accessible for a diverse range of visitors.

The app also provides additional details about the sights and history, enhancing the experience. Plus, it’s a convenient way to access the meeting point details for your booking.

With the app, you can get the most out of the Ottawa River cruise, regardless of your native language. It’s a practical tool to ensure an enriching and informed journey.

Affording and Booking the Tour

At $35.35 per person, the Ottawa River cruise offers an affordable sightseeing experience.

The tour provides great value, with 1.5 hours of bilingual commentary, stunning views, and insights into the city’s history. Guests can choose from two departure docks in Gatineau and Ottawa, making the tour accessible from both sides of the river.

To book the tour:

Select your preferred departure location and time.
Choose the "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option to secure your spot.
Enjoy the cruise, with the freedom to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Questions About Your Stay

Is the Cruise Suitable for Children?

The cruise appears suitable for children, with wheelchair accessibility and an on-board canteen. The 1.5-hour duration and bilingual commentary in English and French make it an engaging family-friendly activity.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, food and drinks are available for purchase on board the cruise. There’s an on-board canteen with a bar and an open-air upper deck where you can enjoy beverages at your own expense during the 1.5-hour tour.

Can I Disembark and Re-Board During the Cruise?

No, passengers cannot disembark and re-board during the cruise. The 1.5-hour tour is a continuous experience, and all guests must remain on board throughout the duration of the sightseeing cruise.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

There are a few discounts and special offers available for the riverboat cruise. Seniors, students, and children may qualify for reduced fares. Plus, some online booking platforms offer occasional promotions or bundle deals to save on the tour price.

How Often Do the Cruises Operate Throughout the Day?

The cruises operate multiple times throughout the day, with departures scheduled regularly. Cruise times may vary seasonally, so it’s best to check the operator’s website or contact them directly for the current daily schedule.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Ottawa River sightseeing cruise offers a captivating way to experience the city’s natural beauty and historic landmarks. With affordable pricing, bilingual commentary, and impressive customer ratings, this 1.5-hour tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an immersive and scenic exploration of Canada’s capital. The cruise’s free cancellation policy and downloadable tour app add to its convenience, making it an excellent choice for a memorable day on the water.