Set out on a culinary adventure through the vibrant ByWard Market in Ottawa. This 2.5-hour food tour offers a delectable sampling of Canada’s iconic dishes, from savory poutine to sweet Nanaimo bars. With a knowledgeable guide, dive into the rich history and flavors that make this city’s food scene so captivating. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this tour promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
About Your Stay
- A 2.5-hour guided walking tour showcasing Ottawa’s diverse culinary scene, including iconic Canadian dishes and tastings.
- Starts at the Totem Pole of Canada and covers the ByWard Market, offering a comprehensive sampling of Canadian food traditions.
- Suitable for most dietary needs, except for vegans and those with gluten intolerance.
- Includes one alcoholic drink, water, and all taxes and tips, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Bilingual guide leads the tour in both English and French, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
Tour Overview
The Ottawa: A Taste of Canada Food Tour is a 2.5-hour guided walking tour that takes visitors on a culinary journey through the heart of Canada’s capital city.
The tour is priced from $104.79 per person and is available in English and French. It starts at the Totem Pole of Canada outside the Ottawa School of Art and is wheelchair accessible.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. Dietary restrictions must be listed when booking.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Ottawa
Booking Information
Visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Plus, there’s a reserve now and pay later option available. Customers should check availability for starting times and list any dietary restrictions when booking.
| Booking Details | | |
| ————— | —————– | —————– |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hrs | Full refund |
| Payment | Reserve & pay later| Available |
| Schedule | Check availability| For start times |
| Dietary Needs | List when booking | Accommodated |
The tour is not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting at 35 George St, the food tour takes guests on a 2.5-hour journey through Ottawa’s culinary scene.
First, they’ll visit a local restaurant for a 25-minute food and cocktail tasting.
Guests enjoy a 25-minute food and cocktail tasting at a local restaurant.
Next, they’ll explore the lively ByWard Market for 20 minutes.
At a nearby bakery, guests will savor 15 minutes of dessert tasting.
The tour also includes a photo stop and more regional food tastings, such as poutine, Hawaiian pizza, and Nanaimo bars.
While the tour isn’t suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance, it offers a comprehensive sampling of popular Canadian dishes and traditions.
Food Experiences
During the tour, guests have the opportunity to sample some of Canada’s most beloved culinary specialties.
They’ll try the iconic poutine, a dish of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds. The Hawaiian pizza, a uniquely Canadian twist on the classic, will also be tasted.
Guests can savor a Bloody Caesar, a popular non-alcoholic cocktail made with tomato juice and spices.
Maple butter, a decadent spread, and the Nanaimo bar, a no-bake dessert, offer a sweet taste of Canada.
Finally, the famous Beavertail, a fried pastry shaped like a beaver’s tail, provides a delightful conclusion to the food experiences.
More Great Tours NearbyIncluded Amenities
The tour includes a bilingual guide to lead the experience. Guests will sample popular Canadian dishes like poutine, Hawaiian pizza, and Nanaimo bars, while learning the stories behind each item and Canadian food traditions.
One alcoholic drink is included, with a non-alcoholic option available. Water, restaurant taxes, and tips are all covered. An umbrella is provided in case of rain.
Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a passport or ID. Luggage, large bags, pets (except service animals), and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the tour.
Hungry for more Ottawa flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots
What to Bring and Not Allowed
Visitors should come prepared for the tour by bringing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour will take place rain or shine, so an umbrella is recommended.
Come prepared for the tour with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. An umbrella is recommended as the tour will go on rain or shine.
Visitors should also remember to bring a valid passport or ID, as this may be required. Large bags and luggage aren’t allowed on the tour, so it’s best to travel light.
Unaccompanied minors won’t be permitted to join the tour, but well-behaved children are welcome. Pets, except for service animals, aren’t allowed on the tour.
Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Meeting Point and Accessibility
The tour meets at the Totem Pole of Canada outside the Ottawa School of Art, located at 35 George Street. This meeting point is wheelchair accessible, making the tour inclusive for all guests. The tour is offered in both English and French, catering to a diverse audience.
| Accessibility | Languages |
| — | — |
| Wheelchair accessible | English |
| | French |
The tour’s starting location and accessibility ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for participants, setting the stage for a delightful exploration of Canada’s culinary delights.
Language Options
How do the language options cater to a diverse audience on this Taste of Canada Food Tour? The tour offers tours in both English and French, catering to speakers of Canada’s two official languages. This ensures all participants can fully engage with and understand the guide’s commentary and information about the dishes and food traditions.
The diverse language offerings allow:
-
Accessibility for French-speaking travelers
-
Immersion in Canada’s bilingual culture
-
Inclusive experience for international travelers
-
Accommodation for locals and newcomers alike
-
Seamless navigation for those less comfortable in English
This thoughtful language flexibility enhances the overall experience and makes the Taste of Canada Food Tour accessible to a broad range of visitors.
Questions About Your Stay
Is the Tour Guide Knowledgeable About the Local Food Scene?
The tour guide is highly knowledgeable about the local food scene. They’ll share stories behind popular Canadian dishes and food traditions, providing an immersive taste of the sights, smells, and flavors of ByWard Market.
How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?
The walking portion of the tour lasts 1 hour and 5 minutes. This includes stops at a local restaurant, the ByWard Market, a bakery, and a photo stop along the way.
Are There Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Options Available?
The tour is not suitable for vegans or those with gluten intolerance. However, the company may be able to accommodate other dietary restrictions if listed when booking. Customers should contact the tour operator for more information on available options.
Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?
Yes, private tours for groups can be requested. The tour operator offers flexible options to accommodate group needs. Pricing and availability for private tours may vary, so it’s best to inquire directly with the tour company.
Is There Any Downtime During the Tour to Explore on My Own?
There’s limited free time during the tour, as the itinerary is packed with food tastings and activities. However, guests can explore the ByWard Market on their own for around 20 minutes during the market visit.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The "Ottawa: A Taste of Canada Food Tour" offers an immersive culinary experience that showcases the city’s vibrant food scene. Theres some good iconic Canadian dishes, explore the ByWard Market, and learn captivating stories from a bilingual guide. With a wheelchair-accessible tour and a free cancellation policy, it’s an excellent way to experience the rich culinary heritage of Canada.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Guided Tours in Ottawa
- From Montreal: Ottawa With Private Guide and Pickup
- Hidden Ottawa: A Guided Walking Tour of Secret Spots
- Ottawa: Half-Day Guided Craft Beer Tour by Bus
- Ottawa: Winter Fat Bike Tour With Local Guide
- Ottawa: Guided Bike Tour Through Ottawa and Gatineau
- Ottawa: 2 or 3.5-Hour Guided Bike Tour With a Local Guide
More Tours in Ottawa
More Tour Reviews in Ottawa
Still browsing? Here are more Ottawa experiences we've covered recently
- From Montreal: Ottawa With Private Guide and Pickup
- Ottawa: Local Wine and Cider Tour
- Exceptional Walking Christmas Tour in Magical Ottawa
- Ottawa: Unique Experience- Hot Leaf Therapy in Private Sauna
- Ottawa: Best of Ottawa Small-Group Tour With Canal Cruise
- A Romantic Walking Tour Through Ottawa
- Ottawa: Interactive Outdoor Escape Room & Aqua Taxi Option
- Ottawa: A Taste of Canada Food Tour
- Hidden Ottawa: A Guided Walking Tour of Secret Spots
- From Montreal: Private Ottawa Full Day Tour
- Montreal: Private Ottawa Tulip Festival Tour With Transfers
- Family Walking Tour in Ottawa: Special Highlights