Hidden Ottawa: A Guided Walking Tour of Secret Spots

Ottawa’s hidden gems await those eager to uncover the city’s lesser-known treasures. A guided walking tour promises an enriching journey through iconic landmarks and secret spots, providing insights into the capital’s rich history. From the bustling Sparks Street to the serene Majors Hill Park, this captivating 2-hour exploration invites participants to explore the city’s fascinating past and discover its captivating stories.

Key Points

• Uncover Ottawa’s hidden gems and secret spots through a guided 2-hour walking tour covering iconic landmarks like Parliament Hill and the Fairmont Château Laurier.
• Explore the city’s rich history and architecture, including the Gothic Revival style of Parliament Hill and the modernist design of the National Arts Centre.
• Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Sparks Street, the central meeting point, and learn about the cultural and natural beauty of Majors Hill Park.
• Benefit from up to 15% savings on the tour price, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now & pay later" option.
• Conclude the tour at the historic York Steps, offering stunning views of the Ottawa River and the city skyline.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Hidden Ottawa Tour" offers a guided walking experience that unveils the city’s secret spots and hidden gems.

Uncover Ottawa’s secret spots and hidden gems on this guided walking tour.

This 2-hour tour takes participants on a journey through iconic landmarks, including Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the Fairmont Château Laurier.

Priced from £217.80 to £256.23 per group (up to 4 participants), the tour provides savings of up to 15% and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can also take advantage of a "reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour starts at Sparks Street and ends at the York Steps, subject to change based on booking details and crowd conditions.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Sparks Street, the tour takes participants on a journey through some of Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks.

The first stop is Parliament Hill, where guests spend 20 minutes exploring the grand Gothic Revival architecture and learning about Canada’s political history.

Next, the group moves to the National Arts Centre, admiring its striking modernist design for 20 minutes.

The final landmark is the Fairmont Château Laurier, a grand hotel whose 15-minute visit offers a glimpse into Ottawa’s luxurious past.

The tour concludes with 30 minutes in the picturesque Majors Hill Park, finishing at the York Steps.

Starting Location: Sparks Street

As the meeting point for the Hidden Ottawa tour, Sparks Street provides a convenient and easily accessible starting location for participants.

Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, Sparks Street is a popular pedestrian mall with an array of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.

The tour guide will meet the group on Sparks Street, next to the Winterlude festival, ensuring a centralized starting point for the exploration of Ottawa’s hidden gems.

The tour guide will meet the group on Sparks Street, next to the Winterlude festival, ensuring a centralized starting point for the exploration of Ottawa’s hidden gems.

With its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to key landmarks, Sparks Street sets the stage for an immersive and memorable walking tour experience.

Parliament Hill (20 Minutes)

After departing Sparks Street, the tour leads participants to the iconic Parliament Hill, where they spend approximately 20 minutes exploring this historic site.

Highlights include:

1. Admiring the impressive Gothic Revival architecture of the Parliament Buildings, which house the Senate, House of Commons, and offices of the Canadian government.

2. Learning about the Peace Tower, a landmark clock tower that offers panoramic views of the city.

3. Discovering the significance of the Memorial Chamber, a solemn tribute to Canada’s war dead.

Throughout the visit, the guide provides insights into the rich history and political significance of this renowned national landmark.

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National Arts Centre (20 Minutes)

Next, the tour leads participants to the National Arts Centre, where they spend approximately 20 minutes exploring this iconic cultural hub.

Situated along the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre is an impressive modernist building known for its striking architecture and vibrant performing arts programming.

The National Arts Centre, an impressive modernist building along the Rideau Canal, is renowned for its striking architecture and vibrant performing arts.

Guests discover the centre’s main performance halls, public art installations, and backstage areas typically off-limits to the public.

The guide shares insights into the NAC’s role in Ottawa’s cultural landscape and its significance as a national arts institution.

Participants gain a deeper appreciation for this dynamic venue at the heart of the city.

Fairmont Château Laurier (15 Minutes)

From the National Arts Centre, the tour then leads participants to the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier, where they spend approximately 15 minutes exploring this historic hotel.

The Château Laurier is a luxurious landmark known for its grand architecture, opulent interiors, and storied past.

Participants will:

1. Admire the hotel’s distinctive French château-style design, featuring limestone walls, turrets, and copper roofs.

2. Discover the hotel’s important role in Ottawa’s history, having hosted numerous political figures and social events over the decades.

3. Marvel at the Château Laurier’s elegant lobbies, ornate staircases, and breathtaking views of the Ottawa River.

Majors Hill Park (30 Minutes)

Majors Hill Park, nestled along the banks of the Ottawa River, serves as the next captivating stop on the Hidden Ottawa tour.

Guests explore the serene greenspace, marveling at its stunning vistas of the Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal. The guide shares the park’s fascinating history, from its origins as a military reserve to its current role as a beloved urban oasis.

Visitors can admire the striking Neoclassical Sappers’ Bridge, a renowned landmark. The 30-minute stop allows ample time to soak in the park’s tranquil ambiance and appreciate Ottawa’s natural beauty.

Finish At: York Steps

As the tour winds down, the group heads towards the York Steps, the final stop of the Hidden Ottawa excursion.

This historic staircase features:

1. Impressive stone construction, a remnant of Ottawa’s 19th-century heritage.

2. Commanding views of the Ottawa River and the city skyline beyond.

3. A peaceful respite from the bustling streets, allowing visitors to reflect on the tour’s insights.

The guide shares final anecdotes about the significance of this spot, tying together the threads of Ottawa’s rich history and architectural legacy.

With a newfound appreciation for the city’s hidden gems, the group bids farewell, their curiosity piqued for future explorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Walking Shoes Are Recommended for the Tour?

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for this 2-hour guided tour. The tour covers a range of terrain, so sturdy, supportive footwear that provides good traction is advised to ensure a pleasant and safe walking experience.

Are Any Food or Drink Options Available During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t include any food or drink options. Participants will need to bring their own refreshments if they require them during the 2-hour walking tour. There are no scheduled breaks for dining or buying snacks along the way.

How Much Walking Distance Is Covered During the 2-Hour Tour?

The tour covers approximately 2-3 miles of walking distance over the 2-hour duration. Participants will explore several key landmarks and hidden spots around downtown Ottawa, including Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and Majors Hill Park.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can work with the tour guide to focus on areas of particular interest, such as history, architecture, or local culture, within the 2-hour time frame.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?

The tour includes some walking on uneven terrain, but the guide can accommodate guests with mobility challenges. Participants should discuss any special needs when booking to ensure the tour can be adjusted to meet their requirements.

The Sum Up

This captivating 2-hour walking tour offers an enriching exploration of Ottawa’s lesser-known treasures and iconic landmarks. Starting at the bustling Sparks Street, you will discover the city’s rich history, visiting Parliament Hill, the National Arts Centre, and the Fairmont Château Laurier, before concluding in the serene Majors Hill Park. With insights from a knowledgeable guide and the option for free cancellation, it’s an opportunity to uncover Ottawa’s hidden gems.

You can check availability for your dates here: