The Swim and Bike tour in Ottawa offers an exhilarating way to explore the city’s scenic beauty. Combining biking and swimming, this 2.5-hour adventure takes participants through picturesque neighborhoods and along the rivers. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into Ottawa’s rich history and culture. With comfortable equipment and a focus on safety, the experience is suitable for families and couples who want to enjoy the great outdoors. What makes this tour truly unique, however, is the opportunity to…
About Your Stay
- The tour offers a combined swim and bike experience, allowing participants to explore Ottawa’s history and culture through scenic views of rivers, historical buildings, and local attractions.
- The 2.5-hour tour route covers Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, Ottawa River, and Rideau River, with guided commentary highlighting the city’s history and culture.
- Comfortable bicycles and helmets are provided, and participants can opt for e-bikes or two-seat tandems for a unique experience.
- The tour includes a swim stop at the River House, where participants can enjoy the scenic views and clean swimming facilities.
- The tour has an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, with praise for the personalized and informative guided experience.
Activity Overview
The Swim and Bike tour is priced at $54.93 per person and lasts 2.5 hours.
The route includes Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, the Ottawa River, and the Rideau River. Guided commentary allows visitors to experience Ottawa’s history and culture.
Highlights feature scenic views of the rivers, historical buildings, and local attractions.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve now & pay later options are available.
Participants must bring swimwear, as the tour includes a swim at the River House. E-bikes and two-seat tandems can be arranged.
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Booking Information
When booking the Swim and Bike tour, visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Interested parties can check the availability of starting times to find a suitable schedule.
The meeting point is the EastArchPlaza Bridge, at water level from the front door of the Senate of Canada, opposite the Chateau Laurier.
This convenient location provides easy access to the starting point of the tour’s route through Lowertown, New Edinburgh, Rockcliffe Park, and along the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers.
Tour Features
Knowledgeable guides provide the Swim and Bike tour, ensuring a personalized and informative experience. Participants receive comfortable bicycles and helmets, with the option to upgrade to e-bikes or two-seat tandems. Travelers can quench their thirst with provided water and store their belongings safely during the tour. The itinerary highlights the city’s history and culture, showcasing scenic views of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, as well as local landmarks.
| Feature | Included |
| — | — |
| Professional Guide | ✓ |
| Bicycle Fitting & Adjustment | ✓ |
| Helmet Provided | ✓ |
| E-Bikes Available | ✓ |
| Two-Seat Tandems Available | ✓ |
What to Bring
Swimmers must bring appropriate swimwear, including a bathing suit and towel, for the River House swim segment of the tour.
Since the tour won’t proceed in dangerous weather conditions, guests should come prepared for the potential of varying weather.
For the bike portion, cyclists can count on the tour providing comfortable model bicycles and helmets.
Water will be provided onsite, and safe baggage storage is offered.
While the tour aims to offer an exceptional experience, guests should remember to pack accordingly for the swim and bike components.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
The tour’s overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews speaks to the exceptional experiences guests have had.
Reviewers praised the personalized and informative guided tour, with knowledgeable guides providing insights into key landmarks. The scenic views and clean swimming facilities were highlighted as exceptional.
Knowledgeable guides provided personalized and informative insights on key landmarks, and the scenic views and clean swimming facilities were exceptional.
Positive experiences were noted for both couples and families, cementing the tour’s appeal across a wide range of travelers.
The consistently high praise underscores the tour’s ability to showcase Ottawa’s history and culture in an engaging and memorable way, leaving a lasting impression on all who partake.
Exploring Lowertown and New Edinburgh
The Swim and Bike tour takes guests on an engaging journey through the historical neighborhoods of Lowertown and New Edinburgh.
Lowertown, one of Ottawa’s oldest areas, boasts charming architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. Guests will discover the Byward Market, a bustling hub for local artisans and cuisine.
In New Edinburgh, the tour explores the picturesque Rideau River and Rideau Falls, offering stunning vistas.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into the region’s rich history and significance. Participants enjoy seeing these captivating communities while cycling and enjoying the refreshing swim.
Discovering Rideau and Ottawa Rivers
As the Swim and Bike tour progresses, participants venture along the banks of the Rideau and Ottawa Rivers, captivated by their serene beauty. Gliding past historical landmarks and lush greenery, the tour provides a unique perspective on Ottawa’s waterways. The rivers serve as the backdrop for breathtaking vistas, showcasing the city’s natural splendor.
| Feature | Description |
| — | — |
| Rideau River | Winding waterway with picturesque views |
| Ottawa River | Expansive river offering panoramic sights |
| Historical Buildings | Landmarks along the riverbanks |
| Local Attractions | Highlighting the city’s cultural offerings |
| Guided Commentary | Informative insights from knowledgeable guides |
The Swim and Bike tour offers a seamless blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration, inviting visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and rich history of Ottawa’s iconic rivers.
Experiencing Rockcliffe Park
One of the highlights of the Swim and Bike tour is the opportunity to explore Rockcliffe Park, a picturesque green oasis along the Ottawa River.
The tour guide leads visitors through the park’s winding trails, sharing insights into its history and natural beauty. Guests marvel at the stately 19th-century homes, lush tree-lined streets, and panoramic views of the river.
The park’s peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome respite from the bustling city. Visitors can admire the architectural gems, learn about the area’s significance, and simply enjoy the serene surroundings before continuing the adventure along the waterfront.
Questions About Your Stay
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour does not specify a minimum age requirement. However, participants should be comfortable swimming and riding a bicycle, as the tour involves both activities along the Ottawa River and its surroundings.
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Swimming Portion?
Life jackets are provided for the swimming portion of the tour. The tour operator ensures participants’ safety and comfort throughout the experience.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Bicycles?
Participants can’t bring their own bicycles. The tour provides comfortable, safety-tested bikes and helmets that are fitted and adjusted for each rider. This ensures a consistent, high-quality experience for all participants.
How Many Participants Are Typically in Each Tour Group?
The tour typically accommodates small group sizes, allowing for a personalized experience. Group sizes may vary, but generally range from 4 to 8 participants, providing an intimate setting to explore the city’s highlights.
Is There a Weight Limit for the E-Bikes and Tandems?
The tour doesn’t specify a weight limit for the e-bikes and tandems. However, they’re designed to accommodate a range of riders comfortably, so most adults should be able to use them without issue.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Swim and Bike tour offers an exhilarating way to explore Ottawa’s scenic beauty. Led by professional guides, the 2.5-hour adventure combines biking through picturesque routes and a refreshing swim at River House. With comfortable equipment and a focus on safety, this tour is perfect for families and couples looking to enjoy Ottawa’s outdoors. At $54.93 per person, it’s a great way to experience the city’s rich history and culture.
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