Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise

The "Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise" offers visitors an engaging way to explore the highlights of Canada’s capital city. Led by knowledgeable guides, the 3-hour experience takes participants on a comprehensive walking tour of top attractions, from the iconic Maman sculpture to the stunning Notre Dame Basilica. Complementing the land-based exploration, a scenic boat cruise along the picturesque Rideau Canal provides a unique perspective on the city’s waterways. With accessibility features and admissions included, this tour promises a well-rounded introduction to Ottawa’s history and landmarks. What makes this tour stand out, however, is the opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

Good To Know

1. This 3-hour tour offers a rundown of Ottawa’s top attractions, including the iconic Maman sculpture, Royal Mint, and Notre Dame Basilica.
2. The tour features a scenic boat cruise on the Rideau Canal, providing a unique perspective of the city’s waterways and landmarks.
3. The tour is wheelchair and stroller friendly, accommodating diverse needs, and includes all admissions with optional gratuities for convenience.
4. Knowledgeable local guides lead the walking experience, sharing insights and highlighting the city’s history and culture.
5. The tour concludes at 2 Rideau Street, where participants board the boat, ensuring a smooth transition between the walking tour and the canal cruise.

Tour Overview

The "Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour with Boat Cruise" is a 3-hour excursion that showcases the highlights of Canada’s capital city.

This tour has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 17 reviews. Priced at $72.57, it includes a narrated walking tour, admission to various landmarks, and a seasonal cruise on the Rideau Canal.

The tour departs from the Maman sculpture and ends at 2 Rideau Street, where participants board a boat. The tour is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, and small groups of up to 10 travelers are accommodated.

Customers have provided mixed feedback, with some praising the knowledgeable guides and scenic views, while others experienced issues with organization and guide performance.

Tour Highlights

Local tour guides provide a fully narrated experience on the Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour.

They’ll take you to see the Giant spider sculpture, Maman, and the Royal Mint. You’ll also visit the Notre Dame Basilica, the lively Byward Market, and the Centennial Flame.

Along the way, you’ll admire the stunning Fairmont Chateau Laurier before embarking on a seasonal cruise along the scenic Rideau Canal.

All admissions are included, and gratuities are optional, making this a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the highlights of Ottawa.

Meeting and Pickup

Travelers meet the guide at Maman, the Giant spider sculpture located at 380 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G8.

The guide will wear a white polo shirt with the company logo, making them easy to identify. Guests should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure they’re ready for the tour’s prompt departure.

The tour ends at 2 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N, where the guide escorts participants to the boat for the seasonal canal cruise.

The meeting and pickup process is straightforward, allowing for a smooth transition between the walking tour and the boat cruise portion of the experience.

Accessibility and Additional Info

This tour offers accessibility features to accommodate a wide range of travelers.

It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, with surfaces that are wheelchair-friendly. Service animals are allowed to join the tour.

For families, infants must sit on laps. The tour meeting point and end point are near public transportation, making it convenient for those relying on it.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers had mixed experiences with the Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour.

While some praised the knowledgeable guides, informative walking tour, and enjoyable boat cruise, others reported issues.

The main complaints included:

1. Problems with guide availability and organization.
2. Some guides lacked enthusiasm or clarity.
3. Cancellations and communication problems from the tour operator, Viator.

Why Book This Tour?

Despite the mixed reviews, the Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour offers several compelling reasons to book.

For starters, the tour provides a rundown of Ottawa’s top attractions, including the iconic Maman sculpture, the Royal Mint, and the picturesque Rideau Canal. The guided walking component ensures you won’t miss a single highlight, while the seasonal boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the city from the water.

Plus, the tour is highly accessible, with wheelchair and stroller access, as well as accommodations for service animals.

With all admissions included and the option to forgo gratuities, this tour presents a convenient and value-packed way to experience the best of Ottawa.

What to Expect

The tour begins at the iconic Maman sculpture, where you will meet their local guide dressed in a white polo shirt with the company logo.

The fully narrated walking experience includes:

1. A visit to the Royal Mint, Notre Dame Basilica, and the lively Byward Market.
2. Viewing the Centennial Flame and the grand Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
3. A seasonal cruise on the picturesque Rideau Canal, offering scenic views of Ottawa.

All admissions are included, and gratuities are optional.

The tour is accessible to wheelchair and stroller users, and service animals are welcome.

The experience concludes at 2 Rideau Street, where the guide escorts participants to the boat for the canal cruise.

Inclusions and Exclusions

According to the provided information, the tour includes a local guide who provides a fully narrated experience, as well as admission to all the highlighted attractions.

This includes a visit to the Giant spider sculpture (Maman), the Royal Mint, Notre Dame Basilica, Byward Market, the Centennial Flame, and the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.

Plus, the tour features a seasonal cruise on the Rideau Canal. Gratuities are optional.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps, and most travelers can participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Tour?

The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the provided information. However, it appears to be a half-day tour that includes a walking tour and a boat cruise, suggesting it likely lasts approximately 3-4 hours.

Is Food or Drink Included in the Tour?

No, food or drink is not included in the tour. The tour price covers the narrated walking experience, admission fees, and the seasonal boat cruise, but any food or beverages during the tour must be purchased separately by travelers.

Can Travelers Take Photos During the Tour?

Travelers are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. The tour overview indicates that it is a walking tour, suggesting ample opportunities for photographs. However, specific photography policies may vary, so it’s best to confirm with the tour guide.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. Infants must sit on laps, and the surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Most travelers, including those with children, can participate in the walking tour and boat cruise.

Is the Boat Cruise Available Year-Round?

The boat cruise is a seasonal activity, with availability varying throughout the year. Customers should check the tour details or contact the provider to confirm the current operating schedule for the boat cruise portion.

The Sum Up

The "Best of Ottawa Small Group Walking Tour With Boat Cruise" offers a comprehensive and enjoyable way to explore Ottawa’s top attractions. Participants will experience a guided walking tour, followed by a scenic boat cruise along the Rideau Canal, all while enjoying the convenience of included admissions and accessibility features. This tour provides an excellent overview of the city’s highlights, making it a great choice for visitors to Ottawa.