One of my favourite activities is walking. It is one of the easiest ways to exercise and you can’t beat the cost. But sometimes, walking the same path day gets tiresome and I would like a different route to follow. As we approach summer (really) it is time to venture out and see what other paths there are to follow.
As it turns out, Ottawa has many walking tours. Whether you are a tourist, a seasoned walker, or just looking for a stroll around to pass the time, there is a walking tour for you.
So take a look, select a tour and put on your walking shoes. Here is a list of many of the tours, both free and pay tours that the city has to offer. There are free tours listed below but please tip generously.
(Intrepid) Urban Adventures
Website: https://www.ottawaurbanadventures.com
Phone: 1 613 606 1894
Email: info@ottawaurbanadventures.com
Cost: Pay tour
Book and pay online
One of the longer tours on the list, it starts in the morning in the Byward Market with the focus on the market area and across to Vieux-Hull. The tour presents interesting and notable facts about both sides of the river and is conducted in English.
Ottawa Walking Tours
Website: https://www.ottawawalkingtours.com
Phone: (613) 799-1774
Email: info@ottawawalkingtours.com
Cost: Free historical tour and pay tours outside of summer schedule and for some of their tours.
Book online.
The free tour starts at the Terry Fox statue on Wellington Street and winds its way through all the highlights of Ottawa and its landmarks. The tour lasts 2 hours and includes best places to eat and drink and what to do around Ottawa. Tours are in English, French, and Spanish, and Portuguese.
Ottawa Free Tours
Website: https://www.ottawafreetour.com
Cost: Both free and pay tours
The 2 hour tour starts at the National War Memorial and winds its way down Sparks Street and through downtown to the Byward Market. They are offered in English, French, and Spanish. Their tour selections include an after dark tour of centretown finishing up at the light show on Parliament Hill, and also an Historical Tavern tour that highlights historical buildings. Check for availability of tours online.
Heritage Ottawa Walking Tours
Website: https://heritageottawa.org/heritage-ottawa-walking-tours
Cost: Pay (Member and non-member prices) (Guides are volunteers)
Arrive at the tour starting point and pay in cash
Each week throughout the summer a different tour is offered of an interesting neighbourhood where you will hear fascinating stories about the progress through different architectures built in Ottawa and what it was like to live during those periods of time and how the landscape has changed. Check the website for tour information and the language (English or French). The tours run 1.5 hours.
And for the people who prefer going it on their own
GPSMYCity
Self-Guided walking tours to explore Ottawa
Website: https://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/ottawa-555.html
There are tour options to select from supplied through the GPSMyCity App from the iTunes App Store or Google Play.
Cost: Cost of the app purchase
Check all the details on the website
Because the tours run off your phone you will want to be charged up or carry a portable battery.
The website explains to download the app “GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities” from iTunes App Store or Google Play to your mobile phone or tablet. Details on the tour, photos and background information are supplied in the walk download. The app’s navigation functions guide you from one attraction to the next. The app apparently works offline, so no worries about requiring a data plan.
Check out Ottawa Tourism for more information on what to do in Ottawa this summer.