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Ottawa Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Ottawa Outdoor activities

Ottawa: Haunted Carleton County Jail Tour

1. Ottawa: Haunted Carleton County Jail Tour

Come along on a frightening tour of the 19th-century Carleton County Jail, where you will meet your cloaked and lantern-carrying guide on a scary storytelling journey through the facilities. Find your way around by lantern light and enter Ottawa’s famous haunted jail, which now functions as a hostel. See some of the intact jail areas, which once housed some of the city's most infamous criminals, before they were hanged on the on-site gallows. Some say that their souls still haunt the site. Visit the jail's eeriest spots as your guide shares spooky stories of levitating coins and faceless ghosts. Learn about the gruesome assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee and tour the cellblocks where inmates were once imprisoned. Lastly, retrace the final footsteps of the condemned as you walk from Death Row to the last working gallows in Canada.

Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

2. Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise

Discover the natural beauty of the region that captured the imagination of the first European explorer Samuel de Champlain. Climb aboard the 'Paula D' for a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise on the Ottawa River. This must-do experience offers an entertaining glimpse of the region's rich history and leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your stay. For your convenience, there are two departure docks, one located in Gatineau and another in Ottawa. Once boarded, sit back and relax as you cruise down the river. Enjoy spectacular views of the city and learn about the river's past life as a watery highway for transporting resources with your guide's engaging and informative commentary in both English and French. During your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to see the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal Locks, and the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau from the river. You'll also be able to spot some sights that are only visible from the water or from Gatineau. While you're taking in the sights, savor a nice cold beverage (at your own expense) on the large open-air upper deck. Alternatively, escape the elements and visit the closed-in lower deck to take advantage of the on-board canteen with a bar.

Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

3. Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rideau Canal aboard a brand-new electric vessel. Admire top attractions like the Canadian Museum of Nature, Château Laurier, Dow’s Lake, and the National Arts Centre from this iconic waterway. The cruise departs from the heart of downtown Ottawa. Step aboard North America’s largest 100% electric passenger vessel, the only one of its kind. Your experienced and friendly crew will answer your questions and ensure your safety. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as your live guide shares entertaining insights into the region, its history, and rich cultural heritage. Discover the Rideau Canal from the Chateau Laurier to Dow's Lake. Learn about 30 different sites that have marked the history of Ottawa including the Trans-Canada Highway, Canadian Museum of Nature, Canal Ritz, Lansdowne Park, Bank Street Bridge, Dow’s Lake, Commissioners Park, Dominion Arboretum, and many more.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Ottawa

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What people are saying about Ottawa

Very interesting tour! Learned a lot about the jail and events that took place at that location. It was really cool to take a glimpse of what things used to be like, even though it was horrific to imagine!

Lovely views of the Ottawa river tour, the guide has been very informative in both English and French, and the ship sailing was very comfortable. Duration of the event was very satisfying.

Booking was super easy. Having everything on your phone made checking in and boarding very smooth.

Our river cruise was so fun. It was a colder day but good The tour guide was excellent

Very fun tour! Sights were beautiful and tour was informative!