Did you know that anyone can join free guided tours in Ottawa? There are numerous specialized services offering top-notch walking tours of Canada’s capital. Whether you’re a local resident looking to learn more about your city’s history or a visitor exploring Ottawa, you can choose an ideal tour and embark on a fascinating journey. Here’s everything I Ottawa has to share about these free opportunities.
More Free Walking Tours in Ottawa
Free Tours by Foot has been operating since 2007, partnering with guides to host dozens of daily tours each year. Spanning over 50 cities and welcoming more than 3 million guests, this company’s reputation continues to grow. You may have heard about them from travel bloggers or read about their tours in The New York Times. These tours attract diverse participants, including Hollywood stars, foreign diplomats, and Ottawa’s elementary school students on educational outings.
Historical Tours of Ottawa
Free walking tours provide an excellent way to delve into Ottawa’s rich history. Visitors can uncover the stories of political figures who contributed to the city’s development and discover the best spots for relaxation and dining. Highlights of these tours include:
- Parliament Hill
- National War Memorial
- Confederation Buildings
- Château Laurier
- Sparks Street
Parliament Hill Tour
This fascinating guided walking tour includes a detailed look at the iconic Parliament Hill building and its history. The guide’s engaging stories will unveil how this cultural landmark came to be and much more.
The Best Things in Life Are Free!
For those who think history is dull, it’s time to reconsider. Since 2015, Ottawa Free Tours has been offering walking tours through Ottawa’s downtown area. Guides enthusiastically showcase the city’s vibrant past, culture, and landmarks.
Ottawa Free Tours is part of the Free Tour Community, a global network of independent local tour companies operating on a “pay what you can and want” model.
Exciting Free Spring and Summer Tours
- Free Capital Tour
Explore Ottawa’s iconic landmarks while uncovering the city’s fascinating and sometimes somber history. Highlights include:- National War Memorial
- Sparks Street pedestrian zone
- Parliament Hill
- Château Laurier
- ByWard Market
- This tour features captivating stories about political intrigue, lumberjack gang violence, and more. Tours are available in summer every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11:00 AM, starting at the National War Memorial.
- Free Night Tour of Ottawa
What happens after sunset? This intriguing evening tour delves into Ottawa’s darker past. Highlights include Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa, ending with a spectacular free light show. Night tours run from July every Thursday and Saturday, starting at the Centennial Flame.
Registration on the official website is required to help guides prepare for group sizes. These tours are a unique opportunity to discover a different side of Ottawa.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
Visit Ottawa’s capital information kiosk at 90 Wellington Street (across from Parliament Hill) to grab free printed guides. These brochures help you plan self-guided tours of Canada’s capital region at your own pace.
Tours with the Capital Tours Mobile App and GPS
This free app offers multimedia walking tours with GPS support. Your smartphone becomes your guide, giving you the freedom to explore on your own schedule without any cost. Perfect for solo adventurers or groups.
Ottawa Walking Tours
Residents and visitors can join free walking tours with a guide, starting at the Terry Fox Statue (90 Wellington Street, across from Parliament Hill). Look for the guide holding a red “Free City Tour” sign. This two-hour tour explores famous streets, notable landmarks, and hidden gems that are often overlooked by tourists. Experienced guides offer insider insights into the best spots for leisure activities.
Check the official website for tour availability in English. Tours typically run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and require advance booking.
Night Tour of Ottawa
This free tour begins at the National War Memorial and runs from May 7 through September. While the tour is free, guests are welcome to leave tips for the guide. It’s a journey into Ottawa’s vibrant history, uncovering stories rarely found in history books.
Ottawa’s Nature and Reserves
One free tour option is a visit to Gatineau Park. This vast conservation area boasts countless trails, waterways, and historic buildings. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll at no cost, especially in autumn when the park’s vibrant foliage creates a breathtaking spectacle.
Incredible Ottawa
The concept of free tours should be promoted worldwide, enhancing awareness among Ottawa’s residents and visitors. These walks allow people to connect with the city on a deeper level.
In just two minutes, a walk through Canada’s capital offers beauty, awe, diversity, and history waiting to be discovered firsthand.