{"id":14416,"date":"2025-01-14T08:52:58","date_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:52:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/?p=14416"},"modified":"2025-01-14T08:53:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T13:53:18","slug":"free-tours-in-ottawa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa","title":{"rendered":"Free Tours in Ottawa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Did you know that anyone can join free guided tours in Ottawa? There are numerous specialized services offering top-notch walking tours of Canada&#8217;s capital. Whether you&#8217;re a local resident looking to learn more about your city&#8217;s history or a visitor exploring Ottawa, you can choose an ideal tour and embark on a fascinating journey. Here&#8217;s everything <a href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/uk\/\">I Ottawa<\/a> has to share about these free opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a7175f7230a6\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a7175f7230a6\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#More_Free_Walking_Tours_in_Ottawa\" >More Free Walking Tours in Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Historical_Tours_of_Ottawa\" >Historical Tours of Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Parliament_Hill_Tour\" >Parliament Hill Tour<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#The_Best_Things_in_Life_Are_Free\" >The Best Things in Life Are Free!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Exciting_Free_Spring_and_Summer_Tours\" >Exciting Free Spring and Summer Tours<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Self-Guided_Walking_Tours\" >Self-Guided Walking Tours<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Tours_with_the_Capital_Tours_Mobile_App_and_GPS\" >Tours with the Capital Tours Mobile App and GPS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Ottawa_Walking_Tours\" >Ottawa Walking Tours<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Night_Tour_of_Ottawa\" >Night Tour of Ottawa<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Ottawas_Nature_and_Reserves\" >Ottawa\u2019s Nature and Reserves<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/eternal-free-tours-in-ottawa\/#Incredible_Ottawa\" >Incredible Ottawa<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"More_Free_Walking_Tours_in_Ottawa\"><\/span>More Free Walking Tours in Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s 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\u2019s elementary school students on educational outings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Historical_Tours_of_Ottawa\"><\/span>Historical Tours of Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Free walking tours provide an excellent way to delve into Ottawa\u2019s rich history. Visitors can uncover the stories of political figures who contributed to the city&#8217;s development and discover the best spots for relaxation and dining. Highlights of these tours include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Parliament Hill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National War Memorial<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confederation Buildings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ch\u00e2teau Laurier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sparks Street<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parliament_Hill_Tour\"><\/span>Parliament Hill Tour<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This fascinating guided walking tour includes a detailed look at the iconic Parliament Hill building and its history. The guide\u2019s engaging stories will unveil how this cultural landmark came to be and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102039\/ad_4nxd6gt2jbdzmted6ie3l87k-bjbo-gikyycylho5iif3dec8jw5sgh7hxufajmsta3heywzse2rxeolxdzrvo_ybdeui0dz927qoh_gl8oig5irnvu_qdas6lltsuhtz7jzfepbdzqkey2qokxpaogwzhmedq74q1ftqh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_Things_in_Life_Are_Free\"><\/span>The Best Things in Life Are Free!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those who think history is dull, it\u2019s time to reconsider. Since 2015, Ottawa Free Tours has been offering walking tours through Ottawa\u2019s downtown area. Guides enthusiastically showcase the city\u2019s vibrant past, culture, and landmarks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ottawa Free Tours is part of the Free Tour Community, a global network of independent local tour companies operating on a \u201cpay what you can and want\u201d model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Exciting_Free_Spring_and_Summer_Tours\"><\/span>Exciting Free Spring and Summer Tours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free Capital Tour<br>Explore Ottawa\u2019s iconic landmarks while uncovering the city\u2019s fascinating and sometimes somber history. Highlights include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>National War Memorial<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sparks Street pedestrian zone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parliament Hill<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ch\u00e2teau Laurier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ByWard Market<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free Night Tour of Ottawa<br>What happens after sunset? This intriguing evening tour delves into Ottawa&#8217;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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102038\/ad_4nxfcdbssogu8705buum4bnwi_hnusoir7m892hb47qo8uyit4xzazx1iobvhdeekzvb-gtdzvytdcubqdzfktd945d7mrjgzn62lzmrk2snoadxrxaex1v4u4uiues_oggontehw6wkey2qokxpaogwzhmedq74q1ftqh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Self-Guided_Walking_Tours\"><\/span>Self-Guided Walking Tours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Visit Ottawa\u2019s 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\u2019s capital region at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tours_with_the_Capital_Tours_Mobile_App_and_GPS\"><\/span>Tours with the Capital Tours Mobile App and GPS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102037\/ad_4nxfczoeznx8tbm4le_kswnfm-4ho54tjb-cp2hlx6picqlrvilbs26z1qyuhjvc2q75obdmpi63two4dqubr6u1sublw6drjqjoqocozoucmwno6prsttnia3xlcszfyew4l7waegwkey2qokxpaogwzhmedq74q1ftqh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawa_Walking_Tours\"><\/span>Ottawa Walking Tours<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 \u201cFree City Tour\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the official website for tour availability in English. Tours typically run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and require advance booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102036\/ad_4nxe5dl49yoy3b5nqsgcaiel-zvrixtjwxofcnlyfew4soovmr5rk7idkubqprvuzcx78ujizmo0yqu8j_lkfpwwug_tcbjuxsje3trf5foogv9srnj7jube5rirqfcbth2-sde7nzgkey2qokxpaogwzhmedq74q1ftqh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Night_Tour_of_Ottawa\"><\/span>Night Tour of Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s a journey into Ottawa\u2019s vibrant history, uncovering stories rarely found in history books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102034\/ad_4nxejlkssnd3-zbqzi9hlhhi6kpmmhsjj_uugu52yd5ddbhpryiph3_iksdpbudgteanion4raqoyafsmefxpkitj4jr-qum6i3svbri0jpqb9q7xeknirv93plv6xpngoqmoeuahkey2qokxpaogwzhmedq74q1ftqh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ottawas_Nature_and_Reserves\"><\/span>Ottawa\u2019s Nature and Reserves<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One free tour option is a visit to Gatineau Park. This vast conservation area boasts countless trails, waterways, and historic buildings. It\u2019s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll at no cost, especially in autumn when the park\u2019s vibrant foliage creates a breathtaking spectacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iottawa.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/37\/2025\/01\/17102033\/ad_4nxc3p7vb36o_nsfvtysyqjxnv9ywyx8lgaorutfywblnvupf5cctumt2lv7dxv0nymz6i7trnjrokpy_mepj-3icio_nzuig0ecleyzy9fjyu_yqfv_bi0dkbeqz95zsjfdr0_tmnwkey2qokxpaogwzhmedq74q1ftqh.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Incredible_Ottawa\"><\/span>Incredible Ottawa<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concept of free tours should be promoted worldwide, enhancing awareness among Ottawa\u2019s residents and visitors. These walks allow people to connect with the city on a deeper level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In just two minutes, a walk through Canada\u2019s capital offers beauty, awe, diversity, and history waiting to be discovered firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"A two minute tour of Ottawa!\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QMPXC2TCWxM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Did you know that anyone can join free guided tours in Ottawa? There are numerous specialized services offering top-notch walking tours of Canada&#8217;s capital. Whether you&#8217;re a local resident looking to learn more about your city&#8217;s history or a visitor exploring Ottawa, you can choose an ideal tour and embark on a fascinating journey. Here&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":526,"featured_media":12970,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[7656,7657,7648,7650,7655,7642,7645,7653,7644,7651,7641,7639,7638,7643,7640,7646,7654,7652],"moimportance":[501,1042,656,31,32],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[85],"class_list":["post-14416","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cultural","tag-free-tour-community-en","tag-ottawa-free-tours-en","tag-capital-information-kiosk","tag-free-brochures","tag-free-light-show","tag-free-tour-selection","tag-free-tours-of-ottawa","tag-global-network-of-independent-local-tour-companies","tag-guide-stories","tag-incredible-ottawa","tag-night-tours-of-ottawa","tag-ottawa-walking-tours-3","tag-parliament-hill-tour","tag-self-guided-walking-tours","tag-tours-with-the-capital-tours-mobile-app-and-gps","tag-two-minute-video-tour-of-ottawa","tag-walking-tours-of-downtown-ottawa","tag-walking-tours-of-historical-sites","moimportance-recommended","moimportance-stories","moimportance-trending","moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","moimportance-golovna-novyna","motype-eternal","moformat-list-short"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14416","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/526"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14416"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14416\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14436,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14416\/revisions\/14436"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12970"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14416"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14416"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14416"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=14416"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=14416"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iottawa.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=14416"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}