The Best Ottawa Bus Tours to Explore Canada’s Capital

Exploring Ottawa is a truly memorable experience — from the stately Parliament buildings to the scenic Ottawa River, every corner of the capital tells a story. However, navigating the city’s many landmarks can be time-consuming, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the area.

Fortunately, several reputable tour operators offer comfortable and engaging guided bus tours that allow you to see the best of Ottawa without the stress of parking or planning. Below are three of the most highly rated options that consistently receive praise from both locals and tourists.

Gray Line Ottawa – Hop-On, Hop-Off City Tour

The Gray Line Ottawa tour is a classic way to discover the city. Featuring an open-top double-decker bus and live bilingual commentary in English and French, it provides a comprehensive overview of over 75 of Ottawa and Gatineau’s most notable landmarks.

Participants can hop on or off at 12 major stops, including:

• Parliament Hill

• ByWard Market

• Canadian Museum of History

• Rideau Hall

This flexibility makes it ideal for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.

Departure Point: 44 Sparks Street
Best For: Visitors seeking a complete and flexible city overview
Pro Tip: Choose a top-deck seat in the morning for the best lighting and panoramic views of the city.

Lady Dive Tours – Amphibus & Double-Decker Adventure

For a more unique experience, Lady Dive Tours offers Ottawa’s well-known Amphibus, a hybrid vehicle that begins as a traditional bus tour before transforming into a boat and splashing into the Ottawa River. This one-of-a-kind experience provides a new perspective of Parliament Hill and the surrounding skyline from the water.

In addition to the Amphibus, Lady Dive also operates double-decker city tours with live bilingual guides. The engaging narration and novelty of the ride make it a favorite among families and first-time visitors alike.

Departure Point: Downtown Ottawa
Best For: Families, couples, and visitors looking for an engaging “land and water” experience
Pro Tip: Reserve in advance during the summer months, as the Amphibus tends to fill quickly.

Ottawa Valley Tours – Day Trips and Countryside Adventures

If you wish to go beyond the downtown core, Ottawa Valley Tours provides comfortable motor-coach excursions to scenic destinations throughout Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

These trips range from relaxing fall foliage tours to winery visits, sugar-shack experiences, and day trips to destinations such as Kingston, Mont-Tremblant, and the Thousand Islands.

Each tour is fully guided, allowing passengers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the region’s natural beauty in comfort.

Departure Point: Hazeldean Mall, Kanata
Best For: Groups or travelers interested in exploring beyond the city limits
Pro Tip: Review the seasonal schedule early — many of the most popular tours sell out well in advance.

Whether you’re visiting Ottawa for the first time or rediscovering it as a local, a guided bus tour is one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to experience the capital’s charm.

• Choose Gray Line Ottawa for a comprehensive and flexible overview.

• Try Lady Dive Tours for a distinctive land-and-water adventure.

• Opt for Ottawa Valley Tours to explore the picturesque countryside beyond the city.

Whichever experience you select, you’ll see why Ottawa’s combination of heritage, waterways, and vibrant urban life makes it one of Canada’s most captivating destinations.

Discover More About Ottawa

For more insights, travel recommendations, and local highlights around the Ottawa Valley, visit 👉 www.TylerVProperties.ca