Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

If you’re visiting Ottawa and want a quick, engaging way to get a sense of the city’s main sights, the Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water from Lady Dive Tours offers an intriguing mix of land-based sightseeing and river cruising—all in one short trip. With a solid 4.0-star rating from over 570 reviews, this tour has become a favorite among first-time visitors and those pressed for time.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s the dual nature of the tour—combining a bus ride with a plunge into the Ottawa River. Second, the enthusiastic guides and breathtaking views receive consistent praise. On the flip side, some travelers note that the information shared could be more in-depth, and the short duration leaves little time for extensive exploration. Still, if you’re after a fun, family-friendly overview of Ottawa’s most important sights without the hassle of planning multiple tours, this is worth a look.

This tour is perfect for first-timers, time-pressed travelers, or anyone curious about seeing Ottawa from a unique vantage point—both on land and water. You’ll get a quick but memorable taste of the city’s highlights, making it an excellent addition to a day full of sightseeing or as an introduction before venturing out on your own.

Key Points

• Two-in-one experience: A land and water tour in one seamless ride.
• Great value: At just over $44, it combines transportation, sightseeing, and a guided commentary.
• Bilingual guides: Accommodate both English and French speakers effortlessly.
• Suitable for most travelers: Most can join, weather permitting.
• Short, engaging format: Around 1 hour, ideal for quick sightseeing.
• Authentic views: Includes sights many visitors miss, like Gatineau Park and the Ottawa River.

What to Expect from the Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water

Starting Point and Duration

The tour kicks off at Lady Dive Tours, 44 Sparks Street—a central, easily accessible spot in downtown Ottawa. From there, you’ll hop onto your amphibious vehicle, called the “amphibus,” which promises a fun and relaxed ride. The entire experience lasts approximately one hour, which makes it perfect if you’re short on time or want an overview without committing to a full-day tour.

The Land Portion: Scenic City Highlights

The land part of the tour takes you past some of Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll see the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its winter skating but equally charming by summer. The National Gallery of Canada is also on the route, offering a glimpse of Canadian art and impressive architecture.

You’ll pass through ByWard Market, a vibrant neighborhood with local shops, cafes, and street performers. The guide often shares interesting tidbits here, highlighting the neighborhood’s history and current buzz. As you cruise past Parliament Hill, you’ll get a sense of its majestic stature—though you won’t get inside, the exterior view alone is worth noting.

The Water Cruise: A Different Perspective

When the amphibious bus hits the water, you’ll enjoy a completely different view of Ottawa. Cruising along the Ottawa River offers an unconventional angle of the city’s skyline and bridges. Many reviewers highlight this as a favorite part—“really good fun” and “a great opportunity to see the city from a different perspective”.

While some reviews mention that the bus doesn’t go onto the Rideau Canal during the water segment, it does cross into Gatineau, Quebec, which adds a touch of the cross-provincial experience. The water portion is relaxed, giving ample opportunity for photos and taking in the scenic beauty.

Key Stops and Sights

• Rideau Canal National Historic Site: Known for its beauty and history, especially in winter, but equally charming by boat.
• National Gallery of Canada: An architectural gem with a rich collection—though you won’t enter, it’s a photo-worthy stop.
• ByWard Market: A lively neighborhood to glimpse local life and perhaps plan a return for food.
• Parliament Hill and Buildings: The seat of Canadian government, with its striking Gothic Revival architecture.
• Major’s Hill Park and Chateau Laurier: Green space and historic hotel with great photo ops.
• Notre Dame Basilica: A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture—visible from the route.
• Gatineau Park & Gatineau City Hall: Adds regional flavor and natural beauty to your panoramic view.
• National War Memorial: A poignant tribute to Canadian soldiers, usually visible from the route.

Guides and Commentary

The reviews are unanimous about the enthusiasm and professionalism of the guides. Many mention guides speaking in both English and French, making the tour accessible to a broader audience. Comments like “the guide gave lots of interesting information” and “she was excellent” underscore how a knowledgeable guide makes the difference.

However, some reviewers feel that the commentary could be more in-depth. The tour is about 60 minutes, so don’t expect a full history lecture, but the guides tend to share enough highlights to make each stop meaningful.

Is the Tour Worth the Price?

At $44.10 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering it combines both land and water elements in a single trip. Many reviewers agree that the views are worth the cost, and they enjoy the lighthearted ride that’s perfect for families or those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Some mention that while the length is short, it’s just right for a quick overview. It allows you to see the main sights without feeling rushed, and you can plan to explore further on your own afterward.

Considerations on Value

• The short duration means this is more an introduction than an exhaustive tour.
• Food and drinks are not included, so if you’re hungry, plan to grab a bite before or after.
• The bilingual guides are a bonus, especially for visitors who speak French.
• The scenic views and photo opportunities are high, making it a worthwhile experience for visual learners.

What Do Travelers Say?

Many reviews praise the friendly staff and engaging guides. One reviewer said, “Huge shout out to Gabriella and Captain Bruno!!! Generous hospitality, great staff.” Others appreciated the scenic route and the informative commentary.

Some travelers noted the limited time for photography—“Limited photo opportunities unless you are by a window”—so if snapping pictures is a priority, be sure to sit near the windows or stand at the back during the water portion.

A few mentioned the lack of parking, so arriving via public transportation is advised. The tour operates rain or shine, so dress accordingly, especially in unpredictable weather.

Practical Tips for Your Tour

• Arrive early at the meeting point to settle in and choose your preferred seat.
• Dress appropriately—the tour runs in all weather conditions—so layers or rain gear might be wise.
• Bring your camera or phone for photos, especially during the water segment.
• Note that food and drinks are not included; plan to eat before or after the tour.
• The tour is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a quick, rundown of the city’s key sights. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed, fun ride with plenty of photo opportunities. The mix of engaging guides, scenic views, and the novelty of an amphibious vehicle makes it a memorable way to start exploring Ottawa.

While it’s not a deep dive into history or architecture, it offers a lighthearted, visual introduction—a perfect way to get your bearings and decide where to explore further on your own. The tour’s value for money and friendly staff are consistent hits among travelers, making it a popular choice for a quick sightseeing fix.

If you’re in Ottawa for a short stay and want a fun, family-friendly experience that combines sightseeing with a bit of adventure, this tour fits the bill nicely. Just keep expectations in check about how much history or detail you’ll get—think of it as a highlight reel of Ottawa’s most notable sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the short duration makes it suitable for children. The fun of riding on an amphibious vehicle is often a hit with kids.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 1 hour, making it an easy addition to a day of sightseeing.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, it runs in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly. If the weather is truly severe, the tour may be canceled for safety reasons, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. You should plan to eat before or after the tour.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is 44 Sparks Street, centrally located in downtown Ottawa, close to public transportation.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides are bilingual, speaking both English and French, ensuring accessibility for a broad range of travelers.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes, but note that photo opportunities are limited unless you’re by a window. Many recommend sitting at the back during the water ride for the best shots.

Is this tour worth the price?
Given its combination of land and water, the knowledgeable guides, and the scenic views, most travelers find the price reasonable for a fun, quick overview of Ottawa.

What are the main highlights I will see?
You’ll see Parliament Hill, Notre Dame Basilica, the National War Memorial, Gatineau Park, and the scenic Ottawa River, among others.

In short, the Ottawa City Tour by Land and Water offers a lively, accessible way to get a snapshot of Canada’s capital. It’s especially suited for those who want a light, fun introduction with plenty of photo moments and a bit of adventure. Remember, it’s a short trip, so if you want an in-depth exploration, you might want to supplement it with other tours or visits. But for an engaging, easygoing experience, this amphibious ride hits the spot.