Ottawa The Wild Side GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game

Exploring Ottawa’s Wild Side in a New Way

When you think of Ottawa, images of Parliament Hill, historic buildings, and the Rideau Canal probably come to mind. But what if you could see the city differently — through a lens that combines outdoor adventure with a touch of discovery? That’s exactly what the Ottawa The Wild Side GPS App Walking Tour offers. Priced at just $14.40 per person, this self-guided experience lasts between 1 to 2 hours and is perfect for anyone wanting to blend sightseeing with some fun, interactive puzzles.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it’s flexible — you can start whenever you like, pause when needed, and take your time exploring. Second, it’s family-friendly and engaging, especially if you enjoy scavenger hunts or animals. We appreciate the way it takes you from cultural sites like the National Gallery to natural spots like Gatineau Park, all while revealing stories about Canadian wildlife and history.

A small potential consideration: this experience relies on your smartphone’s GPS and internet connection, so a reliable device and data plan will make your journey smoother. Also, it’s not suited for travelers with visual or mobility impairments.

This tour is excellent for curious travelers who want an authentic, interactive experience that balances art, history, and nature without the constraints of a traditional guided tour. If you’re comfortable using your smartphone for navigation and love a good mix of learning and playful exploration, this adventure should be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Flexible scheduling lets you start, pause, and resume at your convenience.
• Self-guided GPS technology provides an immersive and interactive experience.
• Variety of stops spans cultural landmarks, wildlife themes, and outdoor scenery.
• Affordable price offers good value for a personalized, engaging outing.
• Suitable for most travelers but less ideal for those with mobility or visual impairments.
• Ideal for families, couples, or solo explorers wanting a fun, educational adventure.

A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Ottawa The Wild Side GPS App Walking Tour is a creative way to see the city through a different lens — one that emphasizes wildlife, Canadian symbols, and historic sites. It’s designed as a self-guided adventure, blending the charm of a walking tour with the challenge of a scavenger hunt, all powered by your smartphone. At just $14.40, it offers great value, especially since you’re in control of your pace and itinerary.

Starting Point: The National Gallery of Canada

Your journey begins at the National Gallery of Canada, home to the famous ‘Maman’ spider sculpture. Standing beneath this monumental piece, you’ll learn that it symbolizes motherhood, protection, and weaving, giving you an artful introduction to the tour. With a quick 10-minute stop, it’s enough to snap a photo and get inspired without feeling rushed.

Discovering Canadian Wildlife at ByWard Market

Next, you’ll head over to the ByWard Market, where the tour turns playful. In its Heritage Hall, you’re invited to a creature photo hunt — seeking out images of the moose, beaver, bear, loon, and wolf. This stops offers a fun, interactive challenge that’s perfect for families or wildlife enthusiasts. One review highlights its appeal: “Find and snap pictures of iconic Canadian animals before time runs out,” making it feel like a real game.

Savoring Canada’s Maple Heritage

Then, at Sirop D’érable, you’ll learn about Canada’s sweet symbol, maple syrup. The story of “liquid gold” is a charming peek into a beloved national tradition, and it’s a nice palate cleanser after the wildlife hunt. It’s a 20-minute stop, plenty of time to appreciate the maple leaf’s significance and perhaps sample some syrup if available nearby.

The Beaver’s Tale at 69 George Street

The tour then reveals the story of the beaver, another iconic Canadian symbol. Located at 69 George St, this stop shares how the beaver nearly went extinct and how it played a vital role in the fur trade. It’s a quick 10-minute stop but rich in historical context, giving you insight into how wildlife and trade have shaped Canada.

Arctic Art at Fairmont Château Laurier

Stepping inside the Fairmont Château Laurier, you’re transported into a gallery dedicated to Arctic wildlife and Inuit art. Sculptures and paintings bring Canada’s northern animals and indigenous artistry to life. This stop combines cultural appreciation with natural themes, broadening your understanding of Canada’s diverse environment and heritage.

Parliament Hill’s East Block

The East Block of Parliament Hill offers a look at Canadian governance. It’s a brief 10-minute visit, where you’ll discover parallels between the beaver’s industrious nature and the work of Canadian lawmakers. It’s a clever way to connect wildlife symbolism with national governance, making the political side of Ottawa more approachable and relatable.

The Flags of Canada and Provincial Symbols

At the Flags of Canada, a display of coats of arms challenges you to identify animals and plants from your journey. It’s a fun memory test that reinforces what you’ve seen, making it interactive and educational.

The Rideau Canal

Finally, the tour concludes at the Rideau Canal, the world’s largest skating rink in winter and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A 20-minute stop allows you to appreciate this engineering marvel and learn about its historic 202 km waterway, which transforms into a winter playground.

The Practical Side

This tour is delivered through an interactive GPS-enabled app, giving you full flexibility to start anytime between 8 AM and 8 PM, and to take breaks whenever needed. Since it’s completely self-guided, you won’t have a guide physically present, but the app’s detailed instructions and clues mimic a guided experience. It’s perfect for independent travelers or groups who prefer exploring at their own pace.

One aspect worth noting is that you’ll need a smartphone with internet access for the GPS features to work smoothly. The app guides you step-by-step, ensuring you don’t miss any highlights, but reliable connectivity will improve the overall experience.

Who Will Love It?

This tour is ideal for families with kids, history buffs, or outdoor lovers seeking a different way to enjoy Ottawa. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy interactive activities and don’t mind walking for up to two hours. However, it’s not recommended for visitors with visual impairments, mobility issues, or seniors over 80, as some stops involve walking and visual cues.

Value for Money

Compared to traditional guided tours, this experience offers great value — you get a personalized adventure with educational content, fun challenges, and scenic stops, all at a reasonable price. It’s an affordable choice for those who want a flexible, engaging way to explore Ottawa without the constraints of scheduled tours.

Final Thoughts

The Ottawa The Wild Side GPS App Walking Tour presents a fresh way to see the city. By blending art, wildlife, and history, it appeals to curious travelers eager for an immersive, customizable outing. The interactive puzzles and wildlife themes make walking around Ottawa feel like a game, adding a layer of entertainment to your sightseeing.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning through exploration and prefers self-paced adventures, this tour is a good investment. It’s especially suited for families, nature lovers, or anyone wanting a more authentic connection to Ottawa’s natural and cultural symbols.

Just keep in mind that reliable internet and comfort with smartphone navigation are essential for a smooth journey. With a little planning, you’ll find this experience both enjoyable and memorable — a fun twist on traditional sightseeing.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the scavenger hunt and wildlife photo challenges make it a fun experience for kids, especially those interested in animals and puzzles.

Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. The tour allows you to begin whenever you choose, as long as it’s within the open hours of 8 AM to 8 PM.

How long does the tour typically take?
Most people spend between 1 to 2 hours, depending on how thoroughly they explore each stop and whether they take breaks.

Do I need to print anything?
No, everything is managed on your smartphone via the app, making it very convenient.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for those with impaired mobility, as some stops involve walking around the city.

What’s included in the price?
You get a fully flexible, GPS-guided, self-paced tour with interactive features. No physical guide is provided, but the app offers comprehensive guidance.

In the end, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, engaging way to discover Ottawa’s wildlife and culture at your own pace, this GPS tour ticks many boxes — combining education, fun, and scenic sightseeing in a seamless experience.