Ottawa isn’t just the capital of Canada; it’s also a lively city with plenty of ways to enjoy its beverage scene. While you might think of government buildings and museums, the city offers some truly fun and unique drinking experiences that stand out. Our favorites include a floating tiki bar cruise that combines sightseeing with tropical fun, and a lively bar crawl perfect for those looking to explore Ottawa’s nightlife in a more interactive way. These tours highlight Ottawa’s mix of natural beauty, urban charm, and spirited entertainment, making them perfect for both visitors and locals alike.
One of the standout experiences for us is the Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River. It’s a playful way to enjoy panoramic views of the city while relaxing on a Hawaiian-style hut. Imagine sipping a drink as you sing karaoke, all while floating along one of Canada’s most scenic rivers. For a slightly more structured but equally fun outing, the Lilo Floating Tiki Bar offers a more intimate cruise with excellent reviews, where you can connect your own music and enjoy the sights in a cozy boat setting. Both tours serve up a tropical twist to Ottawa’s water-based entertainment options.
Quick Overview
Our list features three top-rated drinking experiences in Ottawa:
- A floating tiki bar cruise that combines sightseeing with tropical drinks, karaoke, and fun on the water. Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River
- An intimate floating tiki bar perfect for parties, with personalized music and a scenic route along the Ottawa River. Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River
- A bar crawl scavenger hunt that takes you through Ottawa’s nightlife, combining challenges, trivia, and visiting local bars. Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam
Now, let’s look at each in more detail.
1. Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise on the Ottawa River
At number one, this 1.5-hour cruise offers a playful way to see Ottawa from the water. The boat itself is a Hawaiian-style palapa hut, which instantly sets a relaxed, tropical mood. As you drift along the Ottawa River, you can enjoy drinks from the floating tiki bar, soaking in sweeping views of landmarks like Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls, and the National Gallery.
Guests love the experience for its relaxed vibe and the chance to sing karaoke while floating. The boat can host groups of family, friends, or colleagues, making it ideal for celebrations or just a fun afternoon. The $62 per person price includes the cruise, and with a rating of 4.8/5 from 163 reviews, it’s clear many find it worth the experience.
Highlights include panoramic city views, a laid-back atmosphere, and the novelty of a floating tiki bar. Even if you’re not a karaoke star, the beautiful scenery and casual fun make this tour stand out. It’s especially suited for those wanting a lighthearted, social outing on the river with a tropical twist.
Bottom Line: This cruise offers excellent value for a memorable, relaxed afternoon with friends or family, especially if you enjoy water-based activities with a fun, tropical vibe.
2. Lilo Floating Tiki Bar on the Ottawa River
Ranking just slightly higher in our eyes due to its perfect reviews, the Lilo Floating Tiki Bar is a 90-minute cruise that feels like stepping into a tropical paradise. Limited to 12 people, it’s an intimate way to explore Ottawa’s river and city views, making it especially popular for celebrations like birthdays or small parties.
During the cruise, you can connect your own playlist via Bluetooth, creating a personalized soundtrack to match the tropical surroundings. Bring your own snacks; all drinks are purchased on board, which keeps the experience flexible and relaxed. The boat’s small size makes for a cozy atmosphere, and the reviews rave about the friendly guides and the fun, lively environment.
On the route, you’ll see major sights like Parliament, Rideau Falls, and the Prime Minister’s Residence, all while listening to tropical tunes and sipping drinks. The tour’s $63.01 per person price is very reasonable, especially considering the personalized experience and small group size.
The tour is ideal for those wanting a relaxed but lively vibe, perfect for groups that enjoy music, scenic views, and celebrating special occasions. The only downside is the limited availability of drinks on board, so planning ahead helps.
Bottom Line: For an intimate, fun-filled cruise with chances to customize your playlist and enjoy Ottawa’s sights, this tour hits all the right notes.
3. Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl: By Let’s Roam
At around $12 per person, the Epic Ottawa Bar Crawl is a budget-friendly way to experience Ottawa’s nightlife. Lasting about two hours, this scavenger hunt takes you through some of the city’s best bars, combining sightseeing, trivia, and challenges. It’s a relaxed way for groups to discover local spots while having fun competing or working together.
This app-led experience is more active than a typical pub crawl; it involves solving challenges, taking photos, and completing trivia. Each participant gets an interactive role, adding a personalized element to the journey. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of socializing, exploring, and light competition.
While only one review is available, it’s positive, emphasizing the fun and engaging nature of the experience. It’s especially ideal for groups looking for a lively, interactive evening and those wanting to see Ottawa’s bar scene from a different perspective. Note that this tour doesn’t include drinks but guides you through some of the best local spots.
Bottom Line: If you want a low-cost, interactive way to explore Ottawa’s nightlife, this scavenger hunt offers a fun challenge with a social twist.
$12.31 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When deciding between these options, think about your preferences and group size. If you prefer a relaxed and scenic experience, the floating tiki cruises (Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise) or the more intimate Lilo Floating Tiki Bar are excellent choices. For a more energetic and social night, the Ottawa bar crawl provides a fun, budget-friendly way to explore multiple bars with friends.
Consider your budget and time, too. The cruises offer a set experience with scenic views and entertainment, ideal for half or full-day outings. The bar crawl is quick, interactive, and great for those who want to combine sightseeing with nightlife.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the smaller cruises, as they often fill up quickly during peak seasons. Also, check the weather—these water tours are best enjoyed on clear days.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa offers a surprising variety of drinking experiences that cater to many tastes. For a relaxed water-based vibe, the floating tiki cruises are a highlight — especially the Ottawa: Floating Tiki Bar Cruise, which combines stunning views with tropical fun. If you’re celebrating or want a more personal experience, the cozy Lilo Floating Tiki Bar is perfect for small groups.
For those who want to combine sightseeing with a night out, the Ottawa bar crawl offers a lively, interactive adventure. Each of these tours adds a different flavor to your Ottawa trip and guarantees fun in a city that’s much more than just politics and history.
No matter which you choose, booking early will help ensure you get the best experience. So gather your friends or family and toast to a memorable Ottawa adventure.