Ottawa is a fantastic city for bike tours. Its flat terrain and extensive network of dedicated bike paths make pedaling around both historic sites and lively neighborhoods a joy. What sets Ottawa apart is how accessible and safe the city is for cyclists—whether you’re a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, there’s a tour that fits your style. For example, the 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour offers a quick yet rundown of key landmarks like Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, perfect for those on a tight schedule or with young kids. Meanwhile, the Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour allows a more in-depth experience with stops at major attractions and scenic waterways, ideal for first-time visitors eager to soak in the sights comfortably.
We especially like the variety of options—some tours focus on history and neighborhoods, others highlight natural beauty or seasonal events like the Tulip Festival. Each offers a different perspective, ensuring no matter your interest or fitness level, you’ll find a memorable way to explore Ottawa by bike.
Quick Overview
Ottawa’s bike tours range from quick 2-hour excursions suitable for families and all ages, to full half-day adventures that cover major sites and neighborhoods. You’ll find options that include bike rentals with guides explaining the city’s story, as well as more independent rentals for self-paced exploration. Many tours incorporate natural pathways along the Rideau Canal, parks, and waterfronts, making the city’s scenic landscapes easy to enjoy on two wheels. For a detailed look at what each tour offers, check out the full list below.
1. 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
This small-group bike tour is ideal for families and anyone who prefers a leisurely, safe way to see Ottawa’s highlights. The route mostly follows designated bike paths and charming backroads, taking you past Rideau Hall, the War Memorial, Byward Market, and the Rideau Canal. The tour includes bike rental, helmet, and water, making it convenient for travelers. Guides share stories about Ottawa’s history and culture, adding depth to your experience.
What makes this tour stand out is its accessible pace, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels. It’s perfect for those with limited time or families wanting a relaxed ride. While it’s less intense, you’ll still get a good overview of Ottawa’s most famous sights. The reviews speak volumes—“It was a great tour, and the guide was fantastic,” says one traveler. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and flexible departure times help fit it into any schedule.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, family-friendly ride that covers Ottawa’s must-sees in just two hours—ideal for first-timers or those with kids.
2. Ottawa Highlights 3.5 Hour Bike Tour
This half-day tour is perfect if you want a thorough introduction to Ottawa. It hits all the major sites, like the Locks, Rideau Canal, and Landsdowne Park, along with stops in the trendy Glebe neighborhood. The tour includes bicycle, helmet, water bottle, and a snack, making it a great value for a longer exploration.
The guide takes you along scenic pathways and waterways, giving you a true feel for the city’s vibe and history. Riders appreciate the high-quality bikes and the balance between sightseeing and leisure. One reviewer notes, “Our guide Alison was friendly and knowledgeable, and the ride included a coffee stop in Little Italy.” The route is well-planned, covering both historic and contemporary neighborhoods.
This tour suits those who want to see a lot in a manageable timeframe, especially if you’re new to Ottawa. It’s a wonderful way to get a sense of the city’s layout and culture without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive yet relaxed half-day tour that covers Ottawa’s top attractions comfortably.
3. Ottawa: 2 or 3.5-Hour Guided Bike Tour with a Local Guide
For around $55, this tour offers the flexibility of choosing either a 2-hour quick jaunt or a more immersive 3.5-hour adventure. The tour covers major landmarks like Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and the Museum of History, with the chance to cycle into two provinces—Ontario and Quebec.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the knowledge of the local guide, who shares stories, legends, and insights about Ottawa’s past and present. The scenic routes include waterfront paths and lesser-known spots, providing a deeper connection to the city. The option to upgrade to an electric bike adds comfort for those less confident on hills or with less stamina.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with storytelling, especially those interested in local legends and behind-the-scenes tales. The reviews praise the guide’s enthusiasm and the scenic routes.
Bottom Line: Suitable for curious travelers who want to explore Ottawa’s landmarks and secrets with an engaging guide, at a reasonable price.
4. Best of Ottawa Neighbourhoods & Nature Bike Tour
This 3-hour tour takes you through Ottawa’s trendiest neighborhoods like Centretown, the Glebe, and Hintonburg, giving you a taste of local life. Along the way, you’ll explore major sites and natural features like the Rideau Canal, farmland, and parks.
The tour includes bike, helmet, water bottle, and a snack. Highlights are stops at the lively Lansdowne Park and a peek into the Fletcher Wildlife Garden. Riders rave about how pleasant the ride is, with one reviewer calling it a “fantastic day” and praising the guide’s ability to make the city’s neighborhoods come alive.
Ideal for those who want to experience Ottawa’s urban, artistic, and natural sides in one ride. It’s also suitable for casual riders who want an active, engaging day. The route’s combination of city streets, parklands, and scenic pathways makes for a varied ride.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers eager to feel connected with Ottawa’s neighborhoods and outdoor spaces in a casual, family-friendly setting.
5. Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour
This seasonal tour is a celebration of Ottawa’s famous Tulip Festival, when over a million tulips bloom across the city in May. It’s a 3-hour ride through the festival sites at Dow’s Lake, along the Rideau Canal, and through neighborhoods like Little Italy.
The tour includes bike, helmet, water, and a snack, making it a great family-friendly activity during spring. The highlight is the spectacular display of tulips at Dows Lake, where you’ll learn about the festival’s history. The guide also points out notable landmarks like Chaudière Falls and Lansdowne Park.
This tour is best suited for visitors visiting in May who want to combine flower viewing with sightseeing. It’s a lively, colorful experience that captures Ottawa’s spring spirit. One review calls it “beautiful and pleasant, with good information from the guide.”
Bottom Line: An unforgettable spring experience, perfect for flower lovers and families visiting during Tulip Festival season.
6. Ottawa: Guided Bike Tour through Ottawa and Gatineau
This 2-hour guided tour crosses city and provincial borders, taking you through both Ottawa and Gatineau. You’ll see neighborhoods, Rideau Canal, Hartwell Lockstation, and Arboretum. The guide’s commentary enriches your understanding of the region’s culture and history.
The tour’s highlight is the seamless ride between two provinces, giving a broader perspective on the capital area. The route is relaxed and enjoyable, making it perfect for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace. It’s a shorter option for those wanting a quick yet comprehensive experience of the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
With an average review of 4.6/5, riders appreciate the friendly guide and the easy, scenic routes. It’s well-suited for those new to cycling or short on time but eager to see both sides of the river.
Bottom Line: Great for those wanting a cross-border experience with a local guide, covering both Ottawa and Gatineau in a relaxed ride.
7. Ottawa: 4-Hour Bike Rental
If you prefer to explore independently, this bike rental offers the freedom to craft your own route. Starting from Downtown along the Rideau Canal, you can visit parklands, lakes, and national sites at your own pace.
The rental includes brand new Giant bicycles, perfect for a self-guided day of discovery. You control your schedule—whether you want to relax in parks, visit museums, or just enjoy a long ride along the scenic pathways. The flexible rental duration makes it suitable for spontaneous plans.
This option is best suited for experienced cyclists or those wanting a personalized experience away from guided tours. With high ratings and good value at $29 for four hours, it’s an economical choice for independent explorers.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want full control over your sightseeing and enjoy riding at your own speed.
How to Choose the Best Ottawa Bike Tour for You
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time, fitness level, and interests. If you’re traveling with family or want a short overview, the 2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour offers excellent value. For those seeking a deeper dive into the city’s neighborhoods and natural beauty, the 3.5-hour Highlights Tour is a great choice.
If your goal is a seasonal experience, don’t miss the Spring Tulip Festival Tour. Visitors with a flexible schedule might enjoy the guided cross-region tour, especially if they’re interested in seeing both sides of the river.
For independent explorers or those with a love of spontaneity, the 4-Hour Bike Rental provides complete freedom to map out your own adventure.
Booking early is advisable—especially for seasonal tours or during peak times like the Tulip Festival—to ensure availability and the best experience.
In sum, Ottawa’s bike tours offer a wonderful way to see the city’s sights, neighborhoods, and natural beauty. Whether you want a quick snapshot or an in-depth exploration, there’s a ride suited to your interests and pace. Consider your plans, pick the tour that fits, and enjoy discovering Canada’s capital on two wheels.