FREE Ottawa Historical Highlights Walking Tour Since 2006!

The tour lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes

Available in English and Spanish

Description

Discover Ottawa – One Story at a Time!

Canada’s beautiful capital is best explored on foot, and there’s no better way to uncover its charm and its history than with our captivating FREE walking tours!

Ottawa is full of iconic landmarks and hidden gems—but history here isn’t just about dates and monuments! It’s about people! Our engaging tours focus on the fascinating individuals who shaped the nation, bringing the city’s past to life with memorable stories, fun facts, and a few surprises along the way.

Led by a passionate, knowledgeable local guide, you’ll stroll through Ottawa’s vibrant downtown core, visiting the city’s most famous sites and secret hidden corners. Highlights include:

The grounds of Parliament Hill

The National War Memorial & Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Historic Sparks Street & Sussex Drive
Peaceful Major’s Hill Park
The majestic Château Laurier
The UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal
The Prime Minister’s Offices
The lively ByWard Market
…and so much more!

Whether you’re a curious visitor or a local looking to rediscover your city, this tour is the perfect blend of entertainment, education, and discovery. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Ottawa’s colourful history, its larger-than-life political characters, and its stunning architecture.

Plus, we love sharing insider tips! From the best pubs and restaurants to must-see attractions and overlooked treasures, we’re happy to help you make the most of your time in Ottawa. Plus, arrival 5 minutes before pit pit de[atyite and we will provide you a BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) iced tea or iced coffee coupon from the Bridgehead Coffee just across the street from our meeting location. In addition, we have coupons for other ways to save money around the downtown. We are here to SAVE you money!

Join us for an unforgettable experience—walk with us, learn with us, and fall in love with Ottawa!

Guide: Craig

PRO

Guiding since 2024

Hi Everyone. My name is Craig and I am a high school history & politics teacher, part time professor at the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa and created Ottawa Walking Tours back in 2006! I started the company because I lived and travelled all over the world and I ALWAYS take walking tours. It is, without a doubt, the best way to discover more about a city you are visiting. When I returned to Canada, I thought "I could do that in Ottawa!" and the rest, as they say is history! All Ottawa Walking Tour guides are inredibly knowledgeable, fun, friendly and eager to show you our beautiful and amazing city. All guides are locals and happy to recommend things to do, places to eat & drink, and share "insider" tips as well as hidden spaces visitors often miss. I hope. you book an Ottawa Walking Tour with us as we cannot wait to meet you and help you love Ottawa as much as we do!

10 stops

2 hours and 15 minutes

Meeting point:89 Sparks StreetYour Guru Walks guide will meet you at the Bear Catching Fish stature (89 Sparks Street) directly across from the Bridgehead Coffee, corner of Sparks & Metcalfe Streets, 1 block south of Parliament Hill Our guide will be there holding a red umbrella. Please check in with your guide before the tour begins to get your coupon and so we know you have arrived. Please let us know you signed up using GuruWalks and not on the Ottawa Walking Tours website. You can use the bathrooms inside the coffee shop before we start or grab a drink for the stroll around town. Open in Google Maps →

Entry not included

Parliament Hill

Outside visit

National War Memorial of CanadaBe impressed by the incredible Memorial that honours Canada's fallen soldiers

Outside visit

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

10 stops

2 hours and 15 minutes

Entry not included

Parliament Hill

Outside visit

National War Memorial of CanadaBe impressed by the incredible Memorial that honours Canada's fallen soldiers

Outside visit

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

4.68

69 reviews

Professionalism

4.76

Entertainment

4.53

Communication

4.76

Quality

4.66

Route

4.63

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €20 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Accepts bookings of up to 100 people.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.