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View History Contact Operator Last updated: May 25, 2025

Ottawa Tours - The Capital City Tour

Summary Description

Ottawa Free Tours is a local independent walking tour company run by a group of passionate Ottawans (yes, that’s what we’re called) who love showing off Canada’s capital city.

Highlights
  • We will start at National War Memorial
  • We walk down Sparks Street
  • We walk past the Parliament Hill
  • Chateau Laurier
  • Finish at Byward Market
  • Description


    We make it a priority to feature Ottawa’s most famous landmarks, while at the same time sharing the city’s sordid and colourful past that is often overlooked. From debaucherous tales of drunk Prime Ministers and lumberjack gang violence, to inspiring (and at times shameful) stories of the LGBTQ movement and black Canadians, we’re here to shine a light on the good, the bad and the ugly that makes our city the quirky and cultured capital it is today.
    Our local guides will also share with you the best places to eat, drink and visit during your time in Ottawa.  As a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Winner for 4 years in a row, we’re proud of the great impressions we’ve left on visitors from around the world! 
     
     
     
     

    Included / Excluded
    What's Included
    • Friendly-English Speaking Guide
    • Unique Story Telling
    • Local Recommendations
    What's Not Included
    • Voluntary payment for the guide
    Start / End Locations

    Start Location: The National War Memorial, Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A4, Canada

    Important Information
    Know Before You Book
    • You can bring your dog on an outdoor tour if it is calm and very well behaved.
    • All are welcome on our outdoor walking tours, however, the content of our tours isn't really designed for children. We don't talk about anything too inappropriate, but they’re not designed to entertain kids and children under 13 may find it a tad dry.
    • Our free tours are dependent on tips from happy customers to continue operating.
    Know Before You Go
    • Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the tour
    • Tours run rain or shine, so please bring an umbrella if you're worried about a downpour and a coat if it seems chilly.
    • Comfortable shoes and water are definitely two good things. Tours are roughly 2 hours, so whatever you need to be comfortable for 90 minutes of walking around town would be great.
    Cancellation

    Cancellation Policy: standard

    Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

    Cancellation Notes: Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

    Options

    Ottawa Capital City Tour

    It is free to join this tour. We ask our guests to determine the amount they pay the tour guide based on their experience with us!

    RETAIL PRICE
    Points of interest
    • The National War Memorial, Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A4, Canada
    • Fairmont Château Laurier, Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada
    • ByWard Market, Byward Market Square, Ottawa, ON, Canada
    • Ottawa Bike Cafe, 79 Sparks St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5, Canada
    • Parliament Hill, Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
    • Redemption Information

      Tickets will be held at the box office

      FAQ

      Do you require a reservation to attend Ottawa free walking tours?

      Toggle FAQ

      Yes, please book your spot on our website.

      What tours do you offer?

      Toggle FAQ

      The Capital City Tour is our flagship tour. It gives a great overview of the city’s main landmarks, entertaining history and suggestions for the rest of your time in the city. We also offer a variety of other tours of the city. Check the Ottawa Free Tours official website for the full schedule and more details.

      Do you run free walking tours in Ottawa all year round?

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      Ottawa gets pretty frigid in the winter (as cold as -40 degrees!) so we only run regular outdoor walking tours from March to October, but we often run indoor or private tours during the winter as well. Check out our websites for the full schedule.

      How much should I tip?

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      We work really hard to earn anything that you’re willing to give us on our tours. There are companies in town that charge $15 per person for similar tours (we think ours are better, but we’re probably biased!) and we hope that we can dazzle you enough to get what you think is fair.