Ottawa Rideau River Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt
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Discover Ottawa from a fresh perspective with the Ottawa Rideau River self-guided walking tour and scavenger hunt. This 3.9 km adventure takes you from Rideau Falls Park to Green Island, passing historic monuments, government buildings, and scenic spots along the Rideau River. As you stroll at your own pace, you'll solve fun challenges at each stop, making it a perfect way to learn about the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or family, this private tour offers a flexible and engaging experience. It’s accessible for all ages, pets, strollers, and wheelchairs. Plus, you can start whenever you’re ready—no fixed schedule needed. Just grab your smartphone, follow the instructions, and enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure.
Expect to see 22 points of interest, from historic monuments to government residences, while completing 22 varied challenges. It’s a fantastic way to explore Ottawa’s landmarks, learn fascinating stories, and have some fun along the way. Perfect for a couple of hours of active sightseeing that’s both educational and entertaining.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Ottawa Rideau River self-guided tour take?
The tour typically lasts between 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how many stops you choose to explore.
Is this tour suitable for children and pets?
Yes! The tour is designed to be fun for all ages, including kids. Pets are also welcome to join you throughout the walk.
Do I need to enter any buildings during the tour?
No, this is strictly exterior sightseeing. You can enjoy all the sights from outside without needing to go inside any locations.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Absolutely. You can begin whenever you're ready, using your smartphone to access the scavenger hunt instructions. There’s no fixed schedule.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility challenges?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in strollers or prams.
What’s included in the tour?
You’ll see 22 points of interest, receive scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone, and get 24/7 customer support along with 22 challenges to complete.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 3 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English, French
Key facts
What's included
Included
- 22 points of interest seen
- Scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone (data required)
- 24/7 customer support
- 22 varied challenges
Not included
- This tour is strictly exterior sightseeing; no entry to locations is required.
- You can pause the activity at any point to visit specific sites along the route.
Itinerary
A scenic 3.9 km walk along the Rideau River featuring 22 stops with challenges and historical insights.
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Stop 1
See monuments and Rideau 'curtain' Falls at Rideau Falls Park. Learn about their significance and complete a challenge.
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Stop 2
Learn about a local organization and its history. Complete a challenge here.
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Stop 3
View the Ottawa River, learn about its origins and Gatineau across the water. Solve a challenge.
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Stop 4
Cross Rideau River Falls to Green Island, see monuments, and complete four challenges in 15 minutes.
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Stop 5
Discover the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, its war, and solve a challenge.
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Stop 6
Visit a monument and learn who it honors. Complete a challenge.
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Stop 7
See Lt-Col. John McCrae's statue and learn about his poem 'In Flanders Fields'. Solve two challenges.
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Stop 8
View a government building, complete a challenge, and cross Green Island to Maple Island.
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Stop 9
Cross south Minto Bridge, discover a Hungarian Monument, and solve a challenge.
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Stop 10
Cross north Minto Bridge, seek an embassy, and complete a challenge before entering Stanley Park.
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Stop 11
Visit the Embassy of Spain in Canada and learn about its history. Solve a challenge.
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Stop 12
Admire a small Anglican church, learn its history, and complete a challenge.
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Stop 13
Walk past Rideau Hall's secondary entrance, learn about the estate, and solve a challenge.
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Stop 14
See the Embassy of Vietnam, learn about its history, and complete a challenge.
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Stop 15
In front of Rideau Hall, view the Queen Elizabeth II statue and solve a challenge.
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Stop 16
Learn about Stornoway, the residence of the opposition leader, and complete a challenge.
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Stop 17
See the RCMP gatehouse guarding the Prime Minister and solve a challenge.
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Stop 18
Learn about the Trans Canada Trail behind 10 Sussex, the Prime Minister's residence, and complete a challenge.
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Stop 19
See South Africa's High Commission, learn about its flag and history, and solve a challenge.
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Stop 20
Visit the Prime Minister's residence, learn its history, and complete a challenge.
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Stop 21
View the Embassy of France and solve a challenge.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at Rideau Falls Park parking area to start your self-guided adventure.
Once you've completed your purchase on our website, follow the start instructions provided in the 'Order Complete' email. The tour begins at the parking area near Rideau Falls Park.
Open in Google MapsHow to get there
Simply arrive at the designated starting point, open your smartphone, and follow the instructions to begin your self-guided tour.
Cancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day prior
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start time
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $10.49 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
