Ottawa Self-Guided Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt
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Looking for a fun way to explore Ottawa? Our Ottawa Self Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt offers a unique experience that combines sightseeing with interactive challenges. Over approximately 3 hours, you'll stroll through some of the city's most iconic spots—from Château Laurier to Parliament Hill—learning interesting facts along the way.
This tour is perfect for all ages. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, you can walk at your own pace, pause whenever you like, and enjoy a mix of history, culture, and outdoor fun. Pets are welcome, and the route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it a great activity for everyone.
With challenges at each stop, you'll solve puzzles, discover hidden details, and earn points as you go. The tour is self-guided, so you start whenever you're ready—just use your smartphone to access instructions and navigate the route. It's a flexible, engaging way to see Ottawa without the rush of a traditional tour.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Ottawa Self Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt take?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how many challenges you choose to complete.
Can I do this tour with kids or pets?
Absolutely! The tour is suitable for all ages, including children from 0 to 12 years old. Pets are also allowed throughout the route.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users and strollers?
Yes, the entire route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it easy for everyone to participate.
Do I need to enter any buildings during the tour?
No, this is strictly exterior sightseeing. You can enjoy the sights from outside and pause the activity at any point to visit locations if you wish.
What do I need to participate?
You just need a smartphone with internet access to receive instructions, challenges, and to track your progress. No fixed schedule—start whenever you're ready.
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
- Scavenger hunt instructions on your smartphone (data required)
- 24/7 customer support
- Solve 57 challenges throughout the tour
- Visit 44 points of interest
Not included
- This tour is exterior only; no entry into buildings is required.
- You can pause the activity at any location to explore further if you wish.
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Start your adventure outside the current Senate of Canada, where Parliament is undergoing renovations. Learn some history and complete a few challenges outside the building. Spend about 15 minutes here.
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Stop 2
Discover the significance of this monument and solve a challenge related to it in about 5 minutes.
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Stop 3
Cross the Rideau Canal and explore nearby monuments, learning about Canada's history and solving challenges along the way. Spend around 10 minutes.
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Stop 4
Explore Canada's heroes from five key historical periods and complete a challenge here. About 5 minutes.
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Stop 5
View the 14 flags of Canada, including provincial and territorial flags, and learn about their armories. Spend about 5 minutes.
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Stop 6
Walk along the Rideau Canal towards the National Arts Centre, learn its history, and solve a challenge. Spend around 10 minutes walking to the site.
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Stop 7
Visit a museum, learn its significance, and complete a challenge in about 5 minutes.
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Stop 8
See Ottawa's City Hall and learn about its functions. Spend about 5 minutes here.
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Stop 9
Walk through a scenic park, view three features, and solve challenges at each. Allow about 15 minutes.
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Stop 10
Learn the history of a historic hotel and complete a challenge. Spend around 5 minutes.
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Stop 11
Visit a memorial next to the National Arts Centre, discover Oscar Peterson's story, and solve a challenge. About 5 minutes.
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Stop 12
Learn about Canada's involvement in conflicts since 1899 and complete a challenge. About 5 minutes.
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Stop 13
Stroll along a historic pedestrian street, view monuments and buildings, and solve challenges. About 15 minutes.
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Stop 14
Pass by the main tourist information center, spend about 5 minutes.
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Stop 15
Learn about a notable building and complete a challenge in about 5 minutes.
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Stop 16
View a modern museum housed in a glass building and solve a challenge in about 5 minutes.
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Stop 17
Admire a historic Art Deco building and learn about the Supreme Court. Enjoy views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau. Spend about 10 minutes.
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Stop 18
See the National Gallery from afar and learn some history, then get a closer look later. Spend about 5 minutes.
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Stop 19
Learn about a media building near Parliament Hill in about 5 minutes.
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Stop 20
Discover the story of the eternal flame, when it was lit, and who lit it. Complete a challenge in about 5 minutes.
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Stop 21
Explore the Canadian Parliament building, its key sections, and their history. Spend around 10 minutes completing challenges.
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Stop 22
See and learn about Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada's first francophone Prime Minister, and solve a challenge. About 5 minutes.
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Stop 23
Visit a museum on the other side of Rideau Canal, learn about filming locations, and complete challenges. About 5 minutes.
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Stop 24
Walk around the historic Chateau Laurier hotel, learn about its architecture, and spend about 5 minutes.
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Stop 25
Explore a park behind Chateau Laurier, see the US Embassy, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the National Arts Gallery, and solve challenges. About 10 minutes.
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Stop 26
Visit the open-air public market and shopping district, learn its history, and spend about 5 minutes.
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Stop 27
Your final stop is at a historic school where you can learn about Indigenous art and solve a challenge. Spend about 5 minutes before heading back.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point outside the current Senate of Canada, across from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
Once your booking is complete, follow the instructions in the 'Order Complete' email to start your adventure. No fixed schedule—begin whenever you're ready using your smartphone.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day before
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the start time
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $7.91 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
