Downtown, Ottawa

Heart of Ottawa-Gatineau

🕒 Mid morning, Lunchtime, Mid afternoon

Cycle along the Rideau Canal towards the Ottawa River, cross into Gaitenau and head back into Ottwawa through Major Hill's Park Corktown Bridge

The heart of Ottawa tour gives you a good impression of Ottawa’s core. You will cycle along the Rideau Canal towards the Ottawa River behind the Senate and the Parliament buildings on a beautiful pathway. The pathway leads along the Ottawa River upstream to the Portage Bridge. Arriving in the province of Quebec, you can visit the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau.

You will cross the historic Alexandria Bridge, from which you have spectacular views on the Ottawa River and the Parliament buildings. After cutting through Major Hill Park, cycle along the canal towards the Corktown Bridge, where you will have a gorgeous view on the canal and the historic Chateau Laurier.

Practical information

You will need to provide one of the following: a regular bicycle, a mountain bike, a road bike

1 hour 5 minutes

No walking

Next available

Thursday 28 May 2026

Class/Price

standard

Physical activity level

moderate

Itinerary

Escape Bicycle Tours

Hire bikes to cycle around 600km of paved trails in Ottawa. Your bike rental includes a lock, helmet and pannier bag for your picnic

Stay for 5 minutes

The National War Memorial - Ottawa

The National War Memorial, known as The Response or La Réponse, comemorates all Canadians killed in all conflicts past and future. It was first dedicated in 1939 by King George VI

Rideau Canal Locks - Bytown Museum

By the Bytown Museum, you'll find a series of impressive set of 8 locks over the Rideau Canal

Royal Canadian Navy Monument

Memorial park on Richmond Landing commemorating all servicemen and women who have served or are currently serving in the Royal Canadian Navy. It was first opened in 2012

Portage Bridge

The Portage Bridge crosses over the Ottawa River and was built in 1973. It was named after the historic Portage Trail around the Chaduière Falls which ended near where the bridge was built

Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is Canada's most-visited museum, and presents the 20,000 years worth of people, events, and objects that have shaped the nation into what it is today

Alexandra Bridge

The Alexandra Bridge, named after Queen Alexandra, was inagurated in February 1901. It spans the Ottawa River, linking Ottawa and Gaiteneau

Major Hill's Park

Major Hill's Park is Ottawa's first park, and has been used as a part since 1826. Today, it's a calm oasis in the bustling downtown, offering visitors stunning views of the locks, the river, and Parliament Hill

Corktown Footbridge

This 70-metre bridge spans the Rideau Canal. Built in 2006, it connects East and West Somerset Street. Before, people just crossed the canal when it froze over in the winter! Rather dangerous

Route map

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