10 Best Ottawa Bike Tours (2024 Local’s Guide)
Looking for the best Ottawa bike tours?
Well, I have the complete list for you!
Ottawa is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Canada. There are over 600 miles of pathways, making the Canada bike tours around Ottawa a safe and fun way to explore the city!
But which tour is best?
I live in Ottawa, and I love to cycle. I also have a good grip on all the best things to do in the city.
I’ve gone all over downtown Ottawa in my bike – and have the sore butt to prove it!
So, to help you find the best Ottawa tours available, here are my top picks for the best ways to see Ottawa by bike!
My Top 3 Picks
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
1. Best of Ottawa Neighborhoods & Nature Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you are looking for the perfect tour combining Ottawa city sights with nature, then this half-day bike tour will be a great fit.
Ottawa is one of Canada’s most bikeable cities, with an extensive network of bike paths, and this itinerary lets you travel to all of the best sights in Ottawa in a short 3-hour bike tour.
Fantastic day!!! Deni our tour guide was the best. Great way to see parts of Ottawa and fun was had by all! Highly recommend this tour. – Guy (Read more reviews)
On this tour, you’ll make 10 different stops at attractions around the city, cycle through the historic neighborhood of The Glebem, and peddle past the Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History.
The tour will even push past the city limits out to Rideau Falls. The Falls are over 30 feet tall and integral to the unique Rideau Canal system, adjacent to the famous Chateau Laurier.
You’ll enjoy the beautiful scenery and all the must-see sights on this Ottawa bicycle tour.
2. Ottawa: 2 or 3.5 Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-3.5 hours | ✅ Book it!
Of all the tours in Ottawa, this is the most family-friendly Ottawa bike tour available because it’s completely customizable.
You can select a 2-hour tour that includes an 8.5-mile leisurely ride through all the major attractions of Ottawa, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Locks.
If you are up for a little more, the slightly longer 3.5-hour tour covers 12 miles. The extended version of the tour includes all the stops of the express 2-hour tour plus several others, including time in Little Italy and Love Lock Bridge.
“Our family of five (2 adults and 3 kids ranging from 4-12) loved this!” – GetYourGuide Traveler (Read more reviews)
In addition to being able to customize, this tour is also great for families because it has options for all ages. Families with children under 5 can use a trailer, a trail-a-bike, or a children’s bike for their kids.
For riders over 16, there is also an e-bike option for a small surcharge.
If that’s not enough customization already, they also are very accommodating to foreigners (and Quebec natives), offering the tour in French, German, Spanish, or Dutch.
The customization of length, choice of bikes, and language options make it perfect for all kinds of people traveling to Ottawa.
3. 2-hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
Escape tours and rentals in Ottawa offer a small-group bike tour that is perfect for those who find themselves short of time but want a leisurely way to see Ottawa.
A short 2-hour tour lets you glimpse the best parts of the city, so afterward, you can return to your favorite places on foot for the remainder of the day.
“Beautiful day, knowledgeable guide. We hit all the interesting highlights in downtown.” – Bradley (Read more reviews)
The tour is designed to use designated bike paths or quiet backroads, so you are always safe as you travel to see Ottawa’s cultural and natural highlights.
One of the major benefits of this tour is that there are various departure times. You can pick a time of the day that works best with your schedule.
4. Ottawa Spring Tulip Festival Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you are in Ottawa in mid-May to see the tulips, then this is the best Ottawa Bike Tour for you!
The Canadian Tulip Festival features over a million displays of tulips planted throughout the city, and the guides from Escape Bicycle Tours in Ottawa know precisely where to go to show you the most impressive tulip festival displays in the city.
“What a wonderful way to see Ottawa and enjoy the tulips at the yearly Tulip Festival. Book your tour with Escape – it’ll be a highlight of your visit” – Laurie (Read more reviews)
The tour will take you through Landsdown Park, Little Italy, along the River Pathway, and past Chaudière Falls.
The ride is easygoing, so the entire family can enjoy Ottawa’s colorful tulips in full bloom.
5. Ottawa Landmarks
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
This Ottawa bike tour is one of the safest in the city, with no road crossing, and takes place 100% on designated bike pathways in Ottawa.
Without traffic, your only job is to enjoy the scenery on your 2-hour cycling Ottawa ride.
“Spectacular tour! We enjoyed the background stories and history of the City.” – Cindy_S (Read more reviews)
If you are a first-time visitor to Ottawa, this tour is a great way to see most of the must-see sights in just a few hours.
Also, for visitors over 16 years old, you can make the ride even easier by upgrading to an e-bike.
6. Ottawa: Guided Bike Tour through Gatineau and Ottawa
⭐️ RATING: 4.4/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!
This unique bike tour gives you the chance to explore two cities by bike in one day.
You will spend time cycling through the neighborhoods of Ottawa and Gatineau, seeing the most famous sights in each city.
“Great, knowledgeable and very friendly service with excellently maintained bikes for very reasonable rental prices.” – Tripadvisor Review (Read more reviews)
Ottawa Rent A Bike, the tour company, is known for its excellent equipment, including brand-new Giant bikes that are incredibly light and efficient.
They guarantee that the pace will be easy throughout the tour, but if you’d like some assistance, you can pre-order an electric bike.
7. Self-Guided Bicycle Tours and Rentals
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2-4 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you prefer a do-it-yourself approach to touring, you can book a self-guided tour with a bike rental in Ottawa instead of a tour.
While this tour does not have a guide, it can be nice to explore the city at your own pace.
“Staff was so helpful and friendly. Bikes were in perfect condition. Location cannot be better. An overall great experience. Fully recommended.” – Ferdinand (Read more reviews)
When you pick up your bike, there are local guides who know the city like the back of their hands. They will give you suggestions, but you can create your own itinerary for the day!
This self-guided tour in Ottawa has an extensive network of safe and scenic bike paths near the rental shop, so peddling through the city is not stressful.
You can rent the bikes for 2 to 4 hours, and without a tour guide, you’ll feel just like a local!
8. Ottawa-Gatineau Getaway
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you are short on time but big on adventure, this 1- hour bike tour in Ottawa packs a big punch.
Even though the tour is short, you will experience both Ottawa and Gatineau as you cycle on both sides of the Ottawa River.
You’ll cross bridges and see waterfalls as you learn from your guide about the history and purpose of the area’s waterways, buildings, and bridges.
“We had an amazing experience as a family with Maritza she was so helpful and informative for sure we will be back !!!!” – Tripadvisor Review (Read more reviews)
While this tour is too short to include all of Ottawa’s must-see spots, you can leave the city map at home and learn from a local as you cruise through the city.
It’s an hour well-spent, and given its condensed time frame, you will have more time for other tours of Ottawa (Hello, fancy wine tours in Ottawa)
9. Cycling the Nation’s Capital Self-Guided
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
In addition to their tours, Rent a Bike Ottawa has four-hour rentals you can book for a self-guided tour.
The shop is located on the Rideau Canal, so you can grab your bike and get on the waterway without navigating through traffic.
“A1 as usual. Rent a bike are very accommodating, knowledgeable and quick to respond. Gréât service in Ottawa !” – Glenn (Read more reviews)
The shop has over 250 new bikes in all kinds of sizes and models, so you’ll undoubtedly find the right fit for you.
Bike rentals are for four hours, which I think is the perfect amount of time for a self-guided tour of Ottawa, plus a stop at one of my favorite ice cream spots in Ottawa.
The shop will provide a map and happily help you create an itinerary before you take on the city at your own pace.
10. 4 to 8 Bike Rental with Self Guided Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.6/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | ✅ Book it!
If you are looking to use your bikes as your primary mode of transit while in Ottawa, then this is the best bike rental in Ottawa for you.
The company rents bikes for either half-day or a full 8 hours, making it the longest bicycle rental on the list.
You can rent a lightweight city bike or an electric bike to spend the day cruising through the city. This is plenty of time to put a dent into the city’s 600 miles of bikeable paths and see almost all of Ottawa’s must-see sights.
“We booked the day before, and collected our bikes, were issued two locks and three helmets and given some suggestions and a map. I would recommend this excursion if you wish to explore the city” – Get Your Guide Traveler (Read more reviews)
The rental company will also provide locks for each bike, so if you want to stop to eat or visit a museum, you can be sure that your bike rental is safe.
All bikes must be returned by 6 PM. I recommend picking your bike up before 9 AM to get the most out of the day!
If you want to experience Ottawa without the stress of driving a car, renting bikes in Ottawa is an excellent choice.
FAQs
What is the best place in Ottawa Canada for a leisurely bike ride?
The Rideau Canal is the best place in Ottawa, Canada for a leisurely bike ride. The paved path along the canal is about 6 miles. The canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site making it a must-see in Ottawa. The Ottawa River Bike Trail is another great trail for the entire family.
Is Ottawa a biking city?
Ottawa is definitely a biking city. In fact, it’s one of Canada’s top 5 most bikeable cities, with the Capital Pathway Network being one of the most extensive pathway networks in North America. Also, the City of Ottawa was awarded Gold as a Bicycle Friendly Community in 2013 and has only improved its cycleways over the past decade.
Is a guided bike tour or self-guided bike tour in Ottawa better?
It depends on your preference. Guided Bike tours are nice because you don’t have to plan, and the guide will teach you about the city on the way. However, a self-guided tour lets you explore at your own pace and create your own itinerary.
What are Sunday bike days in Ottawa?
Every weekend from May-October, the city of Ottawa reserves several car pathways for biking, walking, and skating, including Sir John A Macdonald Parkway and Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway. The Weekend Bike Days give even more Ottawa bike rides in an already bike-friendly city.
Is Ottawa hilly or flat?
Most of Ottawa is flat, but the city becomes progressively hilly as you head toward Gatineau. Cycling in Ottawa is relatively easy in the mostly flat topography, especially along the Rideau Canal.
Wrap Up
Bike tours are a great alternative to walking tours, especially in a city like Ottawa, which is so bike-friendly.
If you are looking for the best Ottawa bike tours, you have a lot of great choices and can visit some of the top places and things to do in Ottawa on two wheels.
Still trying to decide which is the right choice for you?
My #1 pick is Escape’s Best of Ottawa Neighborhoods & Nature Bike Tour. The 10-stop tour will give you a great introduction to the sights and scenery of my home city.
Looking for more local recommendations? Check out the best places to stay in Ottawa here!
More fun things to do in Ottawa
- 60 Epic Things to Do in Ottawa in Summer (Local’s Guide)
- 25 Best Beaches in Ottawa From a Local!
- 35 Best Restaurants in Ottawa Ontario From a Local
- 35 Best Things to Do in Ottawa, Ontario (Local’s Guide)
- 33 Best Brunch Spots in Ottawa by Neighbourhood (Local’s Guide)
- Best Places to See Tulips in Ottawa at the Canadian Tulip Festival
- 8 Best Places to See Christmas Lights in Ottawa and Get in the Festive Spirit
- 17 Wonderfully Fun Things to Do in Ottawa in Winter
- 47 Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Ottawa (Including Dog Friendly Hikes)
- 15 Best Places to Go Apple Picking in Ottawa
- Ottawa Zipline Experience: Why You Need to Zipline Between Provinces!
- Chateau Laurier High Tea Experience
- 17 Best Museums in Ottawa to Visit (Local’s Guide)
- 16 Best Indoor Ottawa Activities for Rainy Days
- Ottawa Trip Budget Calculator to Plan Your Dream Trip
- 7 Best Ottawa White Water Rafting Tours
- Hop On Hop Off Ottawa: Local Guide to Seeing Ottawa in 1 Day
- 33 Best Gluten-free Restaurants in Ottawa From a Celiac
- 29 Best Things To Do in Ottawa in the Fall
Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
