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Hop On Hop Off Ottawa: Local Guide to Seeing Ottawa in 1 Day

ByNina Clapperton Updated on

Planning to see Ottawa’s best sights with a Hop On Hop Off Ottawa tour bus?

Ottawa’s Hop On Hop Off bus is an awesome way to get to know the city. You can get on and off at as many stops as you like! But if you’re only in Ottawa for a short time, you’ll want to know how to make the best of the bus route.

That’s where I can help! I live in Ottawa, and I love being a tourist in my own city. I’ll share everything you need to know about Ottawa’s Hop On Hop Off bus route. I’ll also include my Ottawa one-day itinerary to make your trip planning easier.

Let’s get into it!

#1 Tour

Book Your Hop On Hop Off Tour Here!

It’s the best way to see all of Ottawa in 1-2 days, and to get around without needing a car.

I’ve taken them in most cities I go to and I’ve passed them in Ottawa at all the major sites.

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What is Hop On Hop Off Ottawa?

The Grayline Ottawa Hop On Hop Off is a sightseeing bus where you can get on and off at any of its 13 stops as often as you like. Think of it as a DIY Ottawa city tour by bus!

Hop aboard the classic Ottawa double-decker bus, and you’ll go to all the must-see attractions in the city. You’ll have a guide onboard providing commentaries in English and French, so it’s a great way to get to know Ottawa.

The Hop On Hop Off Bus Ottawa is available as a 1-day or 2-day pass.

What Are the Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Stops?

There are 13 stops on the Hop On Hop Off Ottawa route map. You can hop on and off at any of these areas along this double-decker bus tour of Ottawa:

1. Hop On Hop Off Kiosk / Parliament of Canada

The meeting point of the Ottawa Hop On Hop Off sightseeing tour is at 44 Sparks Street, near the Parliament Buildings. At this stop, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at Canada’s political scene on the popular Parliament Ottawa tours.

2. Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is an awesome place to learn about Canada’s unique wildlife! Thanks to the cool exhibits, it’s one of the must-see pit stops on any Ottawa sightseeing tour. The galleries feature dinosaurs, birds, sea life, and plenty of creepy crawlies.

3. Lansdowne Park

This third stop on the Hop On Hop Off bus map is in the hip Glebe area. This area is full of artisanal boutiques, glitzy restaurants, and unique events. If you love classic architecture, head to the historic Aberdeen Pavilion. The large-scale exhibition space dates back to 1898.

4. Dow’s Lake

The bus continues on to Dow’s Lake, a great spot to enjoy scenic nature in the city. If you’re hopping off here, you can take a relaxing stroll in the park or kayak on the lake. This is also the main area where the Ottawa Tulip Festival takes place every year.

5. Canada Agricultural and Food Museum

The Agricultural and Food Museum is actually a working farm! You’ll learn all about farming techniques, which I found to be much more interesting than it sounds. There’s also a petting zoo where you can ssee cows, sheep, and other barnyard cuties.

A photo of the concrete spelled OTTAWA at the ByWard Market

6. ByWard Market / Ottawa Sign

The Byward Market is a must-see and definitely a stop on the Hop On Hop Off Ottawa map you won’t want to skip. Stroll around this famous market and check out the diverse food stalls and artisanal products. There’s also the iconic Ottawa sign that is perfect for a photo-op.

7. Rideau Hall

This National Historic Site is the Governor General’s official residence and workplace. Take a free guided tour to learn more about the building and how the Governor General works. The garden area is really pretty and open to the public too.

8. RCMP Stables

Witness the Royal Canadian Mountain Police’s famous Musical Ride at RCMP Stables. It’s super cool to see the Mounties’ precise choreography on horseback! You can learn about their history and how they became a big part of Canada’s national identity.

9. Canada Aviation and Space Museum

This place has one of the world’s largest aviation collections, making it one of Ottawa’s best museums. Even though I’m not particularly big on aviation stuff, I still find it really cool to see the planes up close, especially classics from WWII.

10. National Gallery of Canada / Notre Dame / Royal Canadian Mint

Next is the National Gallery of Canada, a great spot to appreciate Canadian art. At Notre Dame, check out the surreal starry ceiling. You can also take the Ottawa Mint tour at the Royal Canadian Mint to see how coins are made.

11. Canadian Museum of History

Ride along the Alexandra Bridge as the bus goes from Ottawa to Gatineau to the Canadian Museum of History. I love how the museum weaves human stories into the historical exhibits. Also, check out the Grand Hall for the impressive display of totem poles.

12. Canadian War Museum

Most tours of Ottawa will include a visit to the Canadian War Museum, and for good reason. The interactive exhibits make it easier to learn about Canada’s military history. Some parts are told from the perspective of a soldier, giving a first-hand view of the realities of war. 

13. Rideau Canal / Elgin Street / National War Memorial

The Ottawa Hop On Hop Off map ends downtown at the Rideau Canal area. The canal area is beautiful, and you can take a relaxing stroll or even go on a cruise. If you’re looking for a great place to have dinner at the end of the day, Elgin Street has some of the best restaurants in Ottawa.

brown concrete building under cloudy sky during daytime. Ottawa parliament buildings

Ottawa One Day Itinerary

If you only have 24 hours in Ottawa and want to make the most out of the Ottawa Hop On Hop Off bus route map, here’s my suggestion for a 1-day itinerary:

9.30AM: Parliament Guided Tour

Start your city tour with a free Parliament tour in Ottawa. I recommend taking the House of Commons tour, where you’ll explore the House of Commons Chamber and learn about how the Parliament works. The tour lasts 40 minutes.

10:30AM: Hop On to Canadian Museum of Nature

Hop aboard the double-decker bus of Ottawa and head to the Canadian Museum of Nature. Check their permanent and special exhibitions before seeing which galleries you’d want to spend more time at.

12:00PM: Hop On to ByWard Market

Since you only have one day in Ottawa, I recommend riding straight to ByWard Market next. Do it for the gram and snap a selfie with the iconic Ottawa sign. ByWard Market is heaven for foodies, so grab some brunch during your visit. 

1:30PM: Hop On to Rideau Hall

Next, head to Rideau Hall for the free guided tour of the State rooms. The tour lasts 45 minutes. If you have a little extra time, check out the pretty English-style grounds before returning to your Ottawa city bus tour.

2:30PM: Hop On to Canadian War Museum

To experience the best Ottawa tour, include a stop at the Canadian War Museum in your itinerary, where you’ll get context on how the past wars have impacted the Canada we know today. Get your ticket ready before you go.

4PM: Hop On to Rideau Canal

Take the bus to the last Rideau Canal stop and continue sightseeing in Ottawa by taking a Rideau Canal cruise. The views from the boat are amazing! End the evening at the nearby Beckta Dining & Wine for a contemporary Canadian dinner.

Can You Stay On The Full Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Route?

Yes, you can stay on the bus throughout the full route. You don’t have to get off at any Ottawa Hop On Hop Off stops if you don’t want to. The full route takes about 90 minutes and includes live commentary, which makes it a great Ottawa guided tour option.

What Does Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Include?

The Hop On Hop Off Ottawa pass includes:

  • A 1-day or 2-day ride on the Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus (depending on the pass you choose).
  • An English-French tour guide.
  • A Headset for commentaries in other languages, including German, Mandarin, Ukrainian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese.

The pass doesn’t include admissions to attractions, food and drinks, or gratuities.

To start the tour, head to the starting point and present your Hop On Hop Off Ottawa coupon. The first tour starts at 10AM, and the last tour starts at 4PM. Each day pass is valid for 24 hours. 

Best Tours in Ottawa: More Ways To See The City!

Many tour options pair well with Ottawa bus tours like Hop On Hop Off. here are the tours I recommend adding to your Hop On Hop Off sightseeing:

  • Enjoy a different view of Ottawa from a scenic boat tour.
  • Get to know Ottawa’s culinary scene on a food tour.
  • Sample the best local wines and ciders on a wine tour.
  • Get to know Ottawa’s spooky side on a ghost tour.

If you’re considering good alternatives to Hop On Hop Off Ottawa, these are some cool ways I like to see the city:

Looking for something adventurous? Try these day tours from Ottawa:

Hop On Hop Off Ottawa FAQs

Does Ottawa Have A Hop On Hop Off?

Yes, Ottawa has a Hop On Hop Off bus. It’s one of the most popular sightseeing tours in Ottawa since you can choose which attractions to get off at. You can hop on and off as many times as per your pass validity.

Does Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Run In Winter?

No, Hop On Hop Off Ottawa doesn’t run in winter. The Hop On Hop Off bus IS only available during spring, summer, and fall.

Is Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Wheelchair-Accessible?

Yes, Hop On Hop Off Ottawa is wheelchair-accessible. The double-decker bus has wheelchair access and the facilities to secure the wheelchair for the bus ride.

Is Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Stroller Accessible?

Yes, Hop On Hop Off Ottawa is stroller accessible. The double-decker bus has space to accommodate strollers. They’re also happy to look after your stroller at the main kiosk if you prefer.

Does Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Allow Service Animals?

Yes, Hop On Hop Off Ottawa allows service animals. The tours are pet-friendly, so if you just want to bring your pet dog along, you can! You’ll just need to buy a child ticket if your dog is large enough to take a seat.

Is Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Worth It?

Hop On Hop Off Ottawa is worth it if you’re looking for a convenient way to see Ottawa’s main attractions while still getting the option to customize the trip to your interest. It’s much more straightforward than figuring out all the Ottawa lines when taking the public bus.

How Many Days Do You Need In Ottawa?

I recommend staying at least 3 days in Ottawa to really enjoy the city’s sights. This gives you time to explore more Ottawa excursions in and near the city. If you need to visit Ottawa in one day, then I recommend making full use of the Hop On Hop Off bus.

Hop On Hop Off Ottawa Wrap-Up

That’s everything you need to know about Hop On Hop Off Ottawa!

If you only have a day or two to spend in Ottawa, taking this bus tour is a great idea since it allows you to hop off at as many of the city’s attractions as you want. I also like the guided commentary along the ride provides extra insight into Ottawa’s history and culture. 

Need more help deciding which stops to hop off at? Check out my complete guide on the must-visit museums in Ottawa!

More fun things to do in Ottawa

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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.

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Ottawa Things to Do. Nina has lived in 18 countries before deciding to settle in Ottawa, nearby Toronto where she grew up. She has spent years proving that Ottawa isn't the town "fun forgot" and helping locals and tourists alike find fun things to do. She helps over 60,000 people a month discover the amazing activities in Ottawa, Canada.