Free walking tours in Ottawa

What makes GuruWalk the best choice for your Walking Tour Ottawa?

A Walking Tour Ottawa is an interactive journey led by knowledgeable local guides who unveil the hidden gems of the city, functioning on a pay-what-you-wish model that reflects your experience and financial considerations. These tours typically span from 1 to 3 hours, ideal for discovering the most famous landmarks, unique neighborhoods, or particular themes.

Reservations are entirely free, and you can easily cancel without any charges, ensuring that it fits seamlessly with your itinerary. Ultimately, you determine the worth of the tour based on your enjoyment.

Meet our tour guides

Craig

Hi everyone. My name is Craig and I am a high school history & politics teacher, part time professor at the Faculty of Education at Ottawa and the owner and creator of Ottawa Walking Tours...

Ed Édouard Эд

I am a lifelong traveler, a Canadian born in Europe, with a passion for history, biographical data, and archaeology; attracted to authentic travel experience; offer information based on your...

Annette

Hi! I'm Annette an experienced tour guide living in Ottawa Canada. Travel, meeting new people along with showing our beautiful walkable downtown Ottawa!

André

Since 2015 Ottawa Free Tours has been offering free (tip-based) walking tours of downtown Ottawa. Our passionate guides love showing off our city. We share captivating stories of Ottawa's...

Famous sights to visit in a free walking tour Ottawa

When exploring Ottawa, Canada’s capital, a free walking tour Ottawa is an excellent way to discover its rich history and vibrant culture. Start your journey at the iconic Parliament Hill, where you can admire the stunning Gothic Revival architecture and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony during the summer months. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the beautiful ByWard Market, bustling with local vendors, artisanal shops, and a variety of restaurants that showcase the best of Ottawa's culinary scene.

As you continue your tour, don’t miss the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which transforms into the world’s largest skating rink in winter. In warmer months, the canal is perfect for leisurely walks and boat rides. Another must-see is the National Gallery of Canada, where you can explore an impressive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art, along with works from European masters. Each of these iconic locations offers a glimpse into the unique heritage and charm of Ottawa, making it a memorable experience for every visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking Tour Ottawa by Guruwalk in Ottawa

Are the free tours in Ottawa completely free?

No, they are not completely free. While booking does not incur any charges, the gratuity for the guide is based on the individual's discretion, typically ranging from 10 to 20 euros, depending on how satisfied you are with the experience.

Can I book the free walking tour Ottawa in another language?

Yes, you can, but it depends on the guide's offerings, which are usually specified in the tour description.

Do the tours include monument tickets or transportation?

No, transportation and entry tickets are not part of the package. Any extra costs will be mentioned in the description.

Can I join a Walking Tour Ottawa with children?

Yes, the tours are designed to be family-friendly, and young children are not expected to provide any payment.

Can I book for a group?

Yes, group bookings are possible, but there may be a cap, typically around 35 participants.

What happens if I arrive late to the tour?

If you arrive late, the tour may have commenced already. You can reach out to the guide to see if you can catch up with the group along the route.

What if I cannot attend?

You can cancel without incurring any fees, but it is courteous to inform the guide if you are able.

What happens if it rains?

The tour generally proceeds as planned. If the guide decides to cancel due to inclement weather, you will be notified.

How can I contact the guide?

You can get in touch with the guide via the platform starting from the moment you make your booking.

What happens if the guide does not show up?

This situation is quite rare, but if the guide is unable to attend, they will inform you ahead of time so you can arrange another booking.

How many people usually participate?

The typical group size ranges from 5 to 35 participants, depending on availability.

What is Free Tours Guruwalk?

Free Tours Guruwalk is a platform that connects travelers with local guides who offer free walking tours in various cities around the world, allowing visitors to explore and learn about destinations through the eyes of locals.

How do I book a tour?

You can book a tour by visiting our website, selecting your desired city and tour, and following the prompts to reserve your spot. No payment is required upfront, but tips for the guide are appreciated.

Are the tours really free?

Yes, the tours are free to join, but we encourage participants to tip their guides based on their experience and satisfaction.

What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes, bringing water, and dressing appropriately for the weather. A camera is also a good idea to capture the sights.

Can I join a tour without a reservation?

While it's recommended to reserve your spot in advance, many tours allow walk-ins if space permits. However, it's best to check the specific tour's availability.

What languages are the tours offered in?

The tours are typically offered in multiple languages, depending on the city and guide availability. Check the tour details for specific language options.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

If you need to cancel your reservation, please inform us as soon as possible. You can usually cancel through the confirmation email or by contacting our support team.

How can I become a guide for Free Tours Guruwalk?

If you're interested in becoming a guide, please visit our website and fill out the application form to join our team. We are always looking for passionate locals to lead tours.