Ottawa River Sightseeing Cruise from Ottawa or Gatineau
- Duration1.5 hours
- Daily
- Group
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Overview
Our Ottawa River sightseeing cruise is a 90-minute boat trip on the river that divides Ontario from Quebec. You can board on the Ottawa side or from the Gatineau marina, and see Parliament Hill, the Alexandra Bridge, Rideau Falls and the Canadian Museum of History from the water. Depending on the option you choose, you get live commentary in English and French or an English booklet. It is a shared cruise with no hotel pickup, suitable for families, couples and first-time visitors.
Highlights
- A 90-minute sightseeing cruise on the Ottawa River
- Parliament Hill, the Peace Tower and the cliffs seen from the water
- Choice of boarding in Ottawa or in Gatineau, depending on the option
- Live bilingual commentary in English and French on the Ottawa departure
- The Alexandra Bridge and the Canadian Museum of History on the Quebec bank
- Wheelchair-accessible cruise with several departures through the day
- Relaxed pace with open views for photos
Full Description
The Ottawa River Cruise: Two Provinces on One River
The Ottawa River forms the provincial border, so every minute of this Ottawa River cruise shows two cities at once: the federal capital on the Ontario side and Gatineau on the Quebec side. The boat moves at an easy pace, and the commentary explains the timber trade, the early settlers and the way the river shaped both banks. If you are looking for the best Ottawa river cruise for first-time visitors, this is a sensible place to begin.
The cruise lasts about 90 minutes, and departures run several times a day in the boating season. Dates and times change with the weather and the time of year, so the booking panel shows what is available for your day.
Parliament Hill from the Water
Parliament Hill stands on a limestone bluff above the river, and the water is where its Gothic Revival towers and the green copper roofs look their best. From the deck you see the Peace Tower, the round Library of Parliament and the grounds descending to the shoreline. Many guests say the river is the most photogenic way to see Parliament Hill, a view you cannot get from the lawn.
The commentary explains why Ottawa was chosen as the capital in the 1850s, partly because it sat between English-speaking and French-speaking Canada. Some of the buildings are under restoration at times, and the guide describes what is open to visitors at present.
The Alexandra Bridge and the Canadian Museum of History
The Alexandra Bridge is a steel truss bridge from 1901 that connects Ottawa and Gatineau and has been a symbol of the river crossing for more than a century. Beside it, on the Quebec bank, the Canadian Museum of History is easy to spot thanks to its long, curving walls, which echo the shape of the Canadian Shield. The Hull Marina is right there.
The Gatineau departure starts from this marina, which suits guests staying on the Quebec side or visiting the museum. On that departure the commentary is provided in an English booklet instead of a live guide, so choose the Ottawa departure if you prefer a live voice.
Rideau Falls and the River Banks
Rideau Falls is where the Rideau River drops into the Ottawa River in two curtains of water, close to the National Gallery and Rideau Hall. It is easy to miss from the road, but from the boat you can see how the two rivers meet. The route also passes parks such as Major's Hill Park and Nepean Point, and the heritage buildings of downtown.
On a clear day the shoreline is a good place for photos, and in autumn the leaves on both banks turn red and gold. Bring a light jacket, as the wind on the open water can make it cooler than the city streets.
Itinerary
- Meet at your departure pointArrive at the meeting point in Ottawa or Gatineau a little before departure, depending on the option you booked.
- Board the cruise boatFind a seat on deck or inside and settle in for the 90-minute cruise.
- Cruise past Parliament HillSee the Peace Tower, the Library of Parliament and the bluff above the river while the guide or booklet explains the history.
- Pass the bridges and the museumLook out for the Alexandra Bridge, the Canadian Museum of History and Rideau Falls along the banks.
- Return to the dockThe cruise finishes back at the departure point after about 90 minutes.
What's included
- Sightseeing river cruise
- Guide with live bilingual commentary (English and French)
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Tips
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–11
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
- First-time visitors who want the highlights
- A short visit — about 1.5 hours
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Travellers who need hotel pickup, as it is not included
- Guests who want a live guide on the Gatineau departure, which uses an English booklet
- Anyone prone to motion sickness on boats
Meeting point
This is a meeting-point cruise with no hotel pickup. The default option, the Ottawa departure, meets at 1 Canal Lane in Ottawa. The Gatineau departure meets at the Hull Marina at 160 Rue Laurier, next to the Canadian Museum of History and the Alexandra Bridge. Arrive a little before your departure time and keep your voucher on your phone.
Important information
- The cruise lasts about 90 minutes
- The Ottawa departure includes live commentary in English and French; the Gatineau departure provides an English booklet instead of a live guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included
- Food, drinks and tips are not included
- The cruise season depends on the weather, so check the dates in the booking panel
- The cruise is wheelchair accessible; tell us in advance if you need any help boarding
- Wear layers and sun protection, as it can be breezy on the water
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Ottawa River cruise cost?
The price depends on the departure option and the ticket type. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children for each option.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. This is a meeting-point cruise, and you make your own way to the dock in Ottawa or Gatineau.
How long is the Ottawa River cruise?
The cruise lasts about 90 minutes.
What is the difference between the Ottawa and Gatineau departures?
Both follow the same sightseeing cruise. The Ottawa departure includes a live bilingual guide in English and French, while the Gatineau departure, from the Hull Marina, gives you an English commentary booklet.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes. Children are welcome, and the booking panel shows the age categories for children and infants.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring a light jacket, sun protection and your phone with the voucher. The wind can be cooler on the water.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Usually yes, subject to availability. Choose a date in the booking panel to see the open departures.
Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible. Please tell us before travelling so we can help arrange boarding.
Where is the Canadian Museum of History?
It stands on the Quebec bank of the river in Gatineau, opposite Parliament Hill, and you can see it from the cruise.
Is the Ottawa River cruise worth it?
For most visitors, yes. It shows Parliament Hill, the bridges and both provinces in a calm 90 minutes, and works well alongside a visit to the museums.
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