A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History

3 Reviews5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Ottawa, Canada

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50 to 70 minutes (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Are you looking for a way to explore Ottawa at your own pace? On this self-guided audio tour, you will relive Ottawa‘s turbulent early history when rioters and rogues ran rampant.

Ottawa‘s significance extends beyond its Houses of Parliament and famous museums. Before becoming Canada‘s capital, it was a rough, lawless place in the wilderness. On this walking tour through old Bytown, you’ll trace the city’s evolution from a small lumber town to Queen Victoria‘s choice as Canada‘s capital and discover Ottawa‘s hidden backstory.

You'll stroll down York Street and learn about the early days of the iconic Byward Market. Ottawa‘s past will come to life in the serene Jeanne d‘Arc Courtyard, where you‘ll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that fueled the feuding Bytown residents. On Sussex Drive, you‘ll explore popular sites from new perspectives and travel back to when rogues, rioters, and disease made the streets unsafe.

What's Included

  • Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it
  • The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • Gratuities (Optional)
  • Smartphone and headphones
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Major's Hill Park, Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8, Canada

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The tour begins at the entrance to Major's Hill Park on Mackenzie Avenue, just behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. It starts directly opposite 555 Mackenzie Avenue, the Connaught Building.

End point

Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa, Byward Market - Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A4, Canada

The tour ends at Sapper's Bridge.

What To Expect

Statue of John By (Pass By)

Begin your tour at Major's Hill Park, where you'll pay tribute to Colonel John By, the visionary behind the Rideau Canal, at his statue overlooking the Ottawa River.
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Rideau Canal (Pass By)

Pass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario.
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Major's Hill Park (Pass By)

Explore Major's Hill Park, a scenic green space offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
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York Steps (Pass By)

Walk down York Street, passing by the York Steps, which played a significant role in the early development of Bytown.
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York Street Millennium Fountain (Pass By)

Pass by the York Street Millennium Fountain, a modern landmark symbolizing Ottawa's ongoing evolution and progress.
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ByWard Market (Pass By)

Discover the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, bustling with vendors, restaurants, and artisans.
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Jeanne-d'Arc Boulevard (Pass By)

Enter the serene Jeanne d'Arc Courtyard, where you'll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that shaped Bytown's early community.
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Rochon House (Pass By)

Learn about Rochon House, a historic building with ties to Ottawa's early lumber industry and cultural heritage.
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Hôpital Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital (Pass By)

Discover the legacy of Élisabeth Bruyère, who founded Ottawa's first hospital to serve the community's healthcare needs.
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LaSalle Academy (Pass By)

Pass by LaSalle Academy, a historic educational institution contributing to Ottawa's intellectual and cultural landscape since its establishment.
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Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica (Pass By)

End your tour at Sussex Drive, where you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture and a testament to Ottawa's rich religious heritage.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
  • Operated by a business

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-110804P685

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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