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Offered languages
- English
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
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.
The tour ends at Sapper's Bridge.
Itinerary
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(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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Explore Major's Hill Park, a scenic green space offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Walk down York Street, passing by the York Steps, which played a significant role in the early development of Bytown.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by the York Street Millennium Fountain, a modern landmark symbolizing Ottawa's ongoing evolution and progress.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Discover the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, bustling with vendors, restaurants, and artisans.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Learn about Rochon House, a historic building with ties to Ottawa's early lumber industry and cultural heritage.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Discover the legacy of Élisabeth Bruyère, who founded Ottawa's first hospital to serve the community's healthcare needs.
Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Pass by LaSalle Academy, a historic educational institution contributing to Ottawa's intellectual and cultural landscape since its establishment.
Admission ticket free -
(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.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Tags
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience 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.
Rating
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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