Ottawa Capital Highlights

Highlights

• Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower, the seat of Canada's federal government
• The Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (a skating rink in winter)
• ByWard Market's stalls, bakeries, and street food
• A full day in the capital without an overnight stay

Itinerary

7:00 AM

Pickup in Montreal

Your day in the nation's capital begins with an early pickup in Montreal, as your coach heads west along Highway 417 toward Ottawa, a drive of roughly two hours through the Ottawa Valley. Your guide will share background on Ottawa's selection by Queen Victoria in 1857 as the capital of the Province of Canada, chosen partly for its position straddling the English-French linguistic divide. Settle in for the scenic drive as farmland gives way to the capital region's skyline on the horizon.

Montreal, QC

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

9:30 AM

Parliament Hill

Arriving at Parliament Hill, you'll take a guided walk around the grounds and the iconic Peace Tower, centrepiece of the Gothic Revival Parliament Buildings that have symbolized Canadian democracy since the 1860s. Admire the Tower's clock and carillon bells, the eternal flame commemorating Canada's centennial, and the sweeping lawns where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place in summer. An interior tour of the Library of Parliament and House of Commons is available as an optional add-on, though advance booking is required to secure a spot.

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON

Ottawa, ON

11:30 AM

Rideau Canal

From Parliament Hill, you'll walk along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, built in the 1830s as a military supply route. Pass the historic flight of locks beside the grand, chateau-style Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, watching boats navigate the same waterway once used to bypass the treacherous rapids of the St. Lawrence River. In winter, this same canal transforms into the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink, a beloved Ottawa tradition.

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

Montreal, QC

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

1:00 PM

ByWard Market

The next stop is ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, operating continuously since 1826 in the heart of downtown Ottawa. This is free time for lunch on your own, so sample local specialties like a BeaverTail pastry or poutine from one of the market's many stalls and restaurants. Browse the farmers' stands, artisan boutiques, and street performers that fill the historic ByWard streets, soaking in the lively, multicultural energy that has made this market a cornerstone of Ottawa life for nearly two centuries.

ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

Ottawa, ON

3:00 PM

Return to Montreal

With the afternoon's sightseeing complete, your coach departs Ottawa and heads back east along Highway 417 toward Montreal. Relax and look back over photos of the Peace Tower, the historic canal locks, and the bustling stalls of ByWard Market as the Ottawa Valley scenery rolls past the window once more. Your guide may share additional stories about Canada's political history and the capital's bilingual character during the drive, rounding out a day steeped in the country's civic heritage.

Ottawa, ON

Montreal, QC

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, ON

5:30 PM

Arrive back

Your day trip concludes with drop-off back in downtown Montreal in the late afternoon, bringing a full day exploring Canada's seat of government to a close. From the Gothic spires of Parliament Hill to the historic Rideau Canal locks and the lively stalls of ByWard Market, you'll return with a deeper appreciation for the capital's history and architecture. The evening is yours to unwind in Montreal or continue exploring the city's own restaurants and neighbourhoods after a day away.

Montreal, QC

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, ON

ByWard Market, Ottawa, ON

Route & Distances

1. Montreal→Parliament Hill≈ 198 km
2. Parliament Hill→Rideau Canal≈ 1 km
3. Rideau Canal→ByWard Market≈ 1 km
4. ByWard Market→Montreal≈ 198 km

Distances are approximate driving distances, for reference only — actual route and mileage on the day may vary.

Check Availability

What's Included

Own Expenses

Optional activities you can add on-site — not included in the tour price.

• Parliament Hill interior guided tourFree, reservation required

  Subject to availability and security screening — let us know if you'd like help booking ahead.

Cancellation Policy

Good to Know

• Valid government-issued photo ID is required for every traveler on all departures.
• Pickup and drop-off times are approximate and may shift by 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and road conditions.
• Itinerary order and stops may change due to weather, road closures, or park conditions — safety comes first.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended; stops involve short, easy walks rather than technical hiking.
• Let us know about mobility needs, dietary restrictions, or large group sizes at the time of booking so we can plan accordingly.
• Multi-day tours are priced based on double-occupancy hotel rooms; single-traveler and triple-occupancy rates are available on request.

Frequently Asked Questions

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