Canada, Ontario: Ottawa & The Rideau Canal Bike Tour
Six nights, seven days of peaceful cycling through Canada’s scenic historic and political centre, with stretches along the Rideau Canal and Ottawa’s bike paths.
"I have been taking guided cycling trips for over 20 years…. My experience with your guides was superior to all of the others." - Don A.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Explore Canada’s oldest trading route - rich history, culture, and heritage.
- Cycle along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rideau Waterway.
- Ottawa’s world-class museums and art galleries.
- Enjoy spectacular rides and scenery, including one of Canada’s Most Beautiful Villages.
- Stay in charming inns and dine at fabulous restaurants.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Predominantly flat, easy cycling on quiet roads and canal bike paths. Moderate distances, with a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, making hybrid bicycles the most appropriate choice.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions; Familiarization Loop ~19km (+100m / -100m).
- 2: Ottawa and Gatineau Loop ~38km (+300m / -300m).
- 3: Ottawa to Almonte ~67km (+400m / -340m); optional Packenham Bridge Loop ~32km (+184m / -182m).
- 4: Almonte to Perth ~55km (150m / -135m).
- 5: Murphy's Point Loop ~46km (+115 m / -115 m).
- 6: Perth to Merrickville ~54km (+75m / -100m).
- 7: Merrickville to Ottawa; up to 78km (+350m / -380m).
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Ottawa International Airport (YOW), 13:30, or your first hotel, 14:30, day one.
Finish: Ottawa International Airport (YOW), 17:00, or downtown Ottawa, 18:00, day seven.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions; Familiarization Loop ~19km (+100m / -100m).
Afternoon pick-up, followed by a short ride along Ottawa's renowned Rideau Canal bike paths. Along the way, see the National Arts Centre, the Canadian Museum of Nature, and the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. Return for dinner in the city's chic ByWard Market.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Fairmont Château Laurier; or Andaz Ottawa Byward Market; or Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa.DAY 2:
Ottawa and Gatineau Loop ~38km (+300m / -300m).
Today's route has several remarkable stops, including the seven-tiered Ottawa Lock Station, the Canadian War Museum, and John Ceprano's outdoor balancing rock sculpture gallery. You will cross the Ottawa River to Quebec, picnic at the Aylmer Marina, then return to Ottawa with the best view of Canada's Parliament Buildings. Your final stop is at the Eternal Flame.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 3:
Ottawa to Almonte ~67km (+400m / -340m); optional Packenham Bridge Loop ~32km (+184m / -182m).
You will be amazed at the ease of departure from Ottawa along the city's commuter-friendly riverside bike paths. They traverse the greenbelt and lead you to the quiet rural roads of Eastern Ontario, where you can stop for a bountiful lunch in Carp before riding the flat 30km stretch into Almonte. Enthusiastic cyclists can extend the ride to see Pakenham's remarkable Scottish stone bridge.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
The Monte, Almonte.DAY 4:
Almonte to Perth ~55km (150m / -135m).
Ride from Almonte through the rolling farmland of Lanark County to the town of Perth, on the banks of the Tay River. Once in Perth you have the option to mosey along the Tay River Towpath Trail or visit the Tay Marsh Lookout Tower for a panoramic perspective of the vibrant Tay Marsh. Back in town, join a historic ghost walk or watch a summer theatre performance (requires pre-booking).
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Nevis Estate, Perth.DAY 5:
Murphy's Point Loop ~46km (+115 m / -115 m).
Follow quiet roads from Perth to Murphys Point Provincial Park, passing dozens of small lakes and historic homesteads built by settlers in the early 1900s who were drawn to the area by the mica mine. Stop in at the park, which boasts several biking trails, great birding opportunities, tempting swimming spots, and canoe and kayak rentals. Complete the loop by returning to Perth, where you can further explore the town as you decide which fantastic restaurant to dine at tonight.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 6:
Perth to Merrickville ~54km (+75m / -100m).
Start with a short ride to Rideau Ferry and across the bridge to Lombardy. Continue to Smith Falls, where you'll find great cafes and bistros to fuel up before hitting the museums: Smith Falls is home to the Heritage House Museum, Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, and the impressive Rideau Canal Visitor Centre. Continue on to your destination of Merrickville, a village recognized as one of Canada's most beautiful. You will enjoy its charming streets lined with heritage architecture, artists' studios, specialty boutiques, and restaurants.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Merrickville Guest Suites, Merrickville; or Kemptville Suites, Kemptville.DAY 7:
Merrickville to Ottawa; up to 78km (+350m / -380m).
Rejoin the Rideau Canal and follow it toward Ottawa, stopping for lunch in the village of Manotick. Watch for hobby planes and the long white wings that ride the thermals at this glider-specific airfield. Transfer back to Ottawa by van, or continue the pleasant 27km ride into the city before bidding your tourmates farewell.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
Don't see what you want?
(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 6445 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, Diefenbunker admission, luggage handling, maps and route instructions, van support, full-time guide support, hybrid bicycle rental, 5% sales tax.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, welcome briefing, inn to inn luggage transfers, maps, route instructions, essential transfers, emergency support, hybrid bicycle rental, 5% sales tax.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add C 1345
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: Included
Flat bars. Trek FX 3 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
Change to Road/Gravel: C 150
Drop bars. Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag.
Change to E-bike: C 300
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is June to October.
- Spring daytimes warm up to an average of 18°C (64°F) by June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 18 to 27°C (64 to 80°F).
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 8 to 18°C range (46 to 64 °F). Nights can be chilly, but rarely down to freezing. Fall foliage in October is beautiful.
GET TO THE START
If you are arriving by air, the best airport to arrive in is the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport.
Transportation from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Taxi: You can hire a taxi after arriving at the Ground Transportation desk located on level 1. The telephone number for the Taxi is 613-523-1234, no reservation is required. Average fare to downtown is $37.
Bus: departs from pillar 14 outside the level 1 Arrivals area. Route 97 uses low-floor, fully accessible buses that accommodate wheelchairs.
Bus tickets are available at the Ground Transportation Desk located on level 1 at the central door of the Arrivals area.
Train: As Canada’s national passenger rail service, VIA Rail Canada offers inter-city connections throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada.
AFTER THE FINISH
Accommodations:
The following hotels in Ottawa have served our guests well in the past:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier is a historic landmark hotel in downtown Ottawa adjacent to Parliament Hill, just minutes away from Ottawa’s biggest attractions including the Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, National Gallery of Canada, Shaw Center, and the National Arts Centre.
(800) 257-7544
ARC The Hotel
ARC The Hotel is the premier boutique hotel located in the heart of the Nations Capital. It features 112 uniquely styled guest rooms including 2 Executive suites, 6 Junior suites, and 7 Luxury suites that feature Roman style bathtubs.
(800) 699-2516
Lord Elgin Hotel
This accommodation features 355 guestrooms and 4 suites over 11 floors for a variety of discerning travellers. Many rooms at Lord Elgin offer front views of beautiful Confederation Park and the renowned Rideau Canal, side views of the National Arts Centre, and rear views of Laurier Street. All guestrooms now feature high-speed internet access.
(800) 267-4298
Ambiance B&B
Ambiance B&B is centrally located on a quiet residential street only 10-minute walk to Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal. It was built in 1904 and has been renovated and upgraded to include life's contemporary conveniences all while maintaining the original Victorian charm.
(613) 563-0421
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
Spend some time in Ottawa, visiting the capital city’s many attractions. It is an excellent city for urban cycling, and there are worthwhile museums.
If you have several days:
Extend your trip by joining our Montreal to Ottawa Laurentians Bike adventure.
We recommend the following accommodations in Ottawa for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
- Château Laurier, 1 Rideau Street, Ph: 613-241-1414
- Hotel Andaz, 325 Dalhousie Street, Ph: 613-321-1234
- Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin Street, Ph: 1-800-267-4298
- Auberge The King Edward B&B, 525 King Edward Avenue, Ph: 613-565-6700
Suggested Activities:
The Rideau Canal, a central figure in your trip, is a designated National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From May to early October the Canal becomes a popular spot for cruises, canoes, and kayaks. And during the winter it turns into the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink.
The ByWard Market is one of Canada’s largest public markets and as Ottawa’s number one tourist destination, is well worth a visit. It is home to both a local farmers’ market and artisans with over 260 stands, as well as over 600 businesses. In 2017, the ByWard Market will play host to almost 10 million visitors who are expected to visit the Nation’s Capital in 2017.
The Ottawa Jazz Festival runs each year during the last week of June and first week of July. If you are here during this timeframe, it is not to be missed!
There are many museums and tours to take advantage of while visiting Ottawa. The following links will provide more information regarding their hours of operation, admission, and locations:
- The National Gallery of Canada
- National Arts Centre
- Children’s Museum of History
- Canadian War Museum
- Parliament Hill Tours
MORE READING
The Rideau Canal, completed in 1832, is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. “Rideau” is French for curtain, a fitting term as this tour sets the stage for a superlative show.
This remarkable trip through "Upper Canada" will quickly familiarize you with how Ottawa was originally conceived along Canada's oldest trading route, the Ottawa and Saint Lawrence rivers. It offers up history, culture, and rides through spectacular scenery, with highlights including Gatineau Park (Ottawa’s national park), visiting the Diefenbunker (the top secret cold war nuclear escape facility for the Canadian government), Scottish stone architecture, and the National Historic Site of Fort Henry, built following the American Revolution to protect river trade and attack during the War of 1812.
You will get a strong sense of the history and beauty that Ontario has to offer. We recommend planning extra time in Ottawa at the beginning or end of your adventure to take in some of the capital’s world-class museums, galleries, festivals, restaurants, and performances.
Reading Recommendations for Ottawa
Margaret Atwood: Alias Grace
Alias Grace is a fictionalization of a historical character, Grace Marks, a notorious figure of the 1840’s who was imprisoned for twenty-eight years for her part in the murder of Thomas Kinnear, her wealthy employer, and Nancy Montgomery, his mistress and housekeeper.
Margaret Atwood: The Blind Assassin
Told in a style that magnificently captures the colloquialisms and clichés of the 1930s and 1940s, The Blind Assassin is a richly layered and uniquely rewarding experience. The novel has many threads and a series of events that follow one another at a breathtaking pace. As everything comes together, readers will discover that the story Atwood is telling is not only what it seems to be—but, in fact, much more.
Robertson Davies: The Deptford Trilogy
An omnibus edition of Fifth Business (1970), The Manticore (1972) and World of Wonders (1975). The books, noteworthy for their faultless prose, memorable characters and trenchant humor, follow the fate of three youths from Deptford, Ontario.
Rick Revelle: I Am Algonquin
This book paints a vivid picture of the original peoples of North America before the arrival of Europeans. The novel follows the story of Mahingan and his family as they live the traditional Algonquin way of life in what is now Ontario in the early 14th century.
Alice Munro: Lives of Girls and Women
Munro's only novel, a heartfelt and insightful story of a young girl's coming-of-age on a fox farm in Ontario.
Paul Schliesmann: The Rideau Canal: A Historical Guide
Rideau Canal: A Historical Guide was written and illustrated to provide visitors with a historical overview of the waterway's origins, the story of its supervising engineer and creator Lt.-Col. John By, as well as insights into its operations and construction.
Carolyn B. Heller: Moon Ontario
Contains a good blend of historical and cultural context and practical advice on getting around, trip highlights and places to stay, eat and go out.