By Absolutely! Here’s your complete guide to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Ottawa, Canada’s charming and historic capital 🇨🇦🚌🍁
🏛️ Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa – Quick Guide
🚌 What Is It?
A guided, open-top double-decker (or trolley-style) bus tour that loops through Ottawa’s major landmarks and neighborhoods. You can hop on and off at various stops to explore museums, monuments, markets, and more — at your own pace!
🕐 Operating Season & Hours
- Seasonal: Typically operates late April to late October
- Runs daily from around 10:00 AM to 4:00–5:00 PM
- Buses arrive every 20–30 minutes
- Full loop takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes
🕐 Not available in winter
🎟️ Ticket Prices (via Lady Dive Tours – main provider)
- 1-Day Pass: ~$40 CAD (adult) / ~$25 CAD (child 3–12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$60 CAD (adult) / ~$35 CAD (child)
- Under 3 years old: Free
- Family passes & group discounts available
🎫 Combo options available with boat tours or amphibus (land & water) tours!
🗺️ Top Stops Along the Route
The loop includes 13+ stops, covering the best of Ottawa and even a little bit of Gatineau (Quebec side):
- Parliament Hill 🏛️
- ByWard Market 🛍️
- National Gallery of Canada 🖼️
- Rideau Canal / Locks 🚤
- Canadian Museum of History (across the river in Gatineau)
- Canadian Museum of Nature 🦖
- Canadian War Museum
- Downtown / Sparks Street
- Rideau Hall (Governor General’s residence)
- Royal Canadian Mint
- LeBreton Flats
- Ottawa River Cruise dock
🗺️ Route map available at ladydive.com
🎧 Tour Features
- Live bilingual guides (English & French)
- Some tours may also include pre-recorded audio
- Learn about Ottawa’s history, government, architecture, and fun local trivia
📱 How to Book
- Online: ladydive.com
- In person at 59 Sparks Street (main ticket booth near Parliament Hill)
- Also available via Viator, Tripadvisor, or hotel desks
🌧️ Weather-Friendly?
✅ Yes! Runs rain or shine
- Open-top deck for great views (weather permitting)
- Lower level or covered seating available if it rains
👨👩👧👦 Is It Family-Friendly?
Totally!
- Great for kids (especially the open-top or amphibus)
- Stroller-friendly
- Kids under 3 ride free
💡 Why It’s Worth It
- Covers Canada’s capital without walking miles
- Easy access to top museums, Parliament, and markets
- Get bilingual guided narration — great for visitors from anywhere
- Option to combine with Ottawa River boat tour or amphibus
Want the FAQ version next? Or a suggested itinerary with museums and views? Just say the word!
Of course! Here’s your complete Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa – FAQ to help you explore Canada’s capital with ease 🇨🇦🚌✨
🏛️ Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What is a hop-on hop-off bus tour?
It’s a guided sightseeing tour that loops around Ottawa’s top attractions. You can hop off at any stop, explore at your own pace, then hop back on the next bus. A great way to see a lot without the hassle of parking or transit.
🕐 When does the tour operate?
- Seasonal service: Late April to late October
- Daily tours run from about 10:00 AM to 4:00–5:00 PM
- Buses arrive every 20–30 minutes
- Full loop (no stops) takes about 75 minutes
🕒 No service in winter (November–April)
💰 How much does it cost?
Pricing (via Lady Dive Tours):
- 1-Day Pass: ~$40 CAD (adults) / ~$25 CAD (children 3–12)
- 2-Day Pass: ~$60 CAD (adults) / ~$35 CAD (children)
- Kids under 3: Ride free
- Family & group discounts available
🎟️ Optional combo packages available with:
- Ottawa River boat cruise
- Amphibus tour (land + water!)
🗺️ What are the main stops?
Top stops on the route include:
- Parliament Hill 🏛️
- ByWard Market 🛍️
- Rideau Canal Locks 🚤
- Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau side)
- National Gallery of Canada
- Canadian War Museum
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- Rideau Hall (Governor General’s residence)
- Royal Canadian Mint
- Sparks Street
- Dow’s Lake (seasonal)
- River Cruise Dock
🗺️ Route map available on ladydive.com
🎧 Is there a guide or audio tour?
Yes!
- Buses feature live bilingual guides (English & French)
- Learn about Ottawa’s history, culture, architecture, politics, and fun facts
- Some buses may offer recorded narration if a live guide isn’t present
📍 Where do I board the bus?
You can hop on at any official stop, but the main pickup point is:
- 📍 59 Sparks Street, right near Parliament Hill
🌧️ Do tours run in bad weather?
✅ Yes! The tour runs rain or shine
- Open-top deck is weather-permitting
- Covered lower deck available during rain or cooler weather
👨👩👧👦 Is it good for families?
Absolutely!
- Fun for kids (especially the open-top ride)
- Stroller-friendly
- Under 3s ride free
- Easy access to museums and markets
🧳 Can I bring luggage?
- Small backpacks or bags: ✅
- Large suitcases/luggage: ❌ (not permitted due to space)
📱 How do I buy tickets?
You can purchase:
- Online: ladydive.com
- In person at Sparks Street ticket booth
- Through Viator, Tripadvisor, or hotel front desks
🔁 How long is my pass valid?
- 1-Day Pass: Valid for one calendar day (not 24 hours)
- 2-Day Pass: Valid on two consecutive days
🎁 Are there combo packages?
Yes! You can bundle with:
- 🛥️ Ottawa River cruise
- 🚌🚤 Amphibus tour (drive + float with one vehicle!)
- 🎟️ Entry to museums (on select packages)
Want help building a custom 1- or 2-day Ottawa sightseeing plan using the tour? I can help you fit in Parliament, museums, food, and fun with zero stress!
