Absolutely! Here’s your complete guide to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Ottawa, Canadaโ€™s charming and historic capital ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐ŸšŒ๐Ÿ


๐Ÿ›๏ธ Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa โ€“ Quick Guide

๐ŸšŒ What Is It?

A guided, open-top double-decker (or trolley-style) bus tour that loops through Ottawaโ€™s major landmarks and neighborhoods. You can hop on and off at various stops to explore museums, monuments, markets, and more โ€” at your own pace!


๐Ÿ• Operating Season & Hours

  • Seasonal: Typically operates late April to late October
  • Runs daily from around 10:00 AM to 4:00โ€“5:00 PM
  • Buses arrive every 20โ€“30 minutes
  • Full loop takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes

๐Ÿ• Not available in winter


๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Ticket Prices (via Lady Dive Tours โ€“ main provider)

  • 1-Day Pass: ~$40 CAD (adult) / ~$25 CAD (child 3โ€“12)
  • 2-Day Pass: ~$60 CAD (adult) / ~$35 CAD (child)
  • Under 3 years old: Free
  • Family passes & group discounts available

๐ŸŽซ Combo options available with boat tours or amphibus (land & water) tours!


๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Top Stops Along the Route

The loop includes 13+ stops, covering the best of Ottawa and even a little bit of Gatineau (Quebec side):

  1. Parliament Hill ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
  2. ByWard Market ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
  3. National Gallery of Canada ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ
  4. Rideau Canal / Locks ๐Ÿšค
  5. Canadian Museum of History (across the river in Gatineau)
  6. Canadian Museum of Nature ๐Ÿฆ–
  7. Canadian War Museum
  8. Downtown / Sparks Street
  9. Rideau Hall (Governor Generalโ€™s residence)
  10. Royal Canadian Mint
  11. LeBreton Flats
  12. Ottawa River Cruise dock

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Route map available at ladydive.com


๐ŸŽง Tour Features

  • Live bilingual guides (English & French)
  • Some tours may also include pre-recorded audio
  • Learn about Ottawaโ€™s history, government, architecture, and fun local trivia

๐Ÿ“ฑ 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

๐ŸŒง๏ธ Weather-Friendly?

โœ… Yes! Runs rain or shine

  • Open-top deck for great views (weather permitting)
  • Lower level or covered seating available if it rains

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Is It Family-Friendly?

Totally!

  • Great for kids (especially the open-top or amphibus)
  • Stroller-friendly
  • Kids under 3 ride free

๐Ÿ’ก Why Itโ€™s Worth It

  • Covers Canadaโ€™s capital without walking miles
  • Easy access to top museums, Parliament, and markets
  • Get bilingual guided narration โ€” 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! Hereโ€™s your complete Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa โ€“ FAQ to help you explore Canadaโ€™s capital with ease ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐ŸšŒโœจ


๐Ÿ›๏ธ Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa โ€“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


โ“ What is a hop-on hop-off bus tour?

Itโ€™s a guided sightseeing tour that loops around Ottawaโ€™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.


๐Ÿ• When does the tour operate?

  • Seasonal service: Late April to late October
  • Daily tours run from about 10:00 AM to 4:00โ€“5:00 PM
  • Buses arrive every 20โ€“30 minutes
  • Full loop (no stops) takes about 75 minutes

๐Ÿ•’ No service in winter (Novemberโ€“April)


๐Ÿ’ฐ How much does it cost?

Pricing (via Lady Dive Tours):

  • 1-Day Pass: ~$40 CAD (adults) / ~$25 CAD (children 3โ€“12)
  • 2-Day Pass: ~$60 CAD (adults) / ~$35 CAD (children)
  • Kids under 3: Ride free
  • Family & group discounts available

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Optional combo packages available with:

  • Ottawa River boat cruise
  • Amphibus tour (land + water!)

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ What are the main stops?

Top stops on the route include:

  • Parliament Hill ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
  • ByWard Market ๐Ÿ›๏ธ
  • Rideau Canal Locks ๐Ÿšค
  • Canadian Museum of History (Gatineau side)
  • National Gallery of Canada
  • Canadian War Museum
  • Canadian Museum of Nature
  • Rideau Hall (Governor Generalโ€™s residence)
  • Royal Canadian Mint
  • Sparks Street
  • Dowโ€™s Lake (seasonal)
  • River Cruise Dock

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Route map available on ladydive.com


๐ŸŽง Is there a guide or audio tour?

Yes!

  • Buses feature live bilingual guides (English & French)
  • Learn about Ottawaโ€™s history, culture, architecture, politics, and fun facts
  • Some buses may offer recorded narration if a live guide isn’t present

๐Ÿ“ Where do I board the bus?

You can hop on at any official stop, but the main pickup point is:

  • ๐Ÿ“ 59 Sparks Street, right near Parliament Hill

๐ŸŒง๏ธ Do tours run in bad weather?

โœ… Yes! The tour runs rain or shine

  • Open-top deck is weather-permitting
  • Covered lower deck available during rain or cooler weather

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ 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

๐Ÿงณ Can I bring luggage?

  • Small backpacks or bags: โœ…
  • Large suitcases/luggage: โŒ (not permitted due to space)

๐Ÿ“ฑ 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

๐Ÿ” 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

๐ŸŽ Are there combo packages?

Yes! You can bundle with:

  • ๐Ÿ›ฅ๏ธ Ottawa River cruise
  • ๐ŸšŒ๐Ÿšค Amphibus tour (drive + float with one vehicle!)
  • ๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ 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!