Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By Absolutely! 🇨🇦 Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a compact yet culturally rich city with beautiful landmarks like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and world-class museums. A Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is the easiest and most scenic way to explore it all — especially if you’re only in town for a day or two!
Here’s your full guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa Bus Tours, including prices, routes, and FAQs.
🚌 Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa Bus Tours
💡 Note: There’s one main operator in Ottawa for classic HOHO tours — Gray Line Ottawa, also known as Lady Dive Tours — with combo and themed options making up most of the “top 10” list.
1. Gray Line Ottawa Hop-On Hop-Off Double-Decker Bus Tour
- Price: ~$49 CAD (Adult), ~$30 CAD (Child 5–12), Free under 5
- Route: 15+ stops
- Highlights: Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, Canadian Museum of History, Rideau Hall, Notre-Dame Basilica
- Map: Lady Dive Tour Map
- Extras: Multilingual audio guide, 1.5–2-hour full loop
- Best For: Classic sightseeing — all the major stops at your pace
2. HOHO + Amphibus (Land & Water) Tour Combo
- Price: ~$84 CAD (Adult)
- Includes: HOHO bus + 1-hour guided “Amphibus” tour (goes into the Ottawa River!)
- Best For: Those wanting to ride on land and water — very popular in summer 🦆
3. HOHO + Canadian Museum of History Combo
- Price: ~$68 CAD
- Includes: HOHO pass + entry to Canada’s national history museum (located in Gatineau)
- Best For: Museum lovers & families
4. HOHO + Canadian War Museum Combo
- Price: ~$64 CAD
- Includes: HOHO ticket + admission to Canada’s military history museum
- Best For: History buffs 🇨🇦
5. HOHO + Rideau Hall Guided Experience
- Price: ~$49 CAD (bus only, Hall visit is free but timed)
- Includes: HOHO bus to Rideau Hall (Governor General’s residence)
- Tip: You must pre-book your free tour at Rideau Hall — it fills fast
6. HOHO + Aviation and Space Museum Shuttle Add-On
- Price: ~$72 CAD
- Includes: HOHO + shuttle to Canadian Aviation and Space Museum + admission
- Best For: Kids and aircraft enthusiasts 🛩️
7. HOHO + Ottawa River Boat Cruise Combo
- Price: ~$89 CAD
- Includes: 1-day HOHO + 1.5-hour Ottawa River sightseeing boat cruise
- Best For: Summer travelers wanting a scenic break on the water
8. Bilingual Guided HOHO Tour (Live Commentary Option)
- Price: ~$49 CAD (same as standard)
- Features: English and French live commentary on select buses
- Best For: Travelers wanting real-time cultural and political insights
9. GetYourGuide: HOHO Ottawa Ticket
- Price: ~$49 CAD
- Route: Same as Gray Line
- Best For: Easy mobile tickets and flexible refund options
10. Private Group HOHO Tour (Chartered Option)
- Price: ~$450+ CAD (up to 10 guests)
- Includes: Personalized guide, vehicle, and route flexibility
- Best For: VIP groups or family reunions
🗺️ Top Stops on the Ottawa HOHO Tour
| Stop | Attractions Nearby |
|---|---|
| Parliament Hill | Changing of the Guard, Peace Tower |
| ByWard Market | Restaurants, boutiques, BeaverTails 🧇 |
| Canadian Museum of History | Stunning riverfront museum in Gatineau |
| Rideau Canal Locks | UNESCO World Heritage Site, boating in summer, skating in winter |
| National Gallery of Canada | Indigenous and Canadian art collections |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | Gothic revival basilica, right across from the art gallery |
| Royal Canadian Mint | Take a tour, hold a gold bar |
| Canadian War Museum | Modern architecture, military exhibits |
| Rideau Hall | Governor General’s residence and gardens |
| Dows Lake / Tulip Festival | Tulip bloom in spring, paddleboat rentals in summer |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Ottawa
✅ Is the HOHO bus worth it in Ottawa?
Yes! Ottawa’s top sights are spread between downtown and Gatineau (across the river), so a HOHO bus makes it easy — especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid walking hills.
🕒 How long does the full loop take?
- About 1.5 to 2 hours with no stops
📍 Where should I start?
Most people begin at Gray Line Kiosk in front of Parliament Hill / Elgin Street (Stop #1), but you can hop on at any stop.
🗣️ Are there live guides?
Some buses feature live bilingual guides, while others offer pre-recorded audio in English, French, Spanish, German, and more.
🕘 When do buses run?
- Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (May to mid-October)
- Buses run every 30–45 minutes
♿ Are buses accessible?
Most double-deckers do not have full wheelchair access, but alternatives (like shuttles or Amphibus) may be available with notice — call ahead to confirm.
📱 Is there an app or tracker?
Not currently — but you’ll receive a paper map and live updates at boarding points.
Would you like me to build you a perfect Ottawa HOHO itinerary with museum timing, lunch at ByWard, and a scenic river stop? 🥖🏛️
Or I can create a custom Google Map with all the stops, nearby attractions, and local eats — just let me know!
