Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Discount Tickets

4.4
★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews |

Get your discount tickets for the Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour, save up to 9% !

Overview

Are you looking for a way to explore Ottawa at your own pace? On this self-guided audio tour, you will relive Ottawa‘s turbulent early history when rioters and rogues ran rampant. Ottawa‘s significance extends beyond its Houses of Parliament and famous museums. Before becoming Canada‘s capital, it was a rough, lawless place in the wilderness. On this walking tour through old Bytown, you’ll trace the city’s evolution from a small lumber town to Queen Victoria‘s choice as Canada‘s capital and discover Ottawa‘s hidden backstory. You'll stroll down York Street and learn about the early days of the iconic Byward Market. Ottawa‘s past will come to life in the serene Jeanne d‘Arc Courtyard, where you‘ll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that fueled the feuding Bytown residents. On Sussex Drive, you‘ll explore popular sites from new perspectives and travel back to when rogues, rioters, and disease made the streets unsafe.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

The tour begins at the entrance to Major's Hill Park on Mackenzie Avenue, just behind the Chateau Laurier Hotel. It starts directly opposite 555 Mackenzie Avenue, the Connaught Building.

End Point

End point

The tour ends at Sapper's Bridge.

Language Offered

English-AUDIO

English-WRITTEN

Itinerary

1. Statue of John By
Begin your tour at Major's Hill Park, where you'll pay tribute to Colonel John By, the visionary behind the Rideau Canal, at his statue overlooking the Ottawa River.
2. Rideau Canal
Pass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario.
3. Major's Hill Park
Explore Major's Hill Park, a scenic green space offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
4. York Steps
Walk down York Street, passing by the York Steps, which played a significant role in the early development of Bytown.
5. York Street Millennium Fountain
Pass by the York Street Millennium Fountain, a modern landmark symbolizing Ottawa's ongoing evolution and progress.
6. ByWard Market
Discover the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, bustling with vendors, restaurants, and artisans.
7. Rochon House
Learn about Rochon House, a historic building with ties to Ottawa's early lumber industry and cultural heritage.
8. Bruyère Health Élisabeth-Bruyère Hospital
Discover the legacy of Élisabeth Bruyère, who founded Ottawa's first hospital to serve the community's healthcare needs.
9. La Salle Academy
Pass by LaSalle Academy, a historic educational institution contributing to Ottawa's intellectual and cultural landscape since its establishment.
10. Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
End your tour at Sussex Drive, where you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture and a testament to Ottawa's rich religious heritage.

Inclusion

Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it

The virtual playback option, so you can listen to this tour like an audiobook from anywhere

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Exclusion

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Transportation

Food and Drink

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • 100% refund if cancelled 1+ days before the start date
  • 0% refund if cancelled less than 1 day(s) before the start date

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring your own smartphone and headphones

Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Reviews

4.4

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
7
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
1

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