8 Best Bus Tour Services in Ottawa
Bus tours are a great way to experience destinations alone, with family, or with friends. So if you’re in for a ride, this list of the best bus tour services in Ottawa is what you need.
However, before we hit the road, let’s first discuss the costs.
How much do bus tours cost in Ottawa?
Since the prices of bus tours depend on multiple factors like the number of destinations and the time of year, we decided to include the average price of a 7-day trip in the area. The average prices are based on the number of travelers.
There are many companies today that offer cheaper packages for larger groups. So you might want to watch out for those if you’re traveling with more people.
1. Gray Line Ottawa
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
When searching for bus tours in Ottawa, we think that Gray Line is one of the best providers to consider. This is because it offers various informative and entertaining sightseeing tours you can choose from.
There are one-day passes that let you explore important places like museums and other historic sites. Then there’s also the classic city tour, which is perfect for travelers with limited time to see more attractions.
The best part here is that tourists can get a better view of their surroundings with the company’s double-decker buses. The 2-day passes also come with a 50% discount on the second day, which is a cheaper way of exploring more places in the city.
It’s also nice that the company has add-on options that let tourists experience more fun activities. Should your time and budget allow, you might be interested to join its Lady Dive Tours or its Ottawa River Cruise.
If you’re into museums and art galleries, its museum add-ons at discounted rates would be great for you, too.
Apart from tour packages, we like this company because there are also private charters you could rent. Its large fleet allows customers to choose what works best for them.
There are, however, no price guides provided. Further, the tours are also limited within the city, so people who are interested in visiting neighboring places might need to look for other options.
Despite these, we still think that Gray Line Ottawa is a good company for your tour needs.
Pros
- Various tour packages
- Add-ons available
- Discount promotions
- Private charters
- Bilingual guide
- Open daily
Cons
- No price guides provided
- Tours are limited within the city
Customer Reviews
This is definitely the way to go
“I had a great time on my tour. The staff are great and the tour guides are excellent. If you want to see the biggest attractions in Ottawa, this is definitely the way to go.” — Jeremy Dawkins, Google Reviews
Excellent way to see the city
“Excellent way to see the city. You get to hop on and off at different sites, it serves as transportation and as a tour. Couldn’t ask for a better way to explore Ottawa.” — Leon Harris, Google Reviews
2. Ottawa Valley Tours
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
With more than 50 years of experience, we trust that Ottawa Valley Tours is a good company for bus tour needs. Aside from specializing in scheduled group tours, there are also options that extend from one-day tours to “No-Fly” cruises to places like the Caribbean.
We also like the idea that the company accommodates custom packages, which is great for people who want things to go their way.
For its one-day tours, there are a few options you can choose from. You may opt to visit a live professional theater in places like Morrisburg or join nature walks at the Montreal Botanical Gardens.
We appreciate that there is a downloadable brochure for these different tours, which we think will be useful for customers in planning their trips.
There are tour packages for other places in Canada and the US, too. So if you plan on creating memories far from home, these packages might work for you.
The only downside we found is that there are no price guides provided. Travelers coming to Ottawa through private vehicles might also have to secure a parking space elsewhere since the company has no reserved parking.
On a different note, the provider offers travel insurance for extra convenience. On top of these, because it accepts multiple payment methods, the process of booking tours is also made a lot easier.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of packages
- Specializes in group tours
- Custom packages
- Downloadable brochure
- Travel insurance option
- Multiple payment methods
Cons
- Reserved parking unavailable
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Enjoyed all trips
“I want on couple trip with Ottawa Valley Tour like New York, Quebec City, Niagara Falls and Toronto. I really enjoy all trip especially talent advisor Kelly.” — Jason Tierney, Google Reviews
A no-hassle trip
“I’ve traveled with this company in the past and they’re pretty reliable. The people at this branch are knowledgeable about the many destinations they provide. I liked the guides that accompanied us on our last trip to New York, so much so we are going again in several months. A no hassle trip.” — Lorraine Maclellan, Google Reviews
3. Travac Tours
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
We like Travac Tours because it offers various tours that cover places like Ontario, Quebec, and other neighboring areas. There are also available American and international tours should you be interested to spend the holidays outside Canada.
There are available cruises, too, if you want to have a no-fly experience traveling to places like Alaska and the Caribbean.
To help you better plan your travels, the company has provided a tour calendar, which we appreciate. We also like that it provides additional travel services like travel insurance that are great in cases of cancellations or medical emergencies.
The only problem here is that the company only sells this type of insurance to residents of Ontario. Further, aside from having no price guides, there are also no parking privileges at pickup and drop-off locations.
If you’re traveling alone and require some help with your itinerary, the company can assist you in planning things out for a service charge of $75. We think this is a fair price, especially if you are unsure of where to start.
It was also nice to know that the company was awarded a SafeTravels Stamp. This simply means that it has adopted standard health and hygiene protocols that help its customers achieve safe travels.
Pros
- A wide array of tour packages
- Travel insurance
- Tour calendar
- Custom travel plans
- SafeTravels Stamp
Cons
- No parking privileges for private vehicles
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Knowledgeable and helpful
“This company has some of the best travel packages I’ve ever been on. From bus trips to NYC in central major hotels to European getaways with a nice balance between free time and touring. A representative escorts you from Ottawa airport through the challenge of changing planes, terminals etc. Any of the hosts I’ve encountered have been knowledgable and helpful. Highly recommend this company to anyone who loves travel but dreads the hassles associated with getting to your destination.” — Danny Mercier, Google Reviews
Used this travel agency for over 10 years
“I have used this Travel agency for over 10 years for booking large group trips through work and recently a personal vacation. The service offered by this agency, especially Cindy and her supportive team, is by far best I have ever had. Quick to offer solutions and ensure everyone is treated fairly (which can be a difficult task in big groups of students or family members when planning a family get away). They are quick to respond to questions either through email or phone and always do so with a smile. Would highly recommend, as they take the guess work out of booking travel and ensure that all points are covered (even ones that you would not think of on your own).” — Tara Ettinger, Google Reviews
4. MidEarth Travel
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
MidEarth Travel is one of the best options for bus tours as it offers countless options. Aside from local bus tours and vacation packages, there are also international packages in various parts of Asia and Europe.
We like that it is a proud member of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). This means that the company observes government regulations based on the travel industry standards when operating.
This translates to better confidence in the services it provides its patrons.
Since it offers international packages, the company can help you with booking your flights and hotel reservations. For additional convenience, MidEarth Travel can even take care of your visa application so you worry less.
As it has partnerships with travel insurance companies like RBC Travel Insurance, you may also opt to get your insurance coverage here.
Should you need some tour bus and driver chartering services, the company also has them. You might, however, need to book earlier to ensure availability as these services vary seasonally.
There are also no price guides provided for these additional services, so you might need to request a quote from the provider.
We appreciate that it offers special deals that help customers save more. Also commendable is its bilingual website, which is great for customers who are not very familiar with English.
Pros
- Numerous tour packages
- A member of TICO
- Travel insurance
- Chartering services
- Special deals
- Price guides available
- Bilingual website
Cons
- No price guides for some services
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
Best tour package and service provider
“MidEarth Travel is the best tour package and service provider. I had an amazing experience in air ticket booking/rescheduling during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The customer services are excellent and the staff are really helpful and responsible. We do strongly recommend this professional travel agency for air tickets, bus tours, vacation packages and other services. We will certainly continue using their services!” — Yanfang Guo, Google Reviews
High-quality service
“I joined a 3-Day Toronto Tour recently. Well planned journey, great customer service, helpful driver, nice hotel, great weather, lovely talking with other travelers! I enjoyed this trip very much, and I do recommend this professional travel agency. Thank you so much for your high-quality service!” — Zhou Jiaxing, Google Reviews
5. Round Tours
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Among the different bus tour services in the area, we think that Round Tours is one of the best choices you could have. One of the things we like about it is that it offers a lot of different tour packages that might interest you.
If you’re new to Ottawa, you might want to consider trying its day trips, which will help you discover nice places in the area. If you’re the more independent type, its self-guided option is ideal for you.
We appreciate that its website has provided details and price guides to help customers get a better picture of what’s ahead of them. Some of the services, however, would require you to contact the company for the information needed.
We also commend Round Tours for working hard to provide something new for its customers. Its upcoming small group and winery tours are some of the things people can look forward to.
Another interesting thing about the company is that it rewards people when they refer someone they know. Aside from a $10 refund, you’ll also get an additional $10 discount on your next booking.
This, however, only applies to new clients and when the referred individual books a qualifying trip. Nonetheless, we think that it is a nice way to help its customers save more.
Pros
- Numerous tour options
- New tour packages
- Price guides
- Referral reward
Cons
- Relatively limited services
- Closed on Sundays
Customer Reviews
I highly recommend
“I loved going with Round Tours. Aside from our two super tour managers, the trip allowed me to meet new people and a new city without having to deal with boring details when planning a trip. I highly recommend” — Clémence Guillotin, Google Reviews
Made the trip memorable
“Super fun trip to Quebec, the leaders Phil and Tia were super nice and made the trip memorable!” — Wajihah Ali, Google Reviews
6. Lady Dive Tours
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If you’re searching for an Ottawa tour bus rental, charter service, or to book for a party of 11 or more, Lady Dive Tours is the place to go. They are happy to provide the greatest bus and boat tours of Ottawa and Gatineau.
Their trips have the most diversity thus, whether you want an amphibus or an open top double decker bus, they have a tour designed just for you. Speaking of amphibus, it is a one hour visit in a bus that goes on land and water.
It is the finest method to see the National Capital Region. They are delighted to state that it is the only one in Ontario. Furthermore, their superb multilingual tour guides on board provide an interesting, instructive, and restful experience.
This trip is a must-do if you want to explore the most important landmarks in Ottawa-Gatineau as well as the breathtaking views from the Ottawa River.
Pros
- Unique bus tours
- Experienced and multilingual tour guides
- Great attention to detail in showcasing the places
Cons
- Rates are a bit pricey
Customer Reviews
It was my first time visiting Ottawa and this tour gave me a good presentation of the city
“It was my first time visiting Ottawa and this tour gave me a good presentation of the city. The switch between land and water was also a really cool and exciting idea. The staff at the booth were really helpful. We missed our initial tour but they helped us to get onto the subsequent one when there were some vacancy.” – Paul Lai
The tour was pretty good and the guide was nice and answered questions.
“Did the 1.5 hour double decker bus tour. The tour was pretty good and the guide was nice and answered questions. Got some good shots of landmarks all over Ottawa and learned some stuff too. Did want to do the amphibious tour too, but there was a 4.5 hour wait for next tour due to being sold out on previous time frames.” – Ree Smith
7. Cobblestone Ottawa
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Competitive Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Tour Packages | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| Add-Ons and Other Services | ★★★★✩ (4/5) |
| General Feedback | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Cobblestone Ottawa provides one of the most unique tours. Instead of laying low in winter seasons since it’s snow and because of the lockdown. However, Cobblestone Ottawa has made an option for us to explore Ottawa in their vintage tour bus on winters.
Their winter city tours have become the talk of the town. For one hour and ten minutes, you can explore Ottawa and Gatineau and get an instructive, relaxing, and enjoyable tour of the National Capital Region’s most noteworthy places.
They also entertain private bookings wherein you can charter one of their vehicles and take a look around Ottawa with a driver and tour guide included. They can accommodate the needs, time, route, and desires of your group.
Come and check out Cobblestone Ottawa, they provide the only winter bus in Ottawa and they have 11 stops scattered throughout the region, including the Rideau Canal and the main sites of Winterlude.
Pros
- Experienced tour guides
- Provide unique touring experience
- Open seven days a week
Cons
Customer Reviews
Got to see some places that otherwise by foot we wouldn’t have seen
“We did the last tour at 4pm. It was very informative, got to see and learn a little about some major landmarks. Got to see some places that otherwise by foot we wouldn’t have seen. And on the way back as it was getting dark we got to see some of the Christmas lights around the city. Very nice tour, would recommend if you are in the area” – Cristina Ungo
Riding their vintage bus is definitely a bonus
“If you have visitors or new to Ottawa yourself, get to know the Capital City and it’s landmarks stress free with Cobblestone. Riding their vintage bus is definitely a bonus and makes it a unique, informative and memorable tour.” – Maureen Moles
8. La Vida Local Food & Wine Tours
La Vida Local is an epicurean adventure company established in Ottawa that offers guided food and wine bus trips around rural Eastern Ontario and West Quebec.
They provide personalized, door-to-door group, special occasion, and corporate bus trips to Ottawa Valley wineries, distilleries, cideries, and craft brewers.
From 20+ vineyards producing cold-hardy grapes and award-winning wines, to artisan cheesemakers, cideries and craft distilleries, the Ottawa Valley is an agri-tourist’s dream. Yet, very few people are aware of the rich bounty available within 100 km of Parliament Hill.
La Vida Local introduces, promotes, and transports inhabitants and tourists alike to the enormous diversity of epicurean delights found in the National Capital’s backyard’s picturesque and legendary setting.
Eastern Ontario is home to countless one-of-a-kind flavors and experiences just waiting to be savored and enjoyed, whether it’s wine made from regionally unique Frontenac grapes, craft-distilled vodka made from 100% locally sourced ingredients, or a bag of satisfyingly squeaky, farm-fresh cheese curds.
Pros
- Fun and memorable bus tours
- Available seven days a week
- Great customer support
- Experienced tour guides
Cons
- Expensive rates
Customer Reviews
We enjoyed this tour so much the first time, we booked again this year.
“We enjoyed this tour so much the first time, we booked again this year. As expected, we were not disappointed… The tour showcased some excellent local wineries and breweries. I’m now watching for other tour venues.” – Tony Goddard
Iona was a great, informative and organized host.
“I booked a private West end tour with La Vida Local for a friend’s bachelorette party. Iona was a great, informative and organized host. We made stops at Needhams, Farmgate and Dairy Distillery – all great spots. The girls loved it, everyone had a good time. The food and drinks were fantastic. 10/10 recommend.” – Pri Chaya
FAQs about Bus Tours in Ottawa
Bus tours are no doubt a great way to travel and relax. So we hope that this list has helped you figure out where to book your next tour!
Looking for a full-service agency to help you with all your travel needs? This article on the top travel agencies in Ottawa might be useful.