Ottawa & the Rideau Canal Bike Tour

The Rideau Canal, completed in 1832, is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America, and one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century. “Rideau” is French for curtain, a fitting term as this tour sets the stage for a superlative show.

This remarkable trip through "Upper Canada" will quickly familiarize you with how Ottawa was originally conceived along Canada's oldest trading route, the Ottawa and Saint Lawrence rivers. It offers up history, culture, and rides through spectacular scenery, with highlights including Gatineau Park (Ottawa’s national park), visiting the Diefenbunker (the top secret cold war nuclear escape facility for the Canadian government), Scottish stone architecture, and the National Historic Site of Fort Henry, built following the American Revolution to protect river trade and attack during the War of 1812.

You will get a strong sense of the history and beauty that Ontario has to offer. We recommend planning extra time in Ottawa at the beginning or end of your adventure to take in some of the capital’s world-class museums, galleries, festivals, restaurants, and performances.