A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History
Things to know
About the Activity
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.50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes
Private Tour
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Travel Date
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Travelers
Inclusions & Exclusions
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
Smartphone and headphones
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Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
Statue of John By(Pass By)
Mackenzie Avenue, Located in Major's Hill Park, Ottawa, Canada, K1N 1G8Begin 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.View LocationPass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario.View Location
Major's Hill Park(Pass By)
Mackenzie Ave, Behind the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Canada, K1N 1G8Explore Major's Hill Park, a scenic green space offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.View LocationWalk down York Street, passing by the York Steps, which played a significant role in the early development of Bytown.View Location
Pass by the York Street Millennium Fountain, a modern landmark symbolizing Ottawa's ongoing evolution and progress.View Location
ByWard Market(Pass By)
55 ByWard Market Square, Ottawa, Canada, K1N 9C3Discover the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, bustling with vendors, restaurants, and artisans.View LocationEnter the serene Jeanne d'Arc Courtyard, where you'll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that shaped Bytown's early community.View Location
Learn about Rochon House, a historic building with ties to Ottawa's early lumber industry and cultural heritage.View Location
Meeting and Pickup
Starting point
1
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.View Location
End point
1
The tour ends at Sapper's Bridge.View Location
Pickup details
Customers must make their own way to and meet at the start point- Travelers CANNOT choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
Language And Guide
Audio Guide Available In
- English
Printed Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
Tickets will be delivered post-booking by email; or, physically delivered to the customer or the customer's hotelVOICEMAP CODE ─── Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour. This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code. DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS ─── 1. Once you've received your code, please follow these steps: 2. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app 3. Create an account 4. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes 5. Enter your code then select Download Now PLEASE NOTE ─── You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point. This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next. When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at theCancellation & Refunds
Cannot be cancelled or amended without incurring a 100% penalty; i.e., the refund amount will be zero.- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Reviews from Travelers
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No reviews found!Operated by VoiceMap Audio ToursCreated on 12 Apr 2024Created on 16 May 2025
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