Explore Ottawa’s Oldest Neighbourhood On This Captivating Tour
As an excellent complement to our “Discover The Capital: Historical Highlights Walking Tour”, step back in time and experience the grit and glory of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhood. Explore the rough-and-tumble days of Bytown where Irish canal workers clashed in the Shiners’ War, French Canadian families fiercely protected their language, culture and traditions, and lumberjacks boozed and brawled at the legendary Château Lafayette. From bustling Market Square to the powerful symbolism of the National Peacekeeping Memorial, this lively two-hour tour uncovers the people, struggles, and stories that shaped Canada’s capital. Discover the past and explore today’s ByWard Market like never before.
While learning about this downtown residential area you can expect to see:
Notre Dame Cathedral-Basilica
Entrance to the building possible*
Discover Parisian Grandeur in the Heart of Canada’s Capital
National Peacekeeping-Reconciliation Monument
Commemorative Monument in Ottawa
A Nation’s Promise – A Symbol of Global Hope
Royal Canadian Mint of Ottawa
A million-dollar view on Sussex Drive
The Castle of Coins – Canada’s Vault of Treasures
Secret Courtyards
Serenity in the Heart of the Market
Cobblestones & Curiosities – The Secret Lanes of Lowertown
The Giant Spider (Maman)
Meet the World-Famous sculpture by renowned artist Louise Bourgeois
Silver Spires and Iron Legs – The Guardian of the Gallery
Chateau Lafayette
The Soul and Spirit of the Market
Step into 1849 – A Pint of History at Ottawa’s Oldest Tavern
Cundell Stables
A Living Legacy in the Heart of the Market
Discover the Hidden Pulse of Ottawa’s Last Operational Urban Stable
Ottawa Sign
Must-Have Photo Op!
The Capital in 3D – Find Your Place in the OTTAWA Sign
Tour Notes & Start Location
- Tours are available in English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Português & Italiano
- Tour Length: 2 hours
- All tours are fully customizable. Let us know if you have any special interests, time or mobility constraints. We can accommodate walkers of every fitness level.
- Tours run rain or shine, regardless of temperature. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- Tours generally depart from the Crazy Moose of Ottawa Clothing Co. located on 71 William St, 1/2 block north of the Rideau Centre and 1/2 block south of the ByWard Market Building; however, we can accommodate your hotel if you are staying in a downtown Ottawa hotel.
- Look for our guide with the RED UMBRELLA
- Visit our “Contact Us/FAQ” for answers to any questions you may have.
