© Claire Kowalewicz
Photo: Tourisme Outaouais
Explore the nation's capital from a whole new angle! Climb aboard the iconic Lady Dive Tours vehicles and let us guide you through a rich, varied and colorful touring experience. Here are 10 excellent reasons to choose this must-do activity for your next visit to the Outaouais region.
Be greeted in English or French by dynamic guides who adapt their speech to your preferred language. Travelling with friends or family speaking other languages? The Lady Dive Tours’ mobile app lets you hear the tours in nine different languages, including French, English, Portuguese, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Japanese, Russian and Ukrainian. The app is available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Enjoy the unique experience of a vehicle rolling through downtown streets before transforming into a boat to navigate the Ottawa River – all without changing seats! This is the only Amphibus in the province of Ottawa!
For a truly complete experience, opt for a combined package that lets you experience two unique perspectives of the region. Start by exploring the lively streets of Gatineau-Ottawa aboard the double-decker bus, then continue your adventure on the water with a guided cruise. There are two options for the cruise part: the Ottawa River or the Rideau Canal. For the Ottawa River cruise, board the Paula-D, Ottawa River Cruise boat, board a beautiful boat and take in spectacular views of Ottawa and Gatineau from the water. For the Rideau-Canal excursion, climb aboard a 100% electric boat with Rideau Canal Cruises. A zen and suitable way to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you choose the majestic riverside views or the historic calm of the canal, you’ll see the capital at its best.
Whatever the weather, comfort is guaranteed. Our vehicles allow to enjoy your visit to the fullest, rain or shine. On sunny days, take a seat on the upper deck: bring your sunglasses and enjoy the view.
On rainy days, take a seat on the lower level: see the sights through the buss’s large windows, and take advantage of the guides proximity to ask questions.
With the option Hop On-Hop Off, choose from 15 strategic stops to hop off, explore and hop back on later. Stroll around the main kiosk. Discover the impressive exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Nature. Picnic in Landsdowne Park. Soak up the sun at Dow’s Lake. Discover the world of farmers at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Shop for local finds at the ByWard Market. Take a guided tour of Rideau Hall. Visit the RCMP Stables. Take a helicopter ride at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Grab a bite to eat at the NCC River House. Discover Aboriginal art at the National Gallery of Canada and other rich and varied art exhibitions. Learn about 15,000 years of history at the Canadian Museum of History. Zip-line from province to province at the Interzip and discover Canada's largest collection of military equipment at the Canadian War Museum. Visit these many places without stress or rigid schedules. Maximize your time in the area and don’t waste precious minutes looking for parking in the heart of downtown.
Extend your visit to the region by staying at the Four Points by Sheraton & Conferences Gatineau-Ottawa, then choose the “City Tour” package. You’ll be able to enjoy Gray Line’s Hop-On, Hop-Off tour a little longer! Explore the city and take the opportunity to visit the capital’s various attractions. The package includes one night’s lodging and tickets for two adults for the double-decker bus city tour.
Photo: Ottawa Tourism
The Golden Ticket is included with the purchase of the Hop On-Hop Off tour or a combined package and entitles you to discounts at all participating venues. Take a guided tour of the Royal Canadian Mint and learn how the coins in circulation across the country are made. Stop by Bobino Bagel and try their famous bagels! Find everything you need for a tasty picnic: sandwiches, coffees, cold drinks, local produce and more. Soar 120 feet into the air on the platform of the Interzip, the world’s first interprovincial zip line. Fly over the Ottawa River at a speed of up to 40 km/h and enjoy the view.
Photo: Alex & MJ On the GO
Lady Dive Tours are not limited to the city! Take part in the Vineyard and Cider Tour, a gourmet getaway that takes you to Richmond Estate Winery, KIN Vineyards and Farmgate Cider House. You can opt for an alternative stop at Green Gables Vines for a guided tour of the winemaking process, a wine tasting, and a personalized charcuterie platter. This tour can replace one of the three regular stops, depending on availability. Let yourself be charmed by tastings of artisanal wines, beers and ciders, accompanied by a tasty local lunch. A great way to combine terroir, rural landscapes and conviviality.
The high frequency of departures gives you great flexibility and promises to find a time that suits your schedule. It is easy to fit the tour into your busy schedule. Amphibus tours depart every hour between 10 a.m. and 7:45 p.m. For classic city tours and Hop On-Hop Off tours, departures are every 40 minutes between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Let yourself be surprised by the fascinating anecdotes and historical facts told with passion. Each tour guide has their own personal touch, making each tour unique. Laugh, learn and vibrate to the rhythm of local stories.
Book your getaway to enjoy the highlights of the year. In the fall, the region puts on its finest and is adorned with vibrant colours. The landscapes become even more picturesque and charming, the weather cools down, and the air is filled with the season’s signature scents. When temperatures drop, what could be better than getting closer and enjoying a romantic getaway through the capital?
In May, the region is transformed by the Canadian Tulip Festival. From the comfort of your seat on the bus, marvel at the thousands of tulips in bloom in Commissioners Park, along the Rideau Canal and Dow’s Lake. Admire the flowering avenues that stretch as far as the eye can see, transforming the cityscape into a living canvas. On July 1st, experience Canada Day like never before! Avoid the crowds and enjoy a breathtaking view of the national celebrations. From the bus, admire the shows, street entertainment , flags flying and faces made up in Canada’s colors bringing the capital to life. You can also watch the fireworks from a privileged angle, without having to squeeze through the crowds.
@tourismeoutaouaisDécouvrez les coups de cœur d’Étienne Cameron pour la région, co-propriétaire de Lady Dive et Gray Line! ♬ son original - Tourisme Outaouais
Whether you’re just passing through the region or want to be a tourist in your own city, the Lady Dive Tours will show you Gatineau-Ottawa’s finest attractions. Come aboard and let us guide you!
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End your day with a fine meal in one of Gatineau’s charming downtown restaurants. Cover image credit: Ottawa Tourism
I’m a nature lover and a food lover. My happiness is found in breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering dishes and all the new colourful experiences. I travelled the world before coming back to my hometown: I missed the Outaouais so much. What if we rediscovered it together?