Free Downtown Ottawa Self‑Guided Tour

Discover the vibrant heart and rich heritage of Ottawa at your own pace with this immersive audio guide, from Canada’s oldest public market, the ByWard Market, to the famous Rideau Canal.

A 100% free experience once on site: you can explore this visit at your own pace, and no tips will be expected (unlike guided tours that claim to be 'free' but insist on a donation at the end of the circuit).

EXPLORE

The interactive map offered on BaladoDiscovery indicates the must-see attractions in the region and gives you access to audio clips. 

Ancestral buildings, key figures, cultural attractions, stunning landscapes, culinary discoveries, and religious heritage are part of this visit that will make you discover this iconic neighbourhood of Canada's Capital. Some of the stories focus on the First Nations' and the francophone minority's contributions over time. Listen to see…

ON SITE

The suggested journey makes you stop by Kiweki Point, the Royal Canadian Mint, the National Gallery of Canada, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and magnificent parks, from where you will be able to admire the most beautiful viewpoints of the Capital. There are sixteen must-see points of interest that you will discover through audio clips.

Discover the places around you at your own pace, based on your interests. It also includes a suggested itinerary that will make you go off the beaten path through a walk where you will explore the capital in a new way. 

OPTIMIZED EXPERIENCE

Using the mobile app BaladoDiscovery is recommended (rather than the website). More than 500 self-guided tours are available for free in the same app, without ads. Each experience can be available offline (without Internet in the field) with the Preload option of the App.

The use of headphones improves the quality of experience of this walking tour.

The last site presented, the Vanier Museopark, is off-tour due to its distance from the suggested journey. But we couldn't ignore it… it's a must-see!

Enjoy your visit!

CREDITS

Produced by the Société Économique de l'Ontario (SEO), with financial support from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.