Ottawa Discovery Tours

Ottawa Has More to Offer Than You Think.

Ottawa is a city of contrasts, where history, culture, and nature sit side by side. Beneath its historic streets, through its vibrant neighbourhoods, across its rolling countryside, and into its craft vineyards and cideries, there are countless ways to experience the capital beyond its best-known sights.

These tours offer a chance to step away for a few hours and experience a side of the city that many visitors don’t often get to see. Each stop has been thoughtfully selected to highlight the city’s rich history, distinctive culture, and the landscapes that surround it. Whether you're exploring stories hidden underground, taking in views along the Ottawa River, or enjoying a glass of locally crafted cider in the countryside, you’ll discover experiences that stay with you long after your visit.

Secrets, Sips & Vines

Tuesday, Sept. 22
9:00 am - 3:45 pm

$150

Sponsored by

Secrets, Sips & Vines invites guests to experience a captivating side of Ottawa’s countryside, where intrigue, flavour, and scenic charm come together. Begin with a fascinating visit to the Diefenbunker, a remarkable four-storey underground Cold War communications headquarters that is now a one-of-a-kind museum and National Historic Site of Canada. Once built in secrecy as Canada’s Central Emergency Government Headquarters, it stands today as one of the country’s most compelling historic landmarks. 

From there, guests continue to 1818 Farm & Cidery, a family-owned farm in Carp known for organically grown produce, craft cider, and a welcoming farm setting. With its cidery, tasting bar, restaurant, and farm store all on site, it offers a warm and distinctly local taste of Ottawa’s rural character. 

The afternoon concludes at KIN Vineyards, a premium estate winery on Craig’s Side Road in Carp. Surrounded by vineyard views and rooted in the Ottawa Valley, KIN offers a refined wine experience that brings a relaxed and elegant finish to the day. Blending hidden history with local tastes and countryside beauty, this half-day escape offers a memorable and distinctly Ottawa experience.

NOTE: Pickup & Return from Hotel. Final tour itinerary will be sent to attendees closer to the event.

Tour Itinerary

9:00 am

  • Depart downtown Ottawa

10:15 am

  • Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
  • Private 60-minute tour of Canada’s secret underground Cold War bunker.

12:00 pm

  • 1818 Farm & Cidery
  • Family-style lunch with curated cider pairings and commentary from the cidermaker.

2:00 pm

  • KIN Vineyards
  • Discover Ottawa Valley cool-climate wines in a scenic vineyard setting.

2:45 pm

  • Depart for downtown Ottawa

3:45 pm

  • Arrive at hotel / Tour concludes.

 

Ottawa Icons by Land & Water

Tuesday, Sept. 22
8:45 am - 3:15 pm

SOLD OUT !

Sponsored by

Discover the story of Ottawa through its most storied spaces and celebrated landmarks. From the historic elegance of the Fairmont Château Laurier - a castle-like icon that has welcomed dignitaries and travellers since 1912 - to the precision and prestige of the Royal Canadian Mint, where Canada's coins and collectibles are crafted with extraordinary artistry, this tour highlights the institutions and architecture that define the capital today.

A hosted lunch at Métropolitain Brasserie adds a lively local flavour, pairing refined French-inspired cuisine with the warm, convivial atmosphere that has made it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. With its elegant interior and central location, it offers the perfect setting to pause and savour the city at its best.

The experience continues with a cruise on the Ottawa River, offering a fresh perspective on the skyline and the city's enduring connection to trade, growth, and nation-building. The same river that once carried timber and explorers now reflects the spires and towers of a thriving modern capital. Blending heritage, hospitality, and scenery, this curated outing is a memorable reflection of Ottawa's evolution and a wonderful way to experience the very heart of the nation.

NOTE: Pickup & Return from Hotel. Final tour itinerary will be sent to attendees closer to the event.

Tour Itinerary

8:45 am

  • Meet at The Westin Ottawa

9:15 am

  • Secrets of the Château Laurier
  • Discover the stories, personalities and hidden history behind one of Ottawa’s most iconic landmarks on a guided tour.

10:30 am

  • Walk along Sussex Drive

10:45 am

  • Royal Canadian Mint
  • Enjoy a guided tour of the Mint’s historic Ottawa facility and learn about the craftsmanship behind some of Canada’s most remarkable coins.

11:35 am

  • Walk to Métropolitain Brasserie

11:45 am

  • Lunch at Métropolitain Brasserie
  • Relax over a hosted lunch in the heart of Ottawa’s political and cultural district.

1:15 pm

  • Walk to the Ottawa River cruise departure

1:30 pm

  • Ottawa River Cruise
  • See the capital from the water with narrated views of Parliament Hill, Rideau Falls and Ottawa’s landmark skyline.

3:00 pm

  • Return walk to The Westin Ottawa / Tour concludes.