Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Mobile ticket
What's included
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
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
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.
End point
The tour ends at Sapper's Bridge.
Good to know
VOICEMAP CODE
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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
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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
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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 the
What to expect
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Statue of John By
Begin 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.
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Rideau Canal
Pass by the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of 19th-century engineering connecting Ottawa to Lake Ontario.
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Major's Hill Park
Explore Major's Hill Park, a scenic green space offering panoramic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill.
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York Steps
Walk down York Street, passing by the York Steps, which played a significant role in the early development of Bytown.
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York Street Millennium Fountain
Pass by the York Street Millennium Fountain, a modern landmark symbolizing Ottawa's ongoing evolution and progress.
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ByWard Market
Discover the historic ByWard Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets, bustling with vendors, restaurants, and artisans.
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Jeanne-d'Arc Boulevard
Enter the serene Jeanne d'Arc Courtyard, where you'll hear about the religious and spatial divisions that shaped Bytown's early community.
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Rochon House
Learn about Rochon House, a historic building with ties to Ottawa's early lumber industry and cultural heritage.
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Hôpital Élisabeth Bruyère Hospital
Discover the legacy of Élisabeth Bruyère, who founded Ottawa's first hospital to serve the community's healthcare needs.
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LaSalle Academy
Pass by LaSalle Academy, a historic educational institution contributing to Ottawa's intellectual and cultural landscape since its establishment.
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Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica
End your tour at Sussex Drive, where you'll see the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, a magnificent example of Gothic Revival architecture and a testament to Ottawa's rich religious heritage.
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Times are local to the experience (America/Toronto).
Additional Information
- Please bring your own smartphone and headphones
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History
Can I cancel A Self Guided Audio Tour of Ottawa's Hidden History for free?
No. All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How long does it take?
It takes about 50 min–1 hour 10 min.
Where does it start?
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.
What's included?
- 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
What's not included?
- Smartphone and headphones
Which places does it visit?
It visits Statue of John By, Rideau Canal, Major's Hill Park, York Steps, York Street Millennium Fountain, ByWard Market, Jeanne-d'Arc Boulevard, Rochon House.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours
