Indianapolis Guide

Indianapolis Canal Walk Tours: Explore the Waterway

Discover scenic routes, historical markers, and vibrant city life along the historic Indiana Central Canal.

18+ tours
From $$28
1.5-3 hours
Indianapolis Canal Walk Tours: Explore the Waterway

The Indianapolis Canal Walk offers a refreshing perspective on the city, weaving through downtown's cultural heart and connecting key attractions. Spanning 3 miles, this urban oasis is more than just a picturesque pathway; it's a living artery that pulsates with activity. From its origins as part of the 19th-century Indiana Central Canal, it has been transformed into a beloved recreational and cultural hub, drawing locals and visitors alike to its beautifully landscaped banks. Exploring the Canal Walk through dedicated tours provides a unique opportunity to delve into its multifaceted story. These guided experiences illuminate the historical significance of the waterway, detailing its role in Indiana's development and its subsequent revitalization. Beyond the history, tours often highlight the art installations, public sculptures, and architectural marvels that line the canal, offering insights that might be missed on a casual stroll. Whether you're interested in the engineering feats, the cultural landmarks, or simply enjoying a leisurely guided exploration, Indianapolis Canal Walk tours promise an engaging way to experience this urban gem.

Featured Indianapolis Canal Walk Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for indianapolis canal walk tours in Indianapolis

Wicked Wraiths of White River: Indianapolis Ghost Tour
From $32
Free Cancellation

Discover Indianapolis’s most spine-chilling secrets on the city’s #1 Ghost Tour—an authentic, thrilling, and hauntingly fun experience! Join us for a bone-chilling walk through the most haunted and historic spots in Indianapolis. Led by expert local guides—Indianapolis’s official haunted history experts—you’ll hear real, hair-raising tales of the city’s dark past and lingering spirits. Offered nightly year-round, our tours uncover centuries of wicked history as we visit Indianapolis’s most haunted buildings and bars. Hear captivating ghost stories, from infamous witch trials to tragic murders. Wander the haunted streets after dark as our guides bring eerie tales to life at iconic sites like the Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Indiana State Capitol, and Monument Circle. Each step reveals hidden history and authentic hauntings. Though we won’t enter buildings, you'll stand on haunted ground, feeling the energy of Indianapolis’s spooky past beneath your feet!

4.0(87)
1h
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Axe Throwing in Indianapolis
From $36.99
Free Cancellation

Looking to try something new and fun? We’re excited to introduce you to the sport of axe throwing! This thrilling traditional Canadian backyard pastime is now bigger than ever in urban communities. With the help of our talented axe throwing coaches, guests are able to share our passion for nailing the bullseye. No experience necessary, all skill levels are welcome!

5.0(13)
1h
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Indianapolis Murder Mystery Quest Outdoor Detective Escape Game
From $5.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Play detective in a murder mystery set in Indianapolis Solve 10–15 interactive puzzles and challenges Explore the city with a GPS-guided storyline Great for couples, families, or groups of friends Play anytime, pause and resume at your own pace

3.0(1)
1h 30m
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Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Indianapolis Sights & Stories
From $27.5
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Our smartphone-guided tour brings the real facts and stories behind Indianapolis to life with the quality of a personal private tour crafted by Indy locals. We've taken the same stops and sights we share with our friends and families when they come to town and created an interactive web-based tour for you! Read the stories behind the city, answer questions to reveal fun facts, and experience what makes Downtown Indianapolis incredible! Purchase your tour and then navigate to our website to enter your access code and launch the tour. You can either start immediately or create an account and come back when you are ready to explore. Please note that you and your group read the tour aloud to one another - there is no audio functionality at this time.

4.0(25)
1h 30m
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Smartphone Guided Indianapolis Downtown Sites Audio Walking Tour
From $9.75
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Walk through the soul of the city and discover it’s iconic landmarks of Indianapolis. Go at your own pace, anytime. See the state house, soldiers and sailor monument, Indiana War Memorial & Museum, university park, Obelisk Square, war memorials, churches, statues, fountains, libraries and so much more. You’ll see that and hear the stories of the people that made the this city. Why choose this tour? Great price for a great experience! See the sites at your own pace. The tour is location aware and plays as you walk. Stop anytime. Continue anytime.

4.3(7)
1h 10m
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An Epic Art Walk in Indianapolis : Mile Square Madcap Adventure
From $14.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Dive into adventure with us, your go-to for the ultimate app-led adventure hunts! Step into a world where every landmark and hidden gem is waiting to be discovered. Challenge yourself with trivia, tackle brain-teasing puzzles, and embark on an epic journey of exploration! Whether you’re collaborating with your crew or turning up the competition, Adventure Hunts guarantee a blast for all. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a spontaneous outing, a wild bachelorette bash, a festive birthday celebration, or a team-building extravaganza. Each player gets to dive into an interactive role, ensuring every challenge is as thrilling and unique as the next. So, gather your squad, choose your adventure, and let the good times roll! With us, every outing becomes a treasure trove of memories and excitement. Are you ready to conquer the city and create unforgettable experiences? Let’s Roam and make every day an adventure!

1h 30m
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Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour
From $77
Free Cancellation

This Indianapolis food tour explores the commercial corridor bordering two of the earliest and most historic neighborhoods, Lockerbie and Chatham Arch. Massachusetts Avenue is a prominent commercial boulevard crossing a grid of residential, commercial and industrial buildings that developed mainly throughout the 19th century. The area is also home to an expanding food scene, hosting nearly two dozen locally owned restaurants. The restaurants throughout the area are a combination of long standing local favorites dating back to the 1800's and new hot spots embracing the culinary traditions of the area. The Massachusetts Avenue Food Tour will explore the advancement of Indianapolis cuisine over the past 150 years; from the traditions brought over by the city's original immigrants, to locally sourced progressive cuisine, all within a beautifully restored neighborhood.

4.0(21)
3h 30m
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Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Indianapolis by Wacky Walks
From $10
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Use an app to explore Indianapolis in this fun royal scavenger hunt! In Wacky Walks, you will compete in royal tournaments to determine a King or Queen throughout the game. The King/Queen will lead the team in finding items around the city and doing challenges for points. Take a photo of the item or completing the challenges through the app. The goal of the game is to keep your King/Queen title the longest and gain as many points as possible during your game. You can play for as long as you choose, in any area of the city you'd prefer. A remote host will be chatting with you throughout the game if you need help. Come play Wacky Walks in Indianapolis today!

4.5(2)
2h
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Indianapolis Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
From $20
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Use an app to survive a zombie apocalypse in Indianapolis. In Zombie Scavengers, explore the city however you'd like to search for items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse. You'll get points for finding these items. You can also do some zombie themed challenges for points on the app as well. Strategize in order to get the most points and survive the apocalypse. Your remote host will be there for you via chat if you need anything. Can you survive the apocalypse in Indianapolis.?

3.0(1)
1h
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Indy Walking Tours
From $55
Free Cancellation

Indy Walking Tours is a guided 90 minute comprehensive walking tour through the city streets of Indianapolis. Our easy stroll through the city streets of Indianapolis will cover the: Indiana War Memorial Historic District, Mass Ave, the Wholesale District, City Market, the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument and various interesting points in between. In addition to learning about the rich history of Indianapolis, you'll also hear a story of local true crime, funny anecdotes, little known folklore, the inspirations and meanings behind historical statues, architecture and monuments, and more. Be sure to wear comfy walking shoes as our walk will cover 1.5 miles. This is the most comprehensive and interesting tour in Indy and a fun activity for all ages. If you are planning for a large group or just looking for more booking options please contact us. Min requirement of 4 people for all tours. If 4 people are not booked within 24 hours of your tour, you will receive a refund.

4.9(45)
1h 30m
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Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Indianapolis by 3Quest Challenge
From $10
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Walk around Indianapolis while completing the 3Quest Challenge scavenger hunt. Use an app to find a list of objects around the city and participate in fun challenges for points. Collect points and take a look at your score compared to others around the country! All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Indianapolis.

2h
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Midwest National Parks – Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle
From $29.99
Free Cancellation👤Private TourNew

Explore the heart of America's Midwest with our self-guided audio tour bundle, featuring Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, and Gateway Arch National Park! Wander through Cuyahoga Valley's lush forests and historic railways, uncover the diverse ecosystems of Indiana Dunes along Lake Michigan's shoreline, and delve into the rich history of westward expansion at the iconic Gateway Arch. With GPS-triggered narration, offline maps, and expert storytelling, enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace without the constraints of group tours. Join thousands of travelers who have transformed their journeys into enriching experiences—download now and let the Midwest's natural beauty and history captivate you! *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

72h
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Fountain Square Food Tour
From $73
Free Cancellation

Fountain Square served as the southside's primary commercial corridor since the 1860's. Its laid back atmosphere, beautifully designed buildings and accessibility made it a popular neighborhood for decades. In the early 20th century, the neighborhood had more theaters than any part of Indianapolis, and became an important cultural destination. Fountain Square has recently seen a rapid transformation to a neighborhood with unique restaurants, and trendy art galleries located in renovated buildings. The Fountain Square Food Tour will give you an in-depth look at the area and its surroundings; from humble beginnings to grandeur, rapid decline to resurgence. We will enjoy food from long standing institutions, and hip new destinations.

4.5(12)
3h 30m
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An Epic Scavenger Hunt: Connecting America
From $14.99
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

2h
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Private Vacation Photoshoot with Photographer in Indianapolis
From $164.85
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

⭐ Top-Rated Vacation Photoshoots 2025 We're not just photographers, we're storytellers capturing your holiday exactly as it feels. With over six years of experience photographing travellers around the world, our small team specialises in authentic, natural photography that truly reflects your trip. In Indianapolis, we combine creativity with local knowledge to show you hidden gems, secret angles, and the best light. You'll not only get beautiful, professional photos but also insider tips to make the most of your time here. We're proud to be recognised among the top-rated photography tours of 2025, trusted by travellers worldwide for our relaxed style and stunning results. --

1h
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Ready to Explore Indianapolis?

Browse all available tours and activities with instant booking & best price guarantee

Why Choose Indianapolis Canal Walk Tours in Indianapolis?

Unique Urban Scenery

Experience the city from a distinctive vantage point along the water, offering beautiful city skyline views and green spaces.

Historical Context

Gain deeper insights into Indianapolis' past, including the canal's original purpose and its evolution into a modern recreational area.

Art and Culture Immersion

Discover diverse public art, sculptures, and significant cultural landmarks accessible directly from the Canal Walk.

Active Exploration

Engage in walking, biking, or even paddling activities that promote a healthy and active way to see the city.

Convenient Downtown Access

The Canal Walk is centrally located, making it easy to combine with visits to other downtown attractions and museums.

Varied Perspectives

Choose from various tour types, from historical walking tours to adventurous pedal boat excursions, catering to different interests.

Types of Indianapolis Canal Walk Tours in Indianapolis

Historical Walking Tours

These tours are led by local guides who share the rich history of the Indiana Central Canal, its engineering, and its impact on Indianapolis' growth. Expect to learn about notable figures and events connected to the waterway.

Expert local guidesIn-depth historical narrativesFocus on architecture and landmarksModerate physical activityOpportunities for photos

Water-Based Excursions

Experience the Canal Walk from the water itself. Options often include kayak, canoe, or pedal boat rentals and guided tours, offering a unique and fun perspective of the surrounding cityscape.

On-water explorationActive and recreationalScenic city viewsVarious rental optionsSuitable for couples and families

Cycling and Bike Tours

Cover more ground with guided bike tours along the Canal Walk and its connected paths. These tours are ideal for visitors who want to see a larger section of the canal and its adjacent attractions.

Explore longer routesFaster-paced sightseeingRental bikes usually includedCovers Canal Walk and beyondDiscover hidden pathways

Art and Sculpture Walks

Focus on the vibrant public art scene along the Canal. These tours highlight key sculptures, installations, and their artistic significance, offering a cultural deep-dive.

Focus on artistic interpretationLearn about local artistsDiscover public art installationsInformative commentaryEngaging for art enthusiasts

What to Expect on Indianapolis Canal Walk Tours

Duration

Tours typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the type of activity and the extent of the route covered.

Weather

Indianapolis Canal Walk tours are generally outdoors. It's advisable to check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Group Size

Group sizes can vary from intimate private tours with just a few participants to larger organized groups, usually between 10-25 people for walking or cycling tours.

What's Included

Inclusions vary by tour. Walking tours often include the guide's narration and historical insights. Water-based tours may include equipment rental. Some tours might offer small snacks or water.

Meeting Point

Meeting points are typically at easily accessible locations along the Canal Walk, often near major attractions like the Indiana State Museum or White River State Park. Specific details are provided upon booking.

Costs

Prices generally start around $28 per person for basic walking tours, with more specialized or activity-based tours costing upwards of $40-$60, depending on duration and inclusions.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Consider booking a tour during weekdays for a more peaceful experience, especially if you prefer fewer crowds.

2

Many tours focus on the 3-mile stretch, but the Canal system connects to other trails, so ask your guide about extending your exploration.

3

Wear comfortable shoes – even if you're not on a walking tour, you'll likely do some walking to reach the starting point or explore afterwards.

4

Check if your tour includes any discounts for adjacent attractions like the Indiana State Museum or the NCAA Hall of Champions.

5

Hydration is key, especially during warmer months. Bring a reusable water bottle, as there are refill stations along the Canal.

6

Look for tours that combine history with current events or local culture for a well-rounded understanding of Indianapolis.

7

If opting for a pedal boat or kayak tour, book in advance, particularly on weekends or during peak tourist seasons.

8

Don't forget your camera! The Canal Walk offers many picturesque spots for memorable photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What are the best times to visit the Indianapolis Canal Walk for a tour?

A: Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor tours. Weekday mornings can be less crowded, while weekends offer a more vibrant atmosphere with more people enjoying the space.

Q:Are Indianapolis Canal Walk tours suitable for families with young children?

A: Yes, many tours are family-friendly. Water-based activities like pedal boats can be particularly fun for children. Walking tours often include engaging stories and sights that can hold their attention.

Q:What should I wear on an Indianapolis Canal Walk tour?

A: Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Dress in layers, as the weather can change. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended, especially for tours during the day.

Q:Can I bring my own bike or kayak for a tour?

A: This depends on the specific tour operator. Some tours offer rentals as part of the package, while others may allow you to bring your own equipment for a reduced fee. It's best to check the tour details when booking.

Q:How accessible is the Indianapolis Canal Walk for people with mobility issues?

A: The Canal Walk is generally well-maintained and accessible, with smooth paved paths. Many tours are designed to accommodate various mobility levels, but it's always a good idea to confirm with the tour provider beforehand.

Q:What happens if it rains during my booked tour?

A: Tour operators usually have cancellation policies for bad weather. Most will offer to reschedule your tour for another day or provide a refund if the tour cannot proceed due to rain.

Q:Are there restrooms available along the Canal Walk?

A: Yes, there are public restrooms available at various points along the Canal Walk, particularly near major parks and attractions. Your tour guide can point you to the nearest facilities.

Q:What if I'm late for my tour?

A: It's always best to arrive a few minutes early. If you are running late, contact the tour operator as soon as possible. Depending on their policy, they may be able to accommodate you or advise on alternative options.

Don't Miss the Perfect Indianapolis Experience

Book your indianapolis canal walk tours today - 18+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Indianapolis?

Discover the revitalized Canal Walk, offering scenic views and unique urban exploration in Indianapolis.

Experience Indy's vibrant arts scene, from world-class museums to lively performance venues.

Enjoy family-friendly attractions like the Children's Museum, consistently ranked among the nation's best.

Explore Indiana's rich history at the Indiana State Museum and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Savor delicious farm-to-table dining and craft brews in the Mass Ave Arts District.

Uncover a Midwest gem blending history, innovation, and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Indianapolis experiences four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. Winters are cold and can bring snow, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant for outdoor activities.

Best Months

Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal for visiting Indianapolis, offering comfortable weather perfect for exploring the city's many outdoor attractions and festivals.

Peak Season

The peak season generally runs from June through August, coinciding with warm weather and numerous festivals. Expect larger crowds and potentially higher accommodation prices during this vibrant summer period.

Off Season

The off-season typically falls during the winter months (December-February). While it can be cold, you'll find fewer crowds and lower prices, offering a more relaxed experience for museum visits and indoor attractions.

Plan Your Indianapolis Trip

Transportation Tips

Getting around Indianapolis is quite manageable. The downtown area is very walkable, especially around Monument Circle and the Canal Walk. For longer distances, the IndyGo bus system offers a reliable and affordable public transit option. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available throughout the city. Renting a car is also an option if you plan to explore areas outside the immediate downtown core or visit attractions like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Many hotels offer shuttles to key attractions, making getting around Indianapolis even easier.

Car Rental Deals in Indianapolis

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Indianapolis adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Indianapolis

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Ready to Explore Indianapolis?

Discover the best tours and activities in Indianapolis with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.