About This Tour
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.
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Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
This self-guided audio tour takes you through Ottawa's lesser-known historical sites and stories at your own pace. It's ideal for independent explorers who enjoy uncovering local lore and appreciate the flexibility of a self-directed itinerary.
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What's Included
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Additional Information
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.
Special Instructions
VOICEMAP CODE ─── 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 ─── 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 ─── 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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Tour Operator
VoiceMap Audio Tours
Official supplier for this experience. Bookings are handled directly through Viator with verified partners.
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Trusted local operator
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ottawa's Hidden History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
Who operates this experience?
This experience is operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours, a local sightseeing provider.
What's included?
This tour includes 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, and Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata. Additional amenities and services are included. All inclusions are provided by the tour operator.
How long is this tour?
The experience lasts approximately 0.8 hours to 1.2 hours, giving you time to fully enjoy your chosen activity.
Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time for a full refund.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing. All necessary equipment is provided.
Will I receive instant confirmation?
Yes, you'll receive instant confirmation when you book.
What to expect on this tour?
This sightseeing experience lasts approximately 0.8 hours to 1.2 hours and includes all necessary equipment and guidance. You'll have access to Get unlimited, lifetime use of this tour, before your booking date and after it and more.
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