Frequently Asked Questions
Find some answers here and don't hesitate to ask us anything!
Bike Tour Related FAQs
What's included in the tour?
Our tours are all-inclusive (bicycle, helmet, bottled water, local tour guide). We provide power bars for our 3 and 3.5 hour tours. Our bike and food tour includes all the food samplings.
How much does a tour cost?
Tours prices range from $45 to $99, depending on their length. Costs are indicated under each tour description and also at the booking time. For group and custom tours, please contact us to discuss your needs and pricing options.
What type of bicycle do you use for your tours?
We use hybrid performance or hybrid comfort bikes because they provide maximum comfort, while allowing you to ride at a relaxed enjoyable pace.
Where do we meet to begin our tour?
Our tour begins at our location 65 Sparks St.
What time should I show up for my tour?
We recommend arriving 20-15 minutes in advance to do the bicycle/helmet fitting, review the tour, sign the required document(s) and get to know your guide and other tour participants. We’ll leave sharp on time. There will be no refund for late arrival.
How easy/hard is the Tour?
The tours are easy and you will bike at a leisurely and relaxed paced. We’ll set a pace that is comfortable for all and explain how to ride in a group safely. Most of our tours are for leisure visitors who want to experience places (not just cycle through them fast). Our tours also have an ease rating that helps you identify the suitability of the tour. If you’re not sure, please call or email us to discuss your needs and we’ll suggest the tour that is best suited for you.
Are there any hills in the rout?
Ottawa is a flat city so most of the ride will be on flat paths. There might be a few inclines but they are manageable. We always say there is no hill that you cannot walk it up!
Do you provide bicycles?
Yes, all our tours include bicycles and helmets.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes, our 2-hour tour is family friendly and we have child trailer and bicycles/accessories fro little ones from the age of 1 to youth. For the 3, 3.5 hour tours we recommend bringing children who are 11 or older.
How many people will be on your tours?
We run the tours in small groups of 2 to maximum 12 participants to ensure maximum care for you. Generally, there are about 5-7 participants in the tours.
Will there be stops along the way to break, taking pictures and going to the bathroom?
Yes, about 5-8 depending on the tour you take. There will plenty of opportunities to take pictures, learn about attractions from your guide and use a washroom if needed.
What if it rains?
We’ll bicycle in light rain. We do provide rain ponchos. We’ll cancel the tour in case of a heavy rain or storm forecast — the final call will be made two hours before the start time of a tour. We’ll contact you by phone and email in such a circumstance. You will be fully refunded or can choose to keep your credit for a later date tour.
What is your cancellation policy?
For public tours, you will be fully refunded if you give us 24 hours notice. There will be no refunds for any cancellations within 24 hours prior to the booking/activity start date and time. If the reservation must be cancelled due to the bad weather, we fully refund our clients. Please inquire for private tours cancellation policy.
What language do your guides speak?
We offer our regular tours in English. We can offer our tours in French, Spanish, German and Dutch. For non-English tours please contact us to inquire.
Do you have family, group or tour operators discounts?
Yes. Please call or email us to discuss this.
Do you offer private custom tours?
Yes, very often! Please call or email and let us know what you have in mind and we’ll make it happen for you!
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. By purchasing an Escape gift certificate, you’re giving the gift of health, wellness, and a great natural adventure! Here are some occasions to present an Escape Bicycle Tour gift certificate:
- Birthday
- Wedding
- Graduation
- Welcome to Ottawa
- New home
- Employee incentive or thank you
Please call or email to purchase a gift certificate.
Can I bring my own bicycle?
You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. Just remember that you are required to wear a helmet and ensure that your bicycle is in a good working condition and you have spare parts (e.g., proper tube size) in case of mechanical difficulties. You will receive $5 discount for bringing your own bicycle.
Do I have to book in advance or can I juts show up?
You highly recommend booking in advance to save your spot as we do sell out on our popular tours.
What if you are sold out on the day and time I like to have th tour?
Contact us and we will likely work it out for you. When one of our tours is maxed out, we form a second group with a second guide so everyone can go out for a fun tour.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring your phone/camera and expect to have a great time. Don’t forget the sunscreen! Some cash for tips is recommended.
Bike Rental Related FAQs
Where can I rent bikes in Ottawa?
At Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals located at 65 Sparks St. Ottawa.
How much does a bike rental cost?
It depends on the type of bike. Our prices starts from $8 per hour and the fee decreases the longer you rent to as low as $3 per hour for full day. See our rates here.
What's included in the rental?
Everything: Bicycle, Helmet, Lock, Map and Pannier bag.
What type of bicycle do you rent?
All types: hybrid performance, Hybrid comfort, Electric (pedal assist), Mountain, Road, Tandem & Kids’ bikes. See our bike fleet here.
How can I rent a bike?
1- Reserve online, over the phone or walk in to our location.
2- Come to our location at 65 Sparks St. to be fitted on the bike.
3- We will fill out a form for you with your credit card information (you won’t be charged, We will pre-authorize a certain amount for ebike, road and mountain bike rentals).
4- Pay whichever way you like (cash, debit, credit card) when you return the bike(s).
Do I have to wear helmet?
In Ontario, anyone under 18 must wear helmet. Wearing helmet is optional for anyone of the age of 18 or older.
Where do I pick up the bike?
At Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals located at 65 Sparks St.
Do I have to drop off the bike to the same place?
Yes. At Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals located at 65 Sparks St.
Can I drop off the bike somewhere else?
No. We only have one location in Ottawa.
How many locations do you have?
One location: Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals located at 65 Sparks St.
Do you have kids' bikes?
Yes, we have a variety of options including child trailer, trail-a-bike, 20, 24 and 26 inch wheel size bikes. Visit our rental fleet page to see the options for your little ones.
Do you have electric bikes?
Yes. We have top of the line cube and Gazelle ebikes with Bosch engine/battery and up to 110 km rage. You can check out our ebikes here.
How far do the electric bikes go?
Depending on the mode, our Bosch engineered ebikes have up to 110 KM range. You can check our ebikes here.
Can I rent electric bike for my kid?
In Ontario, anyone of the age of 16 or older can ride an electric bike.
Do you have family, group or tour operators discounts?
Yes. Please call or email us to discuss this.
What if I have mechanical difficulties?
The chance of having mechanical difficulties is very low as our bikes are brand new and we maintain them on a very regular basis. We do provide flat repair kit with rental if you wish. If anything happens because of the bike maintenance issue on our side we would do our best to take care of you depending on the circumstances.
Do I have to reserve a bike in advance?
We recommend doing so. While we have many hybrid bikes available , we recommend advanced reservation for specialty bikes such as ebikes, road and mountain bikes especially during long weekends and busy weekends in July and Summer.
What if I cancel my rental reservation?
We do not charge any fee for rental reservation. You only pay when you return the bikes. We do ask you to let us know if your plan changes so we can make the bikes available to other customers.
Do you have gift certificates?
Yes. By purchasing an Escape gift certificate, you’re giving the gift of health, wellness, and a great natural adventure! Here are some occasions to present an Escape Bicycle Tour gift certificate:
- Birthday
- Wedding
- Graduation
- Welcome to Ottawa
- New home
- Employee incentive or thank you
Please call or email to purchase a gift certificate.