Fat Bike Tour Ottawa

Immerse yourself in the winter wonderland of Ottawa with our unique and exclusive fat bike tour, a perfect blend of adventure, history, and local charm. Bike through the city’s iconic landmarks, glide along scenic waterfront paths draped in snow and indulge in warm refreshments, all while our passionate local guides weave tales of Ottawa’s captivating history and vibrant culture.This unique journey combines the thrill of fat biking with the charm of Ottawa’s major landmarks, offering both adventure and picturesque vistas.

Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable local guides will share stories, anecdotes, and insights into Ottawa’s history, cultural heritage, landmarks, and contemporary life. From indigenous heritage to political milestones, these narratives will enrich your experience and deepen your appreciation for the city.

Embarking on a fat bike tour of Ottawa is not just about exploring landmarks and scenic waterfront snow-covered pathways; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s stories. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a leisurely rider, with our local guides leading the way, this unforgettable journey promises adventure, breathtaking views, and a new appreciation for Ottawa’s winter wonderland.

This tour is suitable for adults and youth ages 13 or older.

Start at Escape Tours & Rentals’ location at 65 Sparks St. for fat bike fitting and safety review.

Parliament Hill: Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Parliament Hill. Marvel at the majestic Gothic Revival architecture and capture panoramic views of the Ottawa River, all while navigating the snow-covered trails on your fat bike.

Rideau Canal: Glide effortlessly along the frozen Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During winter, the canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink. The shimmering ice and historic locks provide a mesmerizing backdrop for your fat bike Ottawa adventure.

Flora Bridge & Odawa Bridge:
Cross over the picturesque Flora Bridge and Odawa Bridge, connecting Ottawa’s vibrant neighborhoods and offering breathtaking views of the cityscape and river below.

Rideau River Pathway:
Meander along the scenic Rideau River Pathway, surrounded by tranquil trees and snow-draped landscapes. Feel the serenity as you pedal through this natural oasis.

New Edinburgh Neighbourhood:
Explore the charming New Edinburgh neighborhood, known for its historic architecture, quaint streets, and rich cultural heritage. Discover hidden gems and local landmarks as our guides share captivating stories of this vibrant community.

Rideau Falls:
Witness the majestic Rideau Falls, where the Rideau River cascades into the Ottawa River. The snow-enhanced beauty of these twin waterfalls is truly a sight to behold.

Warm Refreshments and Snacks:
Midway through your tour, take a delightful break to savor hot chocolate, tea, or coffee paired with a delicious snack. Let the warmth rejuvenate you as you prepare for the next leg of your adventure.

ByWard Market:
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s oldest and largest public market. Pedal through lively streets, adorned with unique boutiques, eateries, and street art.

Major’s Hill Park: Conclude your tour at Major’s Hill Park, offering panoramic views of the city, the Ottawa River, Canadian Museum of History and the iconic Fairmont Château Laurier. The snow-covered trees add a touch of magic to this serene oasis.

Snowy Waterfront Paths: Revel in the tranquility as you cycle through the snow-covered waterfront bike paths. These scenic routes, flanked by the shimmering Ottawa River, provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visit the most popular and famous Ottawa landmarks up close while cycling on snow- covered bike trails from a perspective not seen from a car or bus tour.

For your bike and helmet fitting and safety review, please arrive 20 minutes prior to your tour start time!

How to Dress:

Fat biking in Ottawa’s winter requires specific clothing to ensure warmth, comfort, and safety. Here are some recommendations for dressing appropriately for this activity:

Layering: Dress in layers that can be easily adjusted or removed as needed to regulate your body temperature during different levels of physical activity.

Base Layer: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer made from materials like merino wool. This will help wick away sweat and keep you dry.

Insulating Layer: Over the base layer, wear an insulating layer to keep heat. 

Outer Layer: Your outer layer should be windproof, waterproof, and breathable. A high-quality winter jacket and pants designed for cold weather conditions will provide protection against the elements.

Fit: Ensure that your clothing provides a comfortable fit without restricting movement. Don’t wear tight clothing and boots.

Gears and accessories:

Pants: Wear windproof and water-resistant pants if possible. Ski pants would be suitable

Gloves or Mittens: Wear waterproof and windproof gloves or mittens. Consider bringing an extra pair in case one gets wet.

Hat: Wear a thin hat without a pompom so you can wear a helmet over it.  To keep your head, ears, face and neck warm, consider wearing a balaclava under your helmet. 

Socks: Wear warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet warm and dry. 

Footwear: Use insulated and waterproof winter boots. Consider bringing gaiters for added protection against the wet conditions.

Goggles or Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind, snow, and glare with a pair of cycling or ski goggles or sunglasses.

Hand and Foot Warmers: Consider using disposable hand and foot warmers for extra warmth.

Remember, the key to staying comfortable while fat biking in Ottawa’s winter is to dress in layers, stay dry, and protect yourself from the wind and cold. Tailor your clothing choices based on the weather forecast and enjoy your fat biking adventure with us!

Stay Hydrated: Despite the cold weather, hydration is essential. Carry a water bottle or Pack a thermos with hot tea or cocoa to keep yourself warm and hydrated throughout the tour.

Location: Your tour starts and ends at Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals at 65 Sparks St.

Parking: We highly recommend leaving your car at your hotel. Street parking in our neighbourhood is difficult and the meters/time restrictions can be confusing. But if you must drive, here are a few underground parking lots: National Art Centre Parkade (99 Elgin St.), World Exchange Plaza (Metcalfe and Albert entrance), City Hall (110 Laurier Ave W). 

Flexible Booking – Book with confidence! For public tours, you will be fully refunded if you give us 24 hours’ notice before your tour starts.

No refunds for any cancellations within 24 hours prior to the activity start date and time. 

Bad weather? Don’t worry, If your reservation must be cancelled due to the bad weather, you will be fully refunded.

What is your cancellation policy?
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 activity start date and time. Please inquire about the private tour cancellation policy.

Are there any hills?
Ottawa is a flat city, so most of the ride will be on flat bike paths. There might be a few inclines that can be easily managed when riding our multi-geared quality bikes.

What if there is storm?
Your ride will continue in light snow. 

In case of heavy snow or storm forecast, your trip will be cancelled — the final call will be made two hours before the start time of your tour, and we’ll contact you by phone and email. 

If your tour is cancelled due to the weather, you will be fully refunded or can choose to keep your credit for an alternative date or time.

Is biking in Ottawa safe?  
Almost all of your ride will be on Ottawa’s well-maintained cycle paths. In a few exceptions, we will be riding on backroads in neighbourhoods or crossing streets with traffic lights. As well, we start all our tours with a safety briefing and proper fitting for your bike and safety helmet. 

Riding a bike in winter can be a thrilling experience, but it’s essential to take precautions and be well-prepared. Overall biking in winter could be a little harder. The big tires on the fat bikes help a lot. We have planned safe routes for you to take and will provide gloves and ponchos to keep you warm. We will ride extra cautiously and will always have your safety as our top priority.

Can I bring my own bicycle?
If you have a Fat Bike, yes. Please ensure that your bicycle is in good working condition and you have spare parts (e.g., proper tube size) in case.

Can I bring my kids?
This tour is suitable for adults and youth ages of 13 or older.

Have more questions? Visit our detailed FAQs page or contact us!

“It was our first visit to Ottawa and my family of four (includes two older teens) wanted to get an introduction to this lovely city! we reserved the Ottawa Express Tour for our first day out – I’M SO GLAD WE DID!!! Working with Maria, the owner, was wonderful. She is so responsive and also helped us with reservation. Our bike tour guide Marie was so easy going and flexible. We were so impressed with her wealth of knowledge of Ottawa and were blown away with the numerous bike paths that lay before us! If you’re looking for a FUN activity to help you explore Ottawa, contact “Escape Tours”. highly recommended!”

“I took the 2 hours Express tour and it was amazing. It was during the fall, so the landscapes were so beautiful. The tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable about the city, i learnt a lot and fell in love with Ottawa! A must do!”

“I have taken many bike tours in the various cities I have visited over the years and the Ottawa Express 2 hour tour was among the very best. It’s a great way to spend time taking in a lot for two hours. Stops and path were well designed (you can tell that care was taken to finetune the tour over the years). Great views throughout, we even caught changing of the guards. Maria is very knowledgeable about the city and Canada. Groups are limited to 10 (we had five in ours). Definitely worth the time and money. There is a reason this is number one in ottowa on tripadvisor.”

“I spent 4 days in Ottawa with my 13 year old son, and we did a variety of things including the Ottawa Express bicycle tour. This was our favorite part of our trip. Our tour guide Richard was very pleasant and very knowledgeable of the city. I had no idea there were so many bike paths in Ottawa. If we would have had an extra day to visit I would have booked a second tour. “