Indigenous History and Totem Pole Ebike Tour of Ottawa

Some journeys move you through a place. This one changes how you see it.

Indigenous Walks and Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals have joined forces to bring you a one-of-a-kind experience where cycling meets Indigenous storytelling.

You’ll pedal along a meticulously designed route that crosses the rivers and connects multiple historic and contemporary totem poles, offering opportunities to pause, hear stories that reveal the histories held by totem poles and reflect along the way. The tour highlights Indigenous art, inter-nation relationships, and the significance of the river as a living connector between territories.

This tour invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and engage with the landscapes through new eyes while traveling lightly and intentionally through it. A perfect blend of experiences for those who love movement, culture, nature and meaningful storytelling — this ride offers a beautiful balance of exploration, reflection, and connection.

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you’ll discover a more connected way of traveling mindfully through the lands and waters that shapes the nation’s capital.

Who This Tour Is For
Perfect for curious travelers, local explorers, or anyone seeking meaningful cultural connection.
No cycling experience or prior knowledge of Indigenous history is needed — just an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Notes
This experience was developed in close collaboration with Indigenous Walks to honour Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and cultural education. Guests are encouraged to bring openness and respect to the shared journey. Private or group bookings can be arranged for schools, organizations, or community groups seeking a customized experience.

Starting Point:
Meet at Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals (65 Sparks Street) for your e-bike fitting and orientation. After a safety briefing, you’ll set out with both guides — one to navigate the route, another to lead you through the stories of this land.

Parliament Hill:
A visit to Parliament Hill contextualizes the significance of why totem poles were erected in Ottawa. Here, you can explore the historical and cultural foundations that have shaped Canada’s identity.

Confederation Park and Totem Poles:
Pause among works of art that carry cultural teachings of the Northwest Coast contemporary expression. You’ll explore how these installations link past and present, tradition and renewal. Hear stories of the Canadian culture ban on Indigenous cultural ceremonies which occurred between the years of 1885-1951 and which focussed on the Potlatch.

Rideau Canal:
At this stop, we explore the original creation of the canal from an Indigenous perspective including the connection to the Ottawa River, eels and the logging industry.

Crossing into Gatineau:
Ride across the Alexandra Bridge into Quebec, where the landscape shifts and new stories take shape. Hear about the many nations connected through this region and how the river continues to sustain community and culture today.

Museum of History and River Viewpoint:
Enjoy an unforgettable view of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River while reflecting on the river’s role as both witness and teacher to local change. Learn about Chief Pimesi through a bronze statue and about contemporary artwork by sculptor Mary Anne Barkhouse. This stop allows time for photos, conversation, and quiet reflection before beginning your return journey to the Ottawa side.

Ottawa River Pathway:
Follow the peaceful rhythms of the bike path that traces the river’s edge. Here, your Indigenous guide begins sharing the significance of the Ottawa River as a living connector of territories — not a divide, but a gathering place for relationships, trade, and ceremony.

Rideau Falls:
The place between Rideau Falls and the Rideau River called Pasapkejinawong holds stories of the Anishnaabe Peoples where many nations gathered to meet at the confluence of the Rideau River, the Gatineau River and the Ottawa River. We will share some of those stories with you.

Rideau Hall:
Rideau Hall employs Canada’s first Inuk Governor General. On the grounds of Rideau Hall, you will visit and learn about a Kwakwaka’wakw Pacific coast Totem Pole by Mungo Hunt and “Honouring Memories, Planting Dreams” heart garden by local children to support reconciliation.

National Gallery of Canada (NGC):
Across from the NGC, you will stop and learn about a bronze Totem Pole sculpture named The Three Watchmen by artist and Hereditary Chief James Hart.

Return Ride and Closing Reflections:
Pedal gently back and end your journey where it began, wrapping up with a closing reflection and time to chat with your guides about future Indigenous-themed adventures.

2026 dates or by request:
The following Sundays at 1:00 pm

May 24
June 7
June 21
July 12
July 26
August 9
Aug 23
Sep 13
Oct 11

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

Legal age of riding an ebike on Ontario is 16. 

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.

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. 

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!