Although organizing a successful team building activity can be overwhelming, all you need is a little inspiration – and a vibrant city like Ottawa. Whether your team is athletic, competitive, artsy, or just looking for a relaxing stroll in the sunshine, our list of 12 team building activities to do in Ottawa is sure to spark activity ideas that will bring your next corporate event to life.
Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is renowned for its diverse culture, rich history, and distinctive blend of both French and English influences. From planning a team walk along the city’s picturesque shorelines, exploring Ottawa’s lively marketplaces, to cruising down the Rideau Canal, these 12 team building activity ideas offer something for every type of corporate group.
Table of Contents
- Take a City Bike Tour
- 2. The Amazing Chase
- 3. Take a Spooky Walking Ghost Tour
- 4. The Olympiad Challenge
- 5. ByWard Market Visual Scavenger Hunt
- 6. Paddle the Rideau Canal
- 7. City Chase: Scavenger Hunt
- 9. Rock Climbing at Altitude Gym
- 10. Nature Walk at Remic Rapids Park and Bate Island
- 11. Wild Goose Chase
- 12. Parliament Building Exhibition
Take a City Bike Tour
Looking for a fun, active way to explore Ottawa as a team? A guided bike tour is the perfect opportunity to get some exercise and discover Ottawa’s unique sights. Research shows that pairing physical activity with team building leads to improved morale, motivation, and stronger workplace connections.
Book a session with Escape Bicycle Tours, where your team will cycle from checkpoint to checkpoint, taking in scenic trails, downtown landmarks, and insightful commentary from the expert guide.
2. The Amazing Chase
Looking for an unforgettable team-building adventure? Hit the streets of Ottawa for The Amazing Chase—a fast-paced, high-energy race that combines strategy, collaboration, and some friendly competition. Inspired by the hit TV show, The Amazing Chase is an exciting and memorable way to explore the city as teams race against the clock through Ottawa’s vibrant city centre.
After splitting into groups, participants will collaborate to tackle dynamic challenges and checkpoints as they dash from checkpoint to checkpoint. Whether deciphering clues, completing physical tasks, or solving riddles, teams must think fast and work together to claim victory. The Amazing Chase is not only an engaging way to have fun with your team, but also a powerful way to strengthen bonds and build momentum on any company trip.
3. Take a Spooky Walking Ghost Tour
If you have paranormal enthusiasts on your team, a walking ghost tour of Ottawa is an unforgettable blend of spooky entertainment, authentic city history, and a healthy dose of goosebumps. Join the critically acclaimed Haunted Walk tours to explore Ottawa’s darker side—led by theatrical, costumed guides who bring history to life.
From haunted landmarks to ghostly tales, this immersive team building experience will have your group engaged and intrigued— and maybe huddling a little closer together.
4. The Olympiad Challenge
Who says you need to be a professional athlete to go for the gold? At Outback Team Building, all we need is a nice open field, fun challenges inspired by the Olympic Games, and a little friendly competition. Head to Confederation Park, Andrew Haydon Park, or any of Ottawa’s many scenic green spaces and get ready to transform an open field into your own personal Olympic arena.
Kick off the Olympiad Challenge by dividing participants into their respective “nations.” Each team will choose their name, design their nation’s custom flag, and take an official Olympic Oath that pledges sportsmanship and fairness. Next, the nations will embark upon a series of high-energy challenges using supplies provided in your team bag. For every challenge completed successfully, teams earn points that bring them closer to Olympic glory.
In the end, the nation with the highest score will be crowned the Olympic Challenge Champions!
5. ByWard Market Visual Scavenger Hunt
ByWard Market is Ottawa’s number one most popular tourist attraction, offering visitors an eclectic mix of farmer’s market stalls, artisan merchants, and one-of-a-kind speciality food shops. This famous neighbourhood is also recognized for its vibrant street art, trendy stores, and lively culture.
ByWard Market is a fantastic spot for a team adventure filled with quirky shops and local charm. Take the experience further by planning a visual scavenger hunt: split the team into pairs and ask them to capture photos of the market that reflect a series of thoughtful prompts tailored to your organization’s values. Some prompts could be words like “diversity”, “authenticity”, or “collaboration”. Afterwards, gather your group into a reflection circle where each pair can present and elaborate on their captures!
This team building activity is a great way to spark creativity, innovation, and encourage deeper connection with your company’s values—all while having a blast in Ottawa’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
6. Paddle the Rideau Canal
Sometimes, the best team building moments are made off land and on the water. If your team needs a refreshing break from computer screens and spreadsheets, organizing a group paddle offers a perfect chance to unplug, recharge and reconnect with nature—and each other.
The Rideau Canal runs through the heart of downtown Ottawa, offering paddlers a scenic fusion of city and natural views. Organizers can rent kayaks or canoes from local providers, such as Rideau Tours, that offer hourly kayak or canoe rentals as well as guided tours.
This outdoor team building activity is a relaxing, uplifting way to foster stronger team connections, all while taking in Ottawa’s most iconic sights.
7. City Chase: Scavenger Hunt
Turn Ottawa into a series of unique riddles and brain-bending challenges with City Chase: Scavenger Hunt. If you and your team love a good puzzle, this activity will not only offer participants an Ottawa-wide playground of riddles but also a high-energy, immersive adventure.
Using a mobile app, teams will be guided through Calgary following a series of riddles and fun tasks that unlock new, hidden city gems. This activity is ideal for teams that love strategy, exploration, and competitive team building experiences.
9. Rock Climbing at Altitude Gym
Looking for a physical team building activity that will get everyone moving? Head to Altitude Gym in Orléans, an indoor rock climbing facility that offers both drop-in and smaller group instructor-led climbing sessions. Indoor rock climbing is a fantastic way to challenge a fitness-inclined team to step outside their typical workday (literally).
Group rock-climbing requires clear communication, trust, and determination, making the activity a perfect opportunity to strengthen team collaboration. Whether your team has experienced climbers or first-timers, your team will have a great time cheering each other on and climbing their way to success.
10. Nature Walk at Remic Rapids Park and Bate Island
If your team appreciates a leisurely day out in nature, treat them to a scenic shoreline walk packed with local charm and peaceful views. Starting at Remic Rapids Park, enjoy a coffee or baked good at the park’s NCC Bistro (open during summer months). Take a quick detour east to admire John Felice Ceprano’s balanced rock sculptures, a unique art installation that is sure to spark reflection and conversation.
From there, follow the scenic path along the beautiful Ottawa River shoreline, along the Champlain Bridge, and onto Bate Island. Once on the island, you can engage your team in a species scavenger hunt —Bate Island’s shores are home to numerous aquatic species and serve as a migratory stop for waterbirds. End your day with a beer and bite to eat at the Tavern on the Island, a new local eatery with a perfect patio for sunny days.
This laid-back day trip is a refreshing and low-key team building activity, perfect for any summer itinerary.
11. Wild Goose Chase
Transform the streets of downtown Ottawa into an immersive team-building adventure with Wild Goose Chase—a fast-paced, app-led scavenger hunt designed to help your team discover Ottawa beyond the major tourist landmarks.
Teams will divide into groups and solve a series of clues and challenges located at various city checkpoints. Wild Goose Chase guides participants off Ottawa’s beaten path—with destination checkpoints located amongst the city’s lesser-known landmarks, local hotspots, and hidden gems. As teams race against each other for the win, they will need to utilize problem-solving, quick thinking and collaboration to come out on top.
12. Parliament Building Exhibition
It would be remiss for this list not to include Canada’s most notable landmark, the Parliament Building—a must-visit team building destination for any Ottawa-based company. In addition to daily tours, the historic landmark now features a captivating 360-degree multimedia exhibition that immerses visitors in the rich history of Canada’s democracy and parliamentary processes. Best of all, the tickets are free of charge!
Afterwards, take advantage of the nearby Confederation Park, where leaders can facilitate a post-exhibition reflection circle or engage the group in some laid-back field games like frisbee or kicking a soccer ball around. The Parliament Building not only offers teams a unique opportunity to connect with Canada’s democratic heritage, but it is also a gorgeous backdrop for any team photo.
Looking for team building activities in Ottawa?
Outback Team Building offers customizable events to fit your goals and group size. Get in touch with our Employee Engagement Consultants today.
