Question 1

What is the "Rideau Canal Fake Entry Fee Collector" scam in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

During the Rideau Canal Skateway season and summer boat tours, impostors in unofficial vests station themselves near canal entry points claiming visitors must pay a fee to access the canal path or rent skates at inflated prices. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with free public access, so any demand for an entry payment is a scam. Victims hand over cash and receive nothing of value, or are sold overpriced rentals that should cost a fraction of what is charged. This scam spikes during winter Winterlude events when large crowds reduce individual scrutiny. Know that access to the Rideau Canal pathway and skateway is free. Only rent skates from the two official NCC skate rental pavilions clearly marked on the NCC website. Never pay an entry fee to any individual at the canal edge.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Parliament Hill Tour Ticket Sales" scam in Ottawa?

Accepted Answer

Individuals near the Parliament Hill entrances sell reserved tour tickets or skip-the-line passes for guided tours of the Centre Block and Peace Tower. Free guided tours of Parliament Hill are offered at no charge by the House of Commons — no ticket is ever required or legitimately sold by a third party. Register for free Parliament Hill guided tours directly through the Parliament of Canada website or show up to the Visitor Welcome Centre in the West Block. There is no skip-the-line pass and no legitimate ticket vendor. Report sellers to the RCMP officers on duty.

Tour & Activity Scams in Ottawa

Rideau Canal Fake Entry Fee Collector

Fake Parliament Hill Tour Ticket Sales

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