A Walking History Tour of Miss River in New Orleans

Southern United States, New Orleans



Explore New Orleans’ riverfront on a walking tour with a ferry ride. Learn about the river’s impact on the city’s culture and history, and hear stories of hurricanes, commerce, and levees.

Canal Street Ferry and Historic Riverfront Walking Tour in New Orleans

This tour combines a ferry ride across the Mississippi River with a guided walk along the historic riverfront on the West Bank. It suits visitors interested in New Orleans’ cultural and environmental history.

Highlights

  • Feel the river’s pulse aboard the Canal Street Ferry
  • Discover stories of hurricanes, commerce, and levees
  • Walk the historic riverfront while learning its history
  • Hear about the people who lived, loved, and fought along the riverbanks
  • Understand the river’s impact on New Orleans’ culture and development

Description

Begin your journey at the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, located at the river end of Canal Street. Board the ferry and cross the Mississippi River while enjoying views of New Orleans from the water.

After disembarking on the West Bank, embark on a historic riverfront walk. Listen to stories about hurricanes, commerce, levees, migration, music, and the people who have lived and fought along America’s most iconic river.

Learn about the First People, the French settlers who valued the high ground, and the enslaved Africans who labored and resisted along the docks. Discover how the river has shaped New Orleans’ history, from the Great Flood to Hurricane Katrina.

This tour is focused on the river’s resilience and the city’s ongoing revival. It offers a thoughtful perspective on New Orleans beyond the tourist areas, exploring the historical waterlines and the spirit that endures with each tide.

Includes

  • Ferry ride from Canal Street to Algiers Point with fare included
  • Guided historic riverfront walk
  • Views of New Orleans from the Mississippi’s West Bank
  • Stories covering hurricanes, commerce, levees, migration, and music

Excludes

  • Food or beverages

Important Information

  • Suitable for guests of all ages
  • Tour duration is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Meeting point is the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, river end of Canal Street

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. Morning or late afternoon tours offer cooler temperatures and ideal lighting for views.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes a ferry ride across the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Algiers Point and a guided historic riverfront walk on the West Bank.
The tour begins at the Canal Street Ferry Terminal at the river end of Canal Street in New Orleans.
The ferry ride typically takes about 15 minutes, offering scenic views of New Orleans from the water.
Yes, the tour is designed to be suitable for all ages, including families with children.
The guided walk covers topics such as hurricanes, commerce, levees, migration, and music history related to New Orleans.
Yes, the tour operates year-round, but check the website for current schedules and possible weather-related changes.
Yes, tickets are included in the booking for the ferry ride from Canal Street to Algiers Point.
The ferry and riverfront walk are generally accessible, but guests with mobility concerns should check specific accessibility details before booking.
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended for the riverfront walk and ferry ride in New Orleans.
The walk takes place along the historic riverfront in Algiers Point on New Orleans' West Bank, near the ferry landing.

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