The right side offers a stronger overall experience: a glimpse of Paris on departure, a chance to see the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Labrador's rugged coastline during the North Atlantic crossing, and a scenic river-and-city approach into Ottawa.
Flown CDG to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Ottawa is 3,516 miles (5,658 km), a flight of about 8 hours 10 minutes.
Southern Ireland's coastline, the North Atlantic, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the rocky Labrador coast are crossed along the great-circle routing before the descent over Quebec into Ontario.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
RIGHTDeparting CDG on the 26/27 westbound runways, the aircraft typically banks north toward the English Channel, putting central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and La Défense towers — on the right side of the cabin during the initial climb.
Landing at YOW
RIGHTArrivals into YOW from the northeast commonly descend over the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills before turning onto final for runway 14 or 25, giving right-side passengers views of the river, Parliament Hill, and the wooded Gatineau ridgeline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Ottawa. The right side offers a stronger overall experience: a glimpse of Paris on departure, a chance to see the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and Labrador's rugged coastline during the North Atlantic crossing, and a scenic river-and-city approach into Ottawa.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing CDG on the 26/27 westbound runways, the aircraft typically banks north toward the English Channel, putting central Paris — the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and La Défense towers — on the right side of the cabin during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Eiffel Tower, Seine River bends, La Défense skyline, Paris northern suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
When landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arrivals into YOW from the northeast commonly descend over the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills before turning onto final for runway 14 or 25, giving right-side passengers views of the river, Parliament Hill, and the wooded Gatineau ridgeline. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, Parliament Hill towers, confluence with Rideau River.
How long is the flight from Paris to Ottawa?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 8 hours 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,516 miles (5,658 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Ottawa flight path pass over?
Southern Ireland's coastline, the North Atlantic, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, and the rocky Labrador coast are crossed along the great-circle routing before the descent over Quebec into Ontario.