Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the transatlantic nature of the route—most of the journey crosses the Atlantic Ocean with minimal scenic value on either side. However, the right side edges ahead on landing approach with views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley, providing more distinctive terrain features than the left side's flat approach. The takeoff from Paris slightly favors the left, but the landing advantage on the right gives it the overall edge for a passenger prioritizing window views.
Flown CDG to YRO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Ottawa is 3,510 miles (5,648 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 5.5 hours with no significant landmarks visible—open water dominates the midpoint. Departure from CDG typically heads west over Normandy and Brittany (coastal cliffs and English Channel visible briefly), then over open Atlantic. Arrival into Ottawa approaches from the east over the Canadian Shield, with the transition from boreal forest to the Ottawa River valley and Gatineau Hills marking the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTLeft side captures Paris metropolitan area and Seine valley during initial climb. Right side faces open countryside with minimal urban features during departure.
Landing at YRO
RIGHTRight side (north) offers views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley during descent and approach to YRO. Left side faces relatively flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Ottawa. Both sides score equally for the full flight due to the transatlantic nature of the route—most of the journey crosses the Atlantic Ocean with minimal scenic value on either side. However, the right side edges ahead on landing approach with views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley, providing more distinctive terrain features than the left side's flat approach. The takeoff from Paris slightly favors the left, but the landing advantage on the right gives it the overall edge for a passenger prioritizing window views.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures Paris metropolitan area and Seine valley during initial climb. Right side faces open countryside with minimal urban features during departure. Notable sights include: Paris city center and Île-de-France sprawl, Seine River valley, Versailles region to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport in Ottawa?
When landing at Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north) offers views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley during descent and approach to YRO. Left side faces relatively flat terrain with fewer distinctive features during the final approach. Notable sights include: Gatineau Hills (Laurentian foothills), Ottawa River, Gatineau city across the river, Parliament Hill area.
How long is the flight from Paris to Ottawa?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Ottawa / Rockcliffe Airport (YRO) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,510 miles (5,648 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Ottawa flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Atlantic Ocean for approximately 5.5 hours with no significant landmarks visible—open water dominates the midpoint. Departure from CDG typically heads west over Normandy and Brittany (coastal cliffs and English Channel visible briefly), then over open Atlantic. Arrival into Ottawa approaches from the east over the Canadian Shield, with the transition from boreal forest to the Ottawa River valley and Gatineau Hills marking the final descent phase.