The left side delivers the dramatic Manhattan and Hudson River panorama on departure, which is the single most visually spectacular moment of this short flight. During cruise the left side also tracks over the Catskills and the Lake Ontario shoreline approach into Ontario. The right side landing view over the Ottawa River is excellent but slightly less impactful overall.
Flown EWR to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Newark to Ottawa is 329 miles (529 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains in New York, then crosses the Adirondack Mountains — a broad expanse of forested upland with numerous lakes including the Fulton Chain Lakes visible below. The St. Lawrence River lowlands appear as the aircraft begins descent into Ottawa, with the flat agricultural patchwork of eastern Ontario filling the view before the Ottawa River valley comes into sight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from EWR
LEFTEWR's primary departure runway 22L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side during the initial climb and turn. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Hudson, and Upper New York Bay before the aircraft tracks north.
Landing at YOW
RIGHTOttawa Macdonald-Cartier typically uses runway 25 for westward landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Ottawa River valley. The right side gives you the Ottawa River, Gatineau across the river in Quebec, and the Parliament Hill area as you descend through the final miles.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Newark to Ottawa. The left side delivers the dramatic Manhattan and Hudson River panorama on departure, which is the single most visually spectacular moment of this short flight. During cruise the left side also tracks over the Catskills and the Lake Ontario shoreline approach into Ontario. The right side landing view over the Ottawa River is excellent but slightly less impactful overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Newark Liberty International in Newark?
During takeoff from Newark Liberty International (EWR), sit on the Left side for the best views. EWR's primary departure runway 22L sends aircraft southwest before turning northeast, putting Manhattan and the Hudson River on the left side during the initial climb and turn. You get a clear view of the NYC skyline, the Hudson, and Upper New York Bay before the aircraft tracks north. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Upper New York Bay, Newark Bay.
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. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier typically uses runway 25 for westward landings, with the approach coming from the east over the Ottawa River valley. The right side gives you the Ottawa River, Gatineau across the river in Quebec, and the Parliament Hill area as you descend through the final miles. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, Gatineau Hills, Rideau River confluence.
How long is the flight from Newark to Ottawa?
The flight from Newark Liberty International (EWR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 329 miles (529 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Newark to Ottawa flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains in New York, then crosses the Adirondack Mountains — a broad expanse of forested upland with numerous lakes including the Fulton Chain Lakes visible below. The St. Lawrence River lowlands appear as the aircraft begins descent into Ottawa, with the flat agricultural patchwork of eastern Ontario filling the view before the Ottawa River valley comes into sight.