While the London departure gives the left side a nice moment, the right side accumulates more scenic value overall: glimpses of Greenland's southern coast and Labrador's rugged shoreline during cruise, followed by the Ottawa River and downtown skyline on arrival.
Flown LHR to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Ottawa is 3,322 miles (5,346 km), a flight of about 7 hours 45 minutes.
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, followed by the rocky Labrador coastline and the boreal forests of eastern Quebec before descent toward the Ottawa Valley
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LHR
LEFTWestbound departures off 27L/27R typically bank right (northward) shortly after takeoff, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable view of the Thames and central London skyline before the aircraft settles onto its transatlantic heading.
Landing at YOW
RIGHTOn a typical northwest-to-southeast approach into runway 14, the aircraft banks south of the Ottawa River, putting downtown Ottawa's skyline, Parliament Hill, and the Gatineau Hills on the right side during the final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Ottawa. While the London departure gives the left side a nice moment, the right side accumulates more scenic value overall: glimpses of Greenland's southern coast and Labrador's rugged shoreline during cruise, followed by the Ottawa River and downtown skyline on arrival.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Westbound departures off 27L/27R typically bank right (northward) shortly after takeoff, giving left-side passengers a brief but recognizable view of the Thames and central London skyline before the aircraft settles onto its transatlantic heading. Notable sights include: River Thames, Central London skyline, Heathrow's western suburbs, M25 orbital motorway.
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. On a typical northwest-to-southeast approach into runway 14, the aircraft banks south of the Ottawa River, putting downtown Ottawa's skyline, Parliament Hill, and the Gatineau Hills on the right side during the final descent. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Parliament Hill and Peace Tower, Gatineau Hills, downtown Ottawa skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Ottawa?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 7 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,322 miles (5,346 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Ottawa flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet and coastal fjords, followed by the rocky Labrador coastline and the boreal forests of eastern Quebec before descent toward the Ottawa Valley