Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Ottawa. The left side wins overall. The London departure view is genuinely spectacular — the Thames and city grid are among the most recognizable urban landscapes from the air. Over the Atlantic the views are equivalent on both sides. On arrival, the right side edges it for Ottawa, but the departure experience on the left is the more memorable of the two and tips the balance.

During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow departures on the dominant westerly runways (27L/27R) head west initially before turning northwest. Left side gives you a clear view south over Greater London — the Thames snaking through the city, Wembley Stadium, and the dense urban grid are all visible during climb-out. Right side faces north toward the M25 corridor and suburban sprawl with fewer distinctive landmarks. Notable sights include: River Thames bending through central London, Wembley Stadium arch, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest, the urban density of West London boroughs.

When landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier typically receives transatlantic arrivals from the east, with final approach often on runway 25 heading west. On right side you get a clear view north over the Ottawa River, Gatineau across the river in Quebec, and the Parliament Hill complex on the south bank becomes visible just before touchdown. Left side faces south over suburban Ottawa with less distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower, Gatineau Hills to the north, the Rideau River confluence with the Ottawa River.

The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes Approximately 8 to 8.5 hours westbound.

The route tracks northwest over Ireland's west coast near Shannon, then crosses the North Atlantic following a great circle arc that passes south of Greenland's tip and over southern Labrador. Visible features mid-flight can include sea ice and icebergs near the Labrador Sea, the deeply fjorded coastline of Labrador, the boreal forest of Quebec stretching to the horizon, and the St. Lawrence River valley on descent into eastern Canada.