While the route is largely flat prairie and Canadian Shield with no dramatic terrain, the left side offers the more varied cruise view over the lake-studded Shield country of northern Ontario plus a stronger landing sequence with the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, and Parliament Hill skyline.
Flown YEG to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edmonton to Ottawa is 1,771 miles (2,849 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of Saskatchewan and Manitoba before entering the lake-studded Canadian Shield of northern Ontario, passing near the countless small lakes and boreal forest north of Lake Superior.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YEG
RIGHTDeparting YEG on runway 20, the initial southbound climb and turn puts Edmonton's deep North Saskatchewan River valley and its riverside parks on the right side of the aircraft before the turn onto an easterly heading.
Landing at YOW
LEFTOn approach to YOW from the northwest onto runway 32/14, the left side of the aircraft faces north, revealing the Ottawa River, the forested Gatineau Hills, and the skyline of Ottawa-Gatineau including Parliament Hill as the plane descends.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edmonton International (YEG) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edmonton to Ottawa. While the route is largely flat prairie and Canadian Shield with no dramatic terrain, the left side offers the more varied cruise view over the lake-studded Shield country of northern Ontario plus a stronger landing sequence with the Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, and Parliament Hill skyline.
What can I see during takeoff from Edmonton International in Edmonton?
During takeoff from Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YEG on runway 20, the initial southbound climb and turn puts Edmonton's deep North Saskatchewan River valley and its riverside parks on the right side of the aircraft before the turn onto an easterly heading. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley, downtown Edmonton skyline, river valley parkland.
What can I see when landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
When landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to YOW from the northwest onto runway 32/14, the left side of the aircraft faces north, revealing the Ottawa River, the forested Gatineau Hills, and the skyline of Ottawa-Gatineau including Parliament Hill as the plane descends. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa skyline.
How long is the flight from Edmonton to Ottawa?
The flight from Edmonton International (YEG) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,771 miles (2,849 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edmonton to Ottawa flight path pass over?
The route crosses the flat agricultural plains of Saskatchewan and Manitoba before entering the lake-studded Canadian Shield of northern Ontario, passing near the countless small lakes and boreal forest north of Lake Superior.