While takeoff offers some Canadian Shield scenery, the landing approach provides far superior views of a major European city's geography, a major river estuary, and Atlantic coastline. The Tagus and Lisbon's urban landscape are more visually distinctive than Ottawa's departure scenery.
Flown YOW to LIS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Lisbon is 3,346 miles (5,384 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude. Notable features along the route include: the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline during initial eastbound climb (if visible during daylight); the open Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the transatlantic crossing; the Irish coastline and Celtic Sea approaching European airspace; and the Iberian Peninsula's interior plateaus before descent into Lisbon. The mid-Atlantic ridge and deep ocean basin are not visually distinguishable at cruise altitude, but the transition from North American to European continental air masses is marked by the approach to Ireland and the UK's western approaches.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ottawa River valley and the Canadian Shield terrain as the aircraft climbs eastward over the region. You'll see the river's meandering path and forested landscape that characterizes the area immediately east of Ottawa.
Landing at LIS
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Tagus River estuary and Lisbon's urban geography as the aircraft descends on approach from the northeast. You'll see the distinctive river mouth, the city's layout across multiple hills, and the Atlantic coastline.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Lisboa (LIS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Lisbon. While takeoff offers some Canadian Shield scenery, the landing approach provides far superior views of a major European city's geography, a major river estuary, and Atlantic coastline. The Tagus and Lisbon's urban landscape are more visually distinctive than Ottawa's departure scenery.
What can I see during takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
During takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Ottawa River valley and the Canadian Shield terrain as the aircraft climbs eastward over the region. You'll see the river's meandering path and forested landscape that characterizes the area immediately east of Ottawa. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, Canadian Shield forests, Rideau Canal system.
What can I see when landing at Lisboa in Lisbon?
When landing at Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Tagus River estuary and Lisbon's urban geography as the aircraft descends on approach from the northeast. You'll see the distinctive river mouth, the city's layout across multiple hills, and the Atlantic coastline. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Lisbon city center and hills, Atlantic coastline, Cristo Rei monument area.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Lisbon?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Lisboa (LIS) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,346 miles (5,384 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Lisbon flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high altitude. Notable features along the route include: the Newfoundland and Labrador coastline during initial eastbound climb (if visible during daylight); the open Atlantic Ocean for the majority of the transatlantic crossing; the Irish coastline and Celtic Sea approaching European airspace; and the Iberian Peninsula's interior plateaus before descent into Lisbon. The mid-Atlantic ridge and deep ocean basin are not visually distinguishable at cruise altitude, but the transition from North American to European continental air masses is marked by the approach to Ireland and the UK's western approaches.