While left offers good Ottawa departure views, right-side seats dominate the flight overall. The transatlantic routing provides minimal scenic value over the open Atlantic, but right-side seats capture the dramatic Icelandic approach and landing, which is the flight's visual highlight.
Flown YOW to RKV? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Reykjavik is 2,403 miles (3,868 km), a flight of about 5 hours 45 minutes.
Open Atlantic Ocean (no significant landmarks); the flight path crosses the Davis Strait region and passes south of Greenland's ice sheet (not typically visible at cruise altitude due to distance and cloud cover). The approach to Iceland reveals the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's surface expression through Iceland's volcanic landscape, visible only in the final 200 miles.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
LEFTLeft side captures the Ottawa River valley and the Gatineau Hills across the Quebec border immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeastward, and left-side seats offer clear views of the river's winding path and forested terrain that define the region's geography.
Landing at RKV
RIGHTRight-side seats provide the best views during the final approach into Reykjavik. The aircraft descends from the northeast over the Atlantic, and right-side windows frame the Reykjanes Peninsula, the coastal cliffs, and the approach path over Faxaflói Bay toward the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Reykjavik (RKV)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Reykjavik. While left offers good Ottawa departure views, right-side seats dominate the flight overall. The transatlantic routing provides minimal scenic value over the open Atlantic, but right-side seats capture the dramatic Icelandic approach and landing, which is the flight's visual highlight.
What can I see during takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
During takeoff from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Ottawa River valley and the Gatineau Hills across the Quebec border immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeastward, and left-side seats offer clear views of the river's winding path and forested terrain that define the region's geography. Notable sights include: Ottawa River (flowing east-northeast below), Gatineau Hills (low, forested ridge on the far bank), Canadian Shield transition zone, urban Ottawa sprawl receding southward.
What can I see when landing at Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
When landing at Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide the best views during the final approach into Reykjavik. The aircraft descends from the northeast over the Atlantic, and right-side windows frame the Reykjanes Peninsula, the coastal cliffs, and the approach path over Faxaflói Bay toward the runway. Notable sights include: Faxaflói Bay (broad water body), Reykjanes Peninsula (volcanic terrain with visible lava fields), coastal cliffs and rocky shoreline, geothermal areas near Keflavík.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Reykjavik?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Reykjavik (RKV) takes about 5 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,403 miles (3,868 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Reykjavik flight path pass over?
Open Atlantic Ocean (no significant landmarks); the flight path crosses the Davis Strait region and passes south of Greenland's ice sheet (not typically visible at cruise altitude due to distance and cloud cover). The approach to Iceland reveals the Mid-Atlantic Ridge's surface expression through Iceland's volcanic landscape, visible only in the final 200 miles.