Right side captures the most visually distinctive features: the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills during departure, then the boreal landscape transition, and finally Gander Lake during approach. Left side offers less consistent scenic value across the full flight path.
Flown YOW to YDF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Deer Lake is 895 miles (1,441 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield's boreal forest region. Notable features include the transition from the Ottawa River valley through Quebec's forested terrain, crossing into Newfoundland and Labrador where the landscape becomes increasingly characterized by lakes, rivers, and dense spruce-fir forest. Manicouagan Reservoir (a large circular impact crater lake) may be visible on the left side during mid-flight if the aircraft passes near it, appearing as a distinctive ring-shaped water body. The terrain gradually becomes more rugged and lake-dotted as you approach Newfoundland's interior plateau.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Ottawa River valley and the Gatineau Hills across the river in Quebec. The left side faces inland toward the Canadian Shield with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb.
Landing at YDF
LEFTLeft side provides views of Gander Lake and the surrounding boreal forest landscape as you descend into Deer Lake. The right side faces less distinctive terrain during the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Deer Lake (YDF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Deer Lake. Right side captures the most visually distinctive features: the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills during departure, then the boreal landscape transition, and finally Gander Lake during approach. Left side offers less consistent scenic value across the full flight path.
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 offers views of the Ottawa River valley and the Gatineau Hills across the river in Quebec. The left side faces inland toward the Canadian Shield with fewer distinctive landmarks during initial climb. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, Parliament Hill area, Rideau Canal.
What can I see when landing at Deer Lake in Deer Lake?
When landing at Deer Lake (YDF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides views of Gander Lake and the surrounding boreal forest landscape as you descend into Deer Lake. The right side faces less distinctive terrain during the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Gander Lake, Exploits River valley, boreal forest canopy, coastal Newfoundland terrain.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Deer Lake?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Deer Lake (YDF) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 895 miles (1,441 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Deer Lake flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield's boreal forest region. Notable features include the transition from the Ottawa River valley through Quebec's forested terrain, crossing into Newfoundland and Labrador where the landscape becomes increasingly characterized by lakes, rivers, and dense spruce-fir forest. Manicouagan Reservoir (a large circular impact crater lake) may be visible on the left side during mid-flight if the aircraft passes near it, appearing as a distinctive ring-shaped water body. The terrain gradually becomes more rugged and lake-dotted as you approach Newfoundland's interior plateau.