The right side strings together the Gatineau Hills on departure, glimpses of the Canadian Shield and northern prairies during cruise, and a close-up view of the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver on arrival, giving it more consistent visual interest than the flatter, more ocean/plain-dominated left side.
Flown YOW to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Vancouver is 2,207 miles (3,552 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Around the midpoint the route crosses the transition zone between the lake-studded Canadian Shield of northwestern Ontario and the flat farmland of southern Manitoba, with Lake Winnipeg visible off to the north on clear days before the terrain flattens into the prairies.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
RIGHTDeparting YOW to the northwest, the right side looks north across the Ottawa River toward Parliament Hill's towers and the forested Gatineau Hills beyond, giving a nice mix of urban landmark and rolling Canadian Shield terrain. The left side mostly shows flatter farmland south of the city with less to look at.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTOn the westbound approach into YVR, the right side faces north and gets a close, dramatic view of the North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress) rising abruptly behind Burrard Inlet, plus the downtown Vancouver skyline and Stanley Park. The left side mainly shows the flat Fraser River delta and Strait of Georgia, with only a distant glimpse of Mount Baker.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Vancouver. The right side strings together the Gatineau Hills on departure, glimpses of the Canadian Shield and northern prairies during cruise, and a close-up view of the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver on arrival, giving it more consistent visual interest than the flatter, more ocean/plain-dominated left side.
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. Departing YOW to the northwest, the right side looks north across the Ottawa River toward Parliament Hill's towers and the forested Gatineau Hills beyond, giving a nice mix of urban landmark and rolling Canadian Shield terrain. The left side mostly shows flatter farmland south of the city with less to look at. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Hills.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the westbound approach into YVR, the right side faces north and gets a close, dramatic view of the North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress) rising abruptly behind Burrard Inlet, plus the downtown Vancouver skyline and Stanley Park. The left side mainly shows the flat Fraser River delta and Strait of Georgia, with only a distant glimpse of Mount Baker. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress), Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver skyline, Stanley Park.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Vancouver?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,207 miles (3,552 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Around the midpoint the route crosses the transition zone between the lake-studded Canadian Shield of northwestern Ontario and the flat farmland of southern Manitoba, with Lake Winnipeg visible off to the north on clear days before the terrain flattens into the prairies.