The left side wins narrowly thanks to the strong Ottawa cityscape at departure, including Parliament Hill and the river system, while the rest of the flight over the Canadian Shield's lakes is fairly similar on both sides.
Flown YOW to YWG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Winnipeg is 1,049 miles (1,689 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The route crosses the Canadian Shield of northern Ontario, passing near Lake Nipissing, the north shore of Lake Superior, and numerous boreal lakes before entering the flat Red River valley of Manitoba near Lake of the Woods.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
LEFTDeparting YOW to the west, the left side gives a good look back at downtown Ottawa, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal corridor along the Ottawa River, before the city gives way to the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted forest.
Landing at YWG
RIGHTOn approach into YWG from the east, the right side offers views north toward Lake Winnipeg and the Red River, with Winnipeg's downtown and the Red-Assiniboine river confluence visible just before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Winnipeg International (YWG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Winnipeg. The left side wins narrowly thanks to the strong Ottawa cityscape at departure, including Parliament Hill and the river system, while the rest of the flight over the Canadian Shield's lakes is fairly similar on both sides.
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. Departing YOW to the west, the left side gives a good look back at downtown Ottawa, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal corridor along the Ottawa River, before the city gives way to the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted forest. Notable sights include: Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, Ottawa River, downtown Ottawa skyline.
What can I see when landing at Winnipeg International in Winnipeg?
When landing at Winnipeg International (YWG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into YWG from the east, the right side offers views north toward Lake Winnipeg and the Red River, with Winnipeg's downtown and the Red-Assiniboine river confluence visible just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Winnipeg, Red River, Assiniboine River confluence, Winnipeg downtown.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Winnipeg International (YWG) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,049 miles (1,689 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Winnipeg flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Canadian Shield of northern Ontario, passing near Lake Nipissing, the north shore of Lake Superior, and numerous boreal lakes before entering the flat Red River valley of Manitoba near Lake of the Woods.