While takeoff scenery is minor on both sides, the right side wins overall thanks to the Rocky Mountain views during the Calgary approach, a much stronger visual payoff than the flat prairie and boreal shield scenery seen on the left throughout cruise.
Flown YOW to YYC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Calgary is 1,788 miles (2,878 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Canadian Shield lakes and boreal forest over northern Ontario, followed by the flat farmland of the Manitoba and Saskatchewan prairies before the Alberta foothills appear near the end of the route
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
LEFTDeparting YOW typically uses runway 32 or 25, taking the aircraft over the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills to the north before turning west. The left side offers a brief look at downtown Ottawa's skyline and the river valley, while the right side shows only suburban sprawl.
Landing at YYC
RIGHTOn approach into YYC from the east, aircraft typically turn south to land on runway 17, putting the Rocky Mountains directly on the right side of the plane. This gives passengers a dramatic view of the front ranges rising above the foothills just west of the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Calgary International (YYC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Calgary. While takeoff scenery is minor on both sides, the right side wins overall thanks to the Rocky Mountain views during the Calgary approach, a much stronger visual payoff than the flat prairie and boreal shield scenery seen on the left throughout cruise.
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 typically uses runway 32 or 25, taking the aircraft over the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills to the north before turning west. The left side offers a brief look at downtown Ottawa's skyline and the river valley, while the right side shows only suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Parliament Hill skyline, Gatineau Hills.
What can I see when landing at Calgary International in Calgary?
When landing at Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into YYC from the east, aircraft typically turn south to land on runway 17, putting the Rocky Mountains directly on the right side of the plane. This gives passengers a dramatic view of the front ranges rising above the foothills just west of the city. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain front ranges, Bow River valley, Calgary foothills, downtown Calgary skyline.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Calgary?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Calgary International (YYC) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,788 miles (2,878 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Calgary flight path pass over?
Canadian Shield lakes and boreal forest over northern Ontario, followed by the flat farmland of the Manitoba and Saskatchewan prairies before the Alberta foothills appear near the end of the route