The right side wins across the whole flight: Ottawa's skyline and Gatineau Hills at takeoff, a cruise segment that passes north over the Canadian Shield lakes and the Rocky Mountains near Banff/Jasper, and a final approach into Victoria showing the Gulf Islands and mainland Coast Mountains. The left side is dominated by flatter prairie and open water with fewer distinctive features.
Flown YOW to YYJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Ottawa to Victoria is 2,226 miles (3,582 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
Canadian Shield lake country north of Lake Superior, the Prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the Rocky Mountains near Banff/Jasper including the Columbia Icefield before descending toward the BC interior and coast.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YOW
RIGHTDeparting YOW on runway 32 or 07, the climb-out curves the aircraft toward the northwest, putting downtown Ottawa, Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa River on the right side of the plane, with the forested Gatineau Hills rising beyond. The left side shows mostly flat farmland south of the city.
Landing at YYJ
RIGHTLanding at YYJ on runway 27 means a descent from the east over the Strait of Georgia, so the right side of the aircraft faces north toward the Gulf Islands, Saanich Inlet, and the distant snow-capped Coast Mountains on the mainland. The left side mainly shows open water and the Olympic Mountains far to the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Victoria International (YYJ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to Victoria. The right side wins across the whole flight: Ottawa's skyline and Gatineau Hills at takeoff, a cruise segment that passes north over the Canadian Shield lakes and the Rocky Mountains near Banff/Jasper, and a final approach into Victoria showing the Gulf Islands and mainland Coast Mountains. The left side is dominated by flatter prairie and open water with fewer distinctive features.
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 on runway 32 or 07, the climb-out curves the aircraft toward the northwest, putting downtown Ottawa, Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa River on the right side of the plane, with the forested Gatineau Hills rising beyond. The left side shows mostly flat farmland south of the city. Notable sights include: Parliament Hill, Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, downtown Ottawa skyline.
What can I see when landing at Victoria International in Victoria?
When landing at Victoria International (YYJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing at YYJ on runway 27 means a descent from the east over the Strait of Georgia, so the right side of the aircraft faces north toward the Gulf Islands, Saanich Inlet, and the distant snow-capped Coast Mountains on the mainland. The left side mainly shows open water and the Olympic Mountains far to the south. Notable sights include: Gulf Islands, Saanich Inlet, Salish Sea, distant Coast Mountains.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to Victoria?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to Victoria International (YYJ) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,226 miles (3,582 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Ottawa to Victoria flight path pass over?
Canadian Shield lake country north of Lake Superior, the Prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the Rocky Mountains near Banff/Jasper including the Columbia Icefield before descending toward the BC interior and coast.