About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to St Johns International (YYT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Ottawa to St. John's. Right-side seats win on balance: strong takeoff views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River valley, plus the entire flight path eastward over Quebec's Laurentian Plateau and Maritime forests offers continuous terrain interest on the right side. Landing views favor the left, but takeoff advantage is more pronounced.
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 seats capture the Gatineau Hills immediately north of Ottawa during climb-out, and the Ottawa River valley running northeast. The city itself spreads below on the left, but the forested terrain and water features are more visually interesting on the right. Notable sights include: Gatineau Hills (north), Ottawa River (northeast flow), Parliament Hill district (south/left), Greenbelt forest (surrounding).
What can I see when landing at St Johns International in St. John's?
When landing at St Johns International (YYT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer views of St. John's Harbour and the Atlantic coastline during descent. The city sits on a peninsula with distinctive water features on both sides, but the left side captures the main harbor approach and the dramatic rocky headlands that define the approach corridor. Notable sights include: St. John's Harbour (left/center), Atlantic Ocean (right/horizon), Signal Hill (distinctive rocky prominence), Avalon Peninsula coastline.
How long is the flight from Ottawa to St. John's?
The flight from Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) to St Johns International (YYT) takes Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Ottawa to St. John's flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Laurentian Plateau's forested terrain, with scattered lakes visible throughout Quebec and into Labrador. The Manicouagan River system becomes visible in eastern Quebec (a distinctive multi-lobed reservoir). The coastline of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence appears as the aircraft descends toward Newfoundland, with the Avalon Peninsula's rocky, treeless terrain becoming increasingly prominent in the final 30 minutes of flight.