The takeoff from YVR offers more dramatic and continuous scenery with the North Shore Mountains and coastal features. While the landing at YOW provides good urban and river views, the westbound departure captures more visually distinctive geography over a longer viewing window during climb-out.
Flown YVR to YOW? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Ottawa is 2,207 miles (3,552 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible around 1.5 hours after departure, including peaks in the Banff/Lake Louise region), then transitions over the Canadian Shield with numerous lakes visible in northern Ontario and Quebec. The terrain gradually flattens as the aircraft approaches the Ottawa Valley. Notable water features include the Great Lakes region (skirted to the south), and countless Shield lakes that create a distinctive patchwork pattern across the landscape.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs westbound (Runways 26L/26R) or eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Left seats capture the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet immediately after rotation. If departing eastbound, left seats show the Fraser River delta and suburban sprawl toward the interior.
Landing at YOW
RIGHTYOW typically lands on Runways 25 or 07. Right seats during approach offer views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Gatineau Hills across the Quebec border. The descent path brings these landmarks into clear view on the right side of the aircraft.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Ottawa. The takeoff from YVR offers more dramatic and continuous scenery with the North Shore Mountains and coastal features. While the landing at YOW provides good urban and river views, the westbound departure captures more visually distinctive geography over a longer viewing window during climb-out.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs westbound (Runways 26L/26R) or eastbound (Runways 08L/08R). Left seats capture the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet immediately after rotation. If departing eastbound, left seats show the Fraser River delta and suburban sprawl toward the interior. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Coast Range), Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia, Fraser River delta.
What can I see when landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International in Ottawa?
When landing at Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW), sit on the Right side for the best views. YOW typically lands on Runways 25 or 07. Right seats during approach offer views of the Ottawa River, Parliament Hill, and the Gatineau Hills across the Quebec border. The descent path brings these landmarks into clear view on the right side of the aircraft. Notable sights include: Ottawa River, Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa, Gatineau Hills, Rideau Canal.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Ottawa?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes about 5 hours 15 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 Vancouver to Ottawa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Rockies (visible around 1.5 hours after departure, including peaks in the Banff/Lake Louise region), then transitions over the Canadian Shield with numerous lakes visible in northern Ontario and Quebec. The terrain gradually flattens as the aircraft approaches the Ottawa Valley. Notable water features include the Great Lakes region (skirted to the south), and countless Shield lakes that create a distinctive patchwork pattern across the landscape.