While the takeoff favors left seats for coastal and mountain views, the landing approach into Ottawa from the west strongly favors right seats. Since the landing provides more dramatic urban and river scenery over a longer viewing window, right is the overall better choice for this route.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Canadian interior, passing over the Cascade Range foothills in British Columbia, then the interior plateau and Rocky Mountain foothills. Notable midpoint features include the Fraser River valley (visible during climb-out from YYJ), the interior lakes and forests of central British Columbia, the transition into the Canadian Shield terrain around the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, and the boreal forests and lakes of northern Ontario. The prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are crossed at altitude, offering expansive views of agricultural land and scattered lakes. As the aircraft approaches Ottawa, the terrain transitions to the Canadian Shield with its characteristic rocky, forested landscape dotted with lakes.
Phase by phase
Takeoff from
Landing at
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Victoria International (YYJ) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Victoria to Ottawa. While the takeoff favors left seats for coastal and mountain views, the landing approach into Ottawa from the west strongly favors right seats. Since the landing provides more dramatic urban and river scenery over a longer viewing window, right is the overall better choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Victoria International in Victoria?
During takeoff from Victoria International (YYJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer immediate views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains across the water in Washington State. The climb-out path from YYJ typically heads east over water before turning inland, giving left-side passengers the best vantage of the strait and distant peaks. Notable sights include: Strait of Juan de Fuca, Olympic Mountains (Washington), Vancouver Island coastline, Saanich Inlet.
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. Right seats provide excellent views during the descent into Ottawa. The approach typically comes from the west, and right-side passengers will see the Rideau River, the Gatineau Hills across the river in Quebec, and the urban sprawl of Ottawa's downtown and eastern districts as the aircraft descends toward the runway. Notable sights include: Rideau River, Gatineau Hills, Ottawa downtown core, Canadian Parliament Hill area.
How long is the flight from Victoria to Ottawa?
The flight from Victoria International (YYJ) to Ottawa Macdonald Cartier International (YOW) takes Approximately 4 hours 45 minutes.
What does the Victoria to Ottawa flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian interior, passing over the Cascade Range foothills in British Columbia, then the interior plateau and Rocky Mountain foothills. Notable midpoint features include the Fraser River valley (visible during climb-out from YYJ), the interior lakes and forests of central British Columbia, the transition into the Canadian Shield terrain around the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, and the boreal forests and lakes of northern Ontario. The prairies of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are crossed at altitude, offering expansive views of agricultural land and scattered lakes. As the aircraft approaches Ottawa, the terrain transitions to the Canadian Shield with its characteristic rocky, forested landscape dotted with lakes.