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DCA → YOW
Which side of the plane to sit from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Washington) to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side is superior for this route as it offers the iconic aerial view of the U.S. Capitol and National Mall during departure, followed by the rugged Adirondack Mountains and the stunning St. Lawrence River crossing.
National Mall & Capitol
Unrivaled views of the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial on North-bound departures.
Baltimore Skyline
The Inner Harbor and downtown Baltimore are often visible to the east while climbing through 15,000 feet.
Adirondack High Peaks
The dense forests and granite peaks of New York's largest wilderness area provide a scenic mid-flight backdrop.
St. Lawrence River
The international border crossing featuring the picturesque Thousand Islands region near Brockville.
Gatineau Hills
The ancient Laurentian Mountains of Quebec rising to the north as the plane enters the YOW landing pattern.
Sit on the right for the 'River Visual' or standard North departures to see the DC monuments. During the autumn months, the foliage over the Adirondacks is breathtaking. Be ready with your camera about 20 minutes before landing for the St. Lawrence crossing, which is the flight's geographic highlight.
Potomac River Valley
Aerial views of the winding Potomac and the Pentagon shortly after lifting off from DCA.
Pennsylvania Farmlands
The geometric patterns of the lush, rolling agricultural heartland of central Pennsylvania.
Finger Lakes Region
Deep glacial lakes of upstate New York visible in the distance during the cruise phase.
Ottawa River
The major waterway separating Ontario and Quebec as the plane descends into the capital region.
Kanata Tech Hub
The sprawling high-tech business parks on the western outskirts of Ottawa during the final approach.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. Afternoon flights are best on this side to keep the sun behind you and illuminate the landscape. Watch for the dramatic change from the Appalachian ridges to the flatter terrain of the St. Lawrence Valley.
Distance: 728 km (452 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 13 min
Departure: DCA (38.8521, -77.037697)
Arrival: YOW (45.3224983215332, -75.66919708251953)
Route Type: International
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