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DCA destination photo
YOW destination photo

DCAYOW

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏛️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🌊

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.

Top Activities in Ottawa
Route Information

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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