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LGA → YOW
Which side of the plane to sit from La Guardia Airport (New York) to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior perspective of the Manhattan skyline upon departure from LGA, followed by expansive views of the Catskills and the rugged Adirondack High Peaks during the northbound cruise.
Manhattan Skyline
Breathtaking views of Central Park, the Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center shortly after takeoff.
Catskill Mountains
Rolling forested ridges and deep valleys of the Appalachian plateau in southeastern New York.
Adirondack Park
Overlooking the vast wilderness and the High Peaks region, including Mount Marcy, New York's highest point.
St. Lawrence River
The crossing into Canada near the Thousand Islands region, where the Great Lakes drain toward the Atlantic.
Gatineau Park
Lush woodlands and lake systems visible just across the Ottawa River during the final approach.
Sit on the left for the iconic 'NYC Departure' view. If the plane takes off towards the North or East, a quick bank usually reveals the entire city. Morning flights provide excellent front-lighting on the Adirondack mountains, highlighting the terrain's relief. In autumn, this side showcases the vibrant foliage of the northern forests particularly well.
Long Island Sound
Coastal views of Westchester County and the affluent shoreline of Connecticut.
Hudson River Valley
Aerial perspective of the historic river, including views of West Point and the Bear Mountain Bridge.
Lake Champlain
A long, narrow glacial lake nestled between the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Eastern Ontario Farmstead
The organized grid pattern of rural Canadian farmland as the descent into YOW begins.
Ottawa Suburbs
Clear views of Nepean and the surrounding residential areas of the Canadian capital.
The right side is ideal for seeing the boundary between New York and Vermont. If the pilot follows the Hudson-Champlain corridor, you will have a front-row seat to the Green Mountains. Late afternoon flights are best for this side to avoid the direct glare of the sun while enjoying the golden hour over the rural Ontario landscape.
Distance: 526 km (327 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 53 min
Departure: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Arrival: YOW (45.3224983215332, -75.66919708251953)
Route Type: International
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