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YEG → YOW
Which side of the plane to sit from Edmonton International Airport (Edmonton) to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa)?
Right Side of the Plane
While both sides offer vast landscapes, the Right Side (South) is superior for witnessing the massive scale of Lake Superior and the rugged beauty of the Georgian Bay coastline.
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Prairie Patchwork
The iconic geometric patterns of Canadian farmland across Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Lake Superior North Shore
The dramatic, rugged coastline of the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area.
Georgian Bay Islands
The famous 'Thirty Thousand Islands' region, featuring crystal clear water and rocky inlets.
Algonquin Park Fringe
The southern periphery of Ontario's most famous wilderness park, characterized by dense maple forests.
Ottawa Valley Farmland
The rich agricultural lands of Eastern Ontario during the final descent into the capital.
The right side is the 'sunny side' for most of the flight; keep your window shade partially down to avoid glare while looking for Lake Superior. The best views of the Great Lakes occur roughly 2 to 2.5 hours into the flight. For the best photography of the islands, wait until you are over the Muskoka/Georgian Bay region.
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Edmonton Skyline
Clear views of downtown Edmonton and the winding North Saskatchewan River valley immediately after takeoff.
Lake Winnipegosis
The northern edge of the great prairie lakes, showcasing unique turquoise waters against the flat landscape.
Canadian Shield
A dense mosaic of granite outcrops and millions of small lakes stretching across Northern Ontario.
Gatineau Hills
The rolling green peaks of Gatineau Park marking the final approach into the Ottawa region.
Ottawa River
The historic waterway separating Ontario and Quebec, visible during the descent into YOW.
Choose the left side for potential views of the Aurora Borealis if flying on a clear night. During the day, the northern view offers a more consistent look at the wilderness of the Canadian Shield. During arrival, you will often see the Parliament Buildings if the wind requires a northern approach.
Get eSIMs for Canada
Get eSIMs for CanadaDistance: 2,849 km (1,770 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 48 min
Departure: YEG (53.3097000122, -113.580001831)
Arrival: YOW (45.3224983215332, -75.66919708251953)
Route Type: Domestic
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