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YOW → LGA
Which side of the plane to sit from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (Ottawa) to La Guardia Airport (New York)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most consistent views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park during the final descent into LaGuardia, especially when flying the common approach from the north.
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St. Lawrence River
Aerial crossing of the international border with views of the expansive river system.
Adirondack High Peaks
Dramatic views of the highest summits in New York State, including Mount Marcy.
Lake George
The 'Queen of American Lakes' is often visible as a long, narrow strip of blue to the east.
Midtown Manhattan
Unrivaled views of the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and Central Park on approach.
George Washington Bridge
A clear view of the iconic suspension bridge connecting New Jersey and Upper Manhattan.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. As the plane descends into the NYC basin, stay alert once you cross over the Bronx; this is when the Midtown skyline and Central Park come into full view. In winter, the snow-capped Adirondacks provide a stunning high-contrast landscape.
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Thousand Islands
Views of the scenic archipelago where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario.
Adirondack Wilderness
Vast stretches of unbroken forest and remote lakes in the western Adirondack Park.
Catskill Mountains
The rolling plateaus and reservoirs that provide New York City's water supply.
Hudson River Palisades
The dramatic, steep cliffs lining the western bank of the lower Hudson River.
Lower Manhattan
If the plane loops south, you may see the One World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty.
The right side is superior for sunset flights, offering golden hour views over the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. If the weather is clear and the pilot utilizes the 'River Visual' approach, the right side gets a front-row seat to the entire western edge of Manhattan and the Jersey City skyline.
Book Hotels in New YorkDistance: 526 km (327 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 53 min
Departure: YOW (45.3224983215332, -75.66919708251953)
Arrival: LGA (40.77719879, -73.87259674)
Route Type: International
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