History and culture in Canada’s capital
Ottawa is an impressive city, from the soaring heights of the Peace Tower to the 202 km of the Rideau Canal. Book a flight from Halifax to Ottawa for a great time in the nation’s political heart.
As a tourist, you’ll have tons of things to do in Ottawa. For example, you could head to Parliament Hill for a closer look at the Gothic-revival buildings, surrounding sculptures, and gorgeous gardens. From the heights of the Peace Tower, you’ll have a perfect view of the other awaiting attractions.
The Peace Tower’s chiming marks every hour, but the carillonneur, who plays the bells also likes to play at other times of the day. Keep an ear out for seasonal weekday carillon recitals.
Be sure to also keep an eye out for the Memorial Chamber at the base of the Peace Tower, and the ornate carvings, stone grotesques, and gargoyles that decorate the Peace Tower’s walls.
Beyond these historical attractions, the city is a hotbed for arts, culture, and cuisine. A short bus ride north of Parliament Hill brings you to the National Gallery of Canada. This dazzling structure of pink granite and glass spires is a work of art itself.
Within its pristine walls, you’ll discover the world’s largest collection of classic and contemporary Canadian art. The gallery also houses European and American art and masterpieces.
More history awaits in ByWard Market. Visit this historic neighbourhood to get your fill of diverse international dishes. Be sure to save room for a delicious Ottawa-original dessert. BeaverTail pastries, toasty and coated with sweet cinnamon sugar are a must have on any visit to Ottawa.
Book a flight from Halifax to Ottawa and discover all the different sides of Canada’s capital city.
ByWard Market
A buffet of Ottawa’s best eateries
When you fly from Halifax to Ottawa, indulge in the unique experiences of ByWard Market with one-of-a-kind shops, boutiques, restaurants, and most famously a giant outdoor farmers’ market. Open year-round, this market brings fresh produce from hundreds of local farms to Ottawa residents. In fact, it’s one of the largest outdoor farmers’ markets in North America.
The historic streets of ByWard Market are easy to explore by foot, bike, or public transit. This accessible neighbourhood also boasts quick access to Parliament Hill, the mouth of the Rideau Canal Skateway, and other Ottawa attractions.
The history filled Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, National Gallery of Canada, and Major’s Hill Park are all just steps away. Central ByWard Market also has its own share of attractions with art galleries, entertainment venues, patios, and the quiet pedestrian-only walkways of the Sussex Courtyards.
By day, ByWard Market is a prime spot for a guided food tour and small neighbourhood charm. After dark, join locals at pubs and dance clubs for a great night out.
No matter the time of day, ByWard Market’s edible offerings are diverse and fresh. The experienced chefs in this dining district pride themselves on using organic and locally sourced ingredients.
When you fly from Halifax to Ottawa, remember that your search for the best places to eat begins in ByWard market.
The Glebe
Relax like a local
Fly from Halifax to Ottawa to discover this historic neighbourhood that boasts shops, restaurants, pubs, friendly locals, and more.
Just south of Centretown and west of the Rideau Canal, artwork, parks, and vibrant flowers spruce up the Glebe’s already pristine public spaces. The area is a favourite of Ottawa residents because of its small town feel characterized by tree-lined streets and shop owners who focus on high quality goods and building genuine relationships with customers.
Like all popular Ottawa attractions, the Glebe boasts some history of its own. The Middle English word ‘glebe’ means church lands. It’s an appropriate name since the area was originally constructed as the home of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
The neighbourhood began to develop in the 19th century and today it’s home to a supportive community of active, friendly residents and eclectic businesses. Being active and spending time outdoors are central to life in the Glebe. Year-round you’re sure to spot locals playing street hockey, jogging, biking, or strolling along the shop-lined streets.
Adding to the vibrancy of the area is the rebuilt and revitalized Lansdowne Park. This spacious oasis on the southern end of the Glebe is bordered by bustling Bank Street and the Rideau Canal; it’s much more than just a park. Lansdowne hosts year-round concerts, sporting events and is home to courtyards, the historic Aberdeen Pavilion, a civic garden, and shops.
Book a flight from Halifax to Ottawa and be sure to stop off in this friendly and charming neighbourhood.
How to get to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Porter’s check-in desk is located on the second floor, in the departures area.
Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is about 35 km / 24 mi from downtown Halifax.
Transportation to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ)
Take the Metro Transit 320 bus to the airport stop. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
The Airport Express shuttle bus provides service to the airport from downtown Halifax from May 1 to October 31, with a reduced schedule from November 1 to April 30. The fare is $22 CAD.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown cost about $55 CAD.
Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services to Halifax Stanfield International Airport and can drop customers off alongside regular passengers and taxis.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Ottawa Airport Transportation to Downtown
There are many options for transportation to downtown Ottawa from Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
The quick trip is about 10 km / 6 mi from the airport to downtown Ottawa.
Transportation
Uber and Lyft pickup is available at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. To find your ride, exit on the Arrivals level and head to the rideshare pickup zone at Pillars 11 and 12. Fares from YOW to downtown Ottawa start at $22.
Car rental services are available in the Parkade, across the street from the passenger terminal of Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
Take the OC Transpo 97 Airport / Bayshore and Bells bus from the pick-up spot outside the arrivals area. The fare is $3.50 CAD.
Taxis to downtown Ottawa cost about $35 CAD. Car service costs about $90 CAD.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport Parking
Driving to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport? There are two main parking options at Ottawa Airport with convenient access to all terminals.
The Parkade is close to the terminal with rates of $5 for every 30 minutes with a daily maximum of $24. The Parkade also offers BIZ Park on Level 3, which includes a dedicated parking area with guaranteed space and easy in-and-out access. Rates are $10 for the first hour and a $28 flat rate for 24 hours.
The information and figures above are for reference only, and may not be current. Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
