Elect to explore Canada’s capital
Debating a visit to a fun-packed historical hub? Ottawa is where it’s at. With quick and convenient Porter flights from New York to Ottawa, Canada’s capital gets our vote.
Immerse yourself in Canadian art at the National Gallery of Canada, which displays visual art from the Middle Ages to the present day. For something all natural, visit the Canadian Museum of Nature. With collections dating back to the mid 19th century, this museum provides a unique look into Canada’s natural wonders without venturing beyond the urban comforts of the city.
Climb up to Parliament Hill for a closer look at the neo-gothic government buildings that house the nation’s political figures and procedures. Step inside for guided tours, and complete your parliamentary visit with stunning views from the Peace Tower.
In addition to housing Canada’s political heart, Parliament Hill hosts events year round. A dazzling favourite of tourists and locals alike is the Sound and Light Show, which features vivid visual stories of Canadian history and heritage projected onto the parliament buildings.
Beyond Parliament Hill, Ottawa overflows with attractions and history. Get the facts straight with guided tours of historical sites or Ottawa’s culinary scene. Ottawa offers all kinds of tours so you can explore the city by boat, foot or bike.
If you opt for a winter visit, slide over to The Rideau Canal Skateway. At 8 km long, it’s the world’s largest naturally frozen skating rink. Walk along the canal or skate with locals who use the canal as part of their daily commute. Warm up along the way with toasty treats and heated changing stations.
Don’t hightail it back to New York from Ottawa without trying a BeaverTail pastry. No beavers were harmed in the making of this delicious, deep fried Ottawa invention. Served warm and covered in cinnamon sugar, this treat is only shaped like the tail of Canada’s favourite furry friend.
With so much to do and so many ways to explore, a flight from New York to Ottawa sounds pretty sweet!
ByWard Market
Living in a foodie’s paradise
ByWard Market sits in the heart of Ottawa and serves up great cuisine and a big slice of Canadiana. The area gets its name from Lieutenant Colonel John By, who established it in 1826 and who also built the famous Rideau Canal.
Along with restaurants featuring endless international cuisine, ByWard Market also has Canadian designer boutiques, speciality and artisan shops, and a range of bakeries. Why not grab a meal to go, or shop around for all the fixings to make your own, then venture over to the nearby downtown oasis of Major’s Hill Park for an impromptu picnic?
From the park, enjoy the picture perfect views of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River. You’ll even find a gallery and the remnants of Lieutenant Colonel John By’s house nearby. Major’s Hill Park is perfect for soaking up some sun and exploring the quieter parts of the city.
Meanwhile, back in ByWard market, the nightlife is truly lively. Trendy new bars mixed with longstanding establishments make the scene attractive to a range of ages and tastes.
From intimate music venues to cocktail lounges along York, Dalhousie, and Clarence Streets, you’re sure to have a great time if you simply go where the night takes you. Embrace the electricity of ByWard Market with live bands, themed DJ nights, centuries old taverns, and even bingo nights with quirky prizes.
By day, ByWard market is one of Canada’s biggest and oldest public markets and a foodie haven. By night, it’s a bustling centre for anyone in search of great food and diverse nightlife.
When you fly from New York to Ottawa, you’ll want to find your way to this historical area filled with charming courtyards and Canadian warmth, where there’s something delectable to suit all tastes.
Wellington West
Shop ‘til you drop in Wellington West
Ten years of growth and gradual gentrification have transformed Ottawa’s Wellington West into a hip alternative to Ottawa’s more well-known food and fashion districts. Loads of shopping and award-winning fine dining options are available on the main streets.
The area encompasses Parkdale Market, Hintonburg, and Wellington Village and is only a short drive from downtown Ottawa. It’s also easily and quickly accessible by public transit. Despite its proximity, the area is a great escape from the city’s core.
From jazz shows, open mic nights and cultural festivals to yoga and wellness events, Wellington West has just as much to explore as its downtown neighbour.
Wellington West is a well of warmth and creativity that lots of Ottawa’s artistically-inclined and working-class residents are proud to call home.
The area is also home to over 30 heritage buildings, concentrated in the Hintonburg section, and The QUAD. Also known as Quartier des artistes or the Arts District, this grassroots initiative boasts the title of Ottawa’s first true arts district.
Founded over a decade ago, The QUAD nurtures the local arts scene and has already led the establishment of a collection of galleries, small theatres, rehearsal spaces, and live-work studios around the area and the city.
Take in another established Wellington West institution in the open air of Parkdale Market. This market has served locals since 1924 with fresh seasonal produce from regional farms and an annual holiday market during the winter.
All year round, Wellington West’s boutiques and small businesses focus on shopping local so you’re sure to find something unique to treasure on your flight back to New York from Ottawa.
How to get to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in Terminal B, on the second floor.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is about 27 km / 16 mi from midtown Manhattan.
Transportation to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Several NJ Transit buses run to Newark Liberty International Airport. For more information, visit the NJ Transit website.
Ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft offer services to Newark Liberty International Airport.
Taxis and car service from Manhattan cost about $75 USD.
Take a NJ Transit train to the EWR (Newark Airport) terminal. The airport's free Air Train will then take you to Terminal B for your Porter flight..
The Newark Airport Express shuttle bus provides service from the airport to several stops in New York City. The fare is $16 USD.
Newark Liberty International Airport Parking
If you’re driving to Newark Liberty International Airport, you have a few parking options. For short-term parking, lots are located in the Terminal C garage and directly across from Terminals A and B. Rates range from $4 USD for half an hour to $39 USD for a 24-hour maximum. The daily lots in garage P4 have a $34 USD per day maximum rate, and the economy lot has a rate of $18 USD for the first 24 hours, plus an additional $6 USD for each 8-hour period after.
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.
