Fly from Ottawa to Vancouver for west coast allure
Step off your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver and take in the captivating beauty of this West Coast city. Blanketed by mountains and the sea, Vancouver's terrain offers an unmatched allure that is difficult to find in other major cities.
After your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, slip on some comfortable shoes and explore Vancouver's numerous neighbourhoods. Granville Island, a peninsula located on the edge of downtown Vancouver, can't be missed. Known for its huge variety of shopping and dining, it's easy to spend a few hours browsing and eating your way through Granville Island!
Find artisan-baked pastries, seasonal produce and fresh seafood at the Granville Island Public Market. When you're done filling up on food, feast your eyes on art. There are nearly 30 art galleries on the peninsula that specialize in various mediums like painting, photography and glass sculptures. There's no better way to experience Vancouver's coastline than by boat – you can rent a boat on the island for an hour or for 4+ hour trips.
Ater your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, you'll soon see how much locals love spending time outdoors. Take part in one of the most popular outdoor activities – hiking up the Grouse Grind at Grouse Mountain. The Grouse Grind trail (also referred to as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster") rewards you with a breathtaking view of Vancouver once you reach the summit.
You can also get to the top of the mountain via the Skyride within minutes. Bask in the picture-perfect views of Vancouver's mountains, sea and cityscape during your relaxing ride.
Even if you plan to fly Ottawa (YOW) to Vancouver (YVR) between March to May or September to November as they are the best times to visit Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers several activities all-year round.
Fly Ottawa to Vancouver and discover the diversity of Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive
Once you’ve stepped off your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, make a beeline to Commercial Drive. Commonly referred to as "The Drive", this neighbourhood is one of the best districts for dining, shopping and nightlife. From perusing local boutiques to enjoying a vibrant dining scene, spending the day and night in The Drive won’t be hard at all.
Explore some of the antique shops for one-of-a-kind treasures and furniture. There’s a wide selection of unique pieces you’ll stumble upon, from Murano chandeliers to crystal glassware. Pieces date back between the 1930s and 1970s, so whatever you find, it’ll surely have an interesting backstory.
Independent bookstores are another staple in The Drive. Pulpfiction Books is one of the largest bookstores in Western Canada, and stocks thousands of new and used books. After your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, visit this store to browse their diverse collection of genres and titles that are hard to find elsewhere. There’s truly something for everyone, as you can uncover everything from well-loved classics to current popular releases.
Although it’s a neighbourhood with strong Italian roots, The Drive is home to several multicultural restaurants. Whatever you’re craving, you should be able to satisfy it easily with the Salvadoran, Japanese, and Vietnamese dining options that line the street. Beer enthusiasts will feel right at home, with a few gastropubs featuring extensive lists of local brews to visit. Try a beer flight to sip and taste their seasonal offerings.
After your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, visit The Drive for an authentic experience of this West Coast city.
Enjoy laidback beach vibes after your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver
Kitsilano
Make a splash in Kitsilano after your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. This beachside community, known as "Kits" by the locals, is the place to be for anyone who loves outdoor activities. On any given day, you’ll find both locals and visitors walking, biking, swimming, or playing beach volleyball. As well as being a top neighbourhood for enjoying an outdoor lifestyle, Kitsilano is full of top-rated restaurants and bars.
Soak in extraordinary views of English Bay, the North Shore mountains and Vancouver’s skyline at Kitsilano beach. Considered as one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches, Lonely Planet also awarded Kitsilano Beach the title of best urban beach in Canada. After flying from Ottawa to Vancouver, play a round of volleyball at one of the beach’s courts or go for a dip in the outdoor saltwater pool. Whether you’re looking to relax or work up a sweat, Kits Beach has something for everyone.
Just eight minutes away from the beach is the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Permanent and featured exhibitions enlighten visitors on the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest and Arctic. Climb aboard the St. Roch, the first vessel to circumnavigate North America, and explore its interior cabins. The Wheelhouse Experience is another notable interactive exhibition that lets visitors have a feel of driving a simulation of St. Roch through an Arctic pass.
After your Ottawa to Vancouver flight, check your calendar to see if you’ve landed in time for one of the many festivals that happen in Kitsilano Vancouver. The Kits is a hub for activities and entertainment for all ages. From June through September, a world-renowned Shakespeare festival takes centre stage in Vanier Park. You can watch Shakespeare plays or participate in special events in the two performance tents.
In July, the Honda Celebration of Light captivates millions of attendees. The annual multi-day festival features a world-class fireworks competition that includes various countries each night – head to Kits Beach for a great view of the dazzling fireworks.
Outdoor fun and a top-rated beach awaits you after you fly Ottawa to Vancouver.
How to get to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Porter’s check-in desk is located on the third floor, in the departures area.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Ottawa.
Transportation to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
There are a few ways to get to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to catch your YOW to YVR flight.
Taxis and ridesharing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
By bus
Take the OC Transpo 97 Airport / Bayshore and Bells bus to the airport stop. Visit octranspo.com for information on fares and schedules.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) parking
There are two main parking options at Ottawa Airport with convenient access to all terminals.
The Parkade, with competitive rates, is close to the terminal with rates. The Parkade also offers BIZ Park on Level 3, which includes a dedicated parking area with guaranteed space and easy in-and-out access.
Please visit each airport's website for up-to-date details.
Landing in Vancouver after a flight from Ottawa
There are many options for transportation to the Vancouver city centre from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is about 14 km / 8.6 mi from the Vancouver city centre.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to the city centre
Ridesharing services like Uber are available for pick-up and drop-off at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Pick-up locations for ridesharing services are available at both the domestic and international terminals. Follow airport signage for rideshare pick-up information.
Vancouver’s light rail transit system connects directly from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Vancouver’s city centre. The Canada Line connects travellers from the airport to downtown Vancouver in just under 30 minutes. Trains can be accessed from both international and domestic terminals.
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your rental car before your departing flight.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) parking
There are many parking options for travellers looking to drive to or from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Choose from hourly, daily, or weekly rates.
Parking can be booked online ahead of time on the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) website.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
