Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
Take a flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg and see history come alive
When your flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg arrives at James Armstrong Richardson International Airport you'll find yourself in Manitoba's largest city, known historically as the Gateway to the West.
Winnipeg, which has grown up around the place where the Assiniboine and the Red River meet, was a natural trading hub for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and then for European traders who established their first outpost in the area in the early 1700s. In the present day, the place where the rivers meet is known as The Forks. Designated as a National Historic Site in 1974, The Forks has been revitalised from its industrial days as a rail yard and turned into a modern meeting place featuring historic exhibits, performance spaces, dining, shopping and entertainment. With over four million visitors a year, The Forks is a must-visit destination after your flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg.
While visiting The Forks, plan a visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. As one of Canada's National Museums, the Canadian Museum for Human rights is an exceptional learning experience. Telling the stories and histories of many peoples' fight for justice, equality and acceptance, this museum also acts as a beacon for people around the world who seek to improve their lives and the lives of those around them.
Visitors flying from Ottawa to Winnipeg in the winter will also want to check out the longest skating rink in the world - yes, even longer than the Rideau Canal - the Winnipeg Ski Trail measures 8.5 km in length! Start and end your journey at The Forks and grab a hot chocolate to warm you up.
Stop by the Assiniboine Park Zoo after your Ottawa to Winnipeg flight, where you can visit the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. This important centre provides care for polar bears who can not survive on their own in the wild while also spearheading efforts towards the conservation of Canada's polar bear population and the environment they live in.
Go for an enlightening walk after your flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg
The Loop
Discover Winnipeg's history while stretching your legs with a walk along The Loop trail. This 9.5 km trail winds its way through the city of Winnipeg, taking you past many of the city's most interesting landmarks. If you are up for walking the whole trail, you'll need about 3.5 hours to make it all the way around. On your walk you'll see historical spots, like the Tombstone of famed Métis leader, rebel and founder of the Province of Manitoba, Louis Riel; the St. Mary's Cathedral, built in 1880; and the Vaughan Street Jail - Winnipeg's oldest public building. You'll also see unique public spaces, like the St. Boniface City Hall and Sculpture Gardens; Memorial Park; and Upper Fort Garry Provincial park.
While walking the loop after your flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg, stop by one of Winnipeg's museums to learn more about the city. The Manitoba Museum features a planetarium and Science Gallery, as well as fascinating exhibits exploring natural and human history. The Dalnavert Museum, home of Sir John A. Macdonald's son, shows visitors what the day in the life would have been like for the family living in this Victorian mansion. Or, check out the Canadian Museum for Human Rights during your walk around The Loop.
The Loop also brings you past several great theatres, including the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Centennial Concert Hall, and the Pantages Playhouse Theatre.
The Loop is a fantastic way to get to know the city after your Ottawa to Winnipeg flight.
See the “Chicago of the North” after your Ottawa to Winnipeg flight
The Exchange District
Named a National Historic Site in 1997, the Winnipeg Exchange District is a look into the city's past, when Winnipeg was one of the fastest growing cities in North America and a major hub for continental trade routes. Comprising 150 buildings, the Exchange District was originally the business centre of the city, built in the late 1800s.
In modern Winnipeg, the Exchange District is home to an eclectic collection of dining and retail establishments for you to enjoy after your flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg. The city of Winnipeg and the local BIA have taken great efforts to maintain and restore the neighbourhood's historic character, making a walk through the area an entertaining and educational trip into the past.
If you are interested in a guided exploration of the area that gained Winnipeg the nickname “the Chicago of the North”, you can book one of the engaging walking tours of the area. History buffs will love the straightforward historical tour, but for anyone interested in the darker side of Winnipeg's history, the Death and Debauchery tour will explain to you why Winnipeg was known as the “Wickedest City in the Dominion”. Or, take the Strike tour and learn about the 1919 General Strike that brought Winnipeg, and the rest of the continent, to a halt.
Like a giant living museum, but with food, shopping and entertainment - the Exchange District is a must-see after your flight from Ottawa to Winnipeg.
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 YWG 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.
Landing in Winnipeg after a flight from Ottawa
There are many options for transportation to downtown Winnipeg from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG).
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) is about 9 km / 5.5 mi from downtown Winnipeg.
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) to downtown
Taxis and ridesharing
Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and ReRyde are available for pick-up and drop-off at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG).
By bus
Winnipeg Transit offers bus service to and from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG). The bus terminal is located on Arrivals Level 1 outside of Door 3. Visit winnipegtransit.com for more information about fares and schedules.
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) parking
There are many parking options for travellers looking to drive to or from Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG). Choose from hourly, daily, or weekly rates.
Parking can be booked online ahead of time on the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) website.
