A capital place to visit
See what Canada’s capital has to offer, with flights from Sault Ste. Marie to Ottawa.
Politics and culture collide in Ottawa, with government buildings, art galleries, and parklands sharing the space in this scenic city. Ottawa’s points of interest offer an equal mix of politics and pleasure that’s sure to win you over.
Ottawa’s Parliament Hill features a winning combination of political attractions and scenic green space. Whether you stroll past the offices of the West Block, or sit in on a session of debates in the Centre Block, Parliament Hill offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and political with Canada’s government.
In the shadow of Parliament Hill’s almost 100 metre Peace Tower, the Centennial Flame stands as a celebratory reminder of Canada’s hundredth anniversary of Confederation. Every coin thrown in is guaranteed to bring good luck, as the money collected from this iconic fountain go towards funding scholarships.
Some of the best museum collections in Canada are housed in Ottawa, from the military focused Canadian War Museum, to the masterpieces on display in the National Gallery of Canada. If you’re ever at a loss for things to do in Ottawa, the museum system has something for everyone, with museums specializing in everything from agriculture to aerospace.
For even more of Ottawa’s best activities, visit the city’s busiest body of water. The Rideau Canal is a hub for activity in the city, in every season. Whether you’re strolling its sunny shores during the summer, or skating across its almost 8 km skating rink in the winter, you’ll always find fun on the Canal.
Before you return to the canals of Sault Ste. Marie, be sure to spend some time on this well-loved waterway.
The Glebe
Go for the Glebe
Based on name alone, this neighbourhood is worth a visit. The Glebe derives its unique name from the area’s original purpose. Once the ‘glebeland’ for St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, this area served to support the livelihood of the parish priest.
Perhaps the best use of this neighbourhood’s name is in the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. If you aren’t lucky enough to be in town during this yearly neighbourhood-wide yard sale, the Glebe still offers plenty of shopping opportunities.
Independent businesses thrive along the Glebe’s streets, selling everything from clothing to pet accessories. The boutiques of Bank Street are the perfect stop for quirky shopping. If you want to write a letter home to Sault Ste. Marie, pick up supplies at The Papery. This stationary store has been selling paper stock and fountain pens for every occasion since the 1980s.
After putting pen to The Papery, get ready to see the Glebe go for the goal at TD Place. Football, soccer, hockey and basketball games draw huge crowds to the outdoor stadium and indoor arena – TD Place adds a dose of adrenaline to the neighbourhood, bringing the Glebe to its feet on game day.
You can venture onto the field (without fear of being tackled) in Central Park. This 100 year-old park offers a serene retreat during a busy trip from Sault Ste. Marie. Walk across this narrow park to reach the shores of the Rideau Canal, where you’ll find even more of Ottawa’s charming outdoor attractions.
Gatineau Park
A getaway in Gatineau
Venture out of the Ottawa during visit from Sault Ste. Marie, with a getaway in Gatineau Park.
With just a 15-minute drive from the city, the wilds of neighbouring Québec are yours to explore.
Hike to your heart’s content along Gatineau Park’s extensive 165 km trail system. Try your striding skills on the challenging Luskville Falls Trail. This path rises 290 metres along the Canadian Shield rocks of the Eardley Escarpment and leads to panoramic views of the Ottawa River Valley below.
If you’re looking for an easier path, step onto the Des Fées Trail. This 1 km path rewards you with one of the best birdwatching spots in Gatineau Park.
After keeping an eye on the skies, look for a place to lay down your towel at Gatineau Park’s beaches. Choose from six swimming spots spread across Gatineau Park’s three lakes (Phillipe, La Peche, and Meech) and get ready to make a splash. Whether you make a round trip of all six, or settle in on the well-loved Breton Beach, you won’t want to wave goodbye to Gatineau Park’s waters.
When the temperature dips down, the park is still a hotbed of activity. Cross-country ski through Gatineau on the 200 km of trails that trace through the park, including skate-skiing trails stretching 100 km, and 45 untamed kms of backcountry to explore. Varying from 8 to 40 km in length, there are cross-country trails for all levels of ambition and athleticism.
At the end of a long day in the great outdoors of Gatineau Park, spend the night in one of the available camping options. Sleep among the elements in a tent, or stay cozy in a yurt and rest up for another day on your amazing trip from Sault Ste. Marie.
Getting to Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM)
Porter’s check-in desk is located in the departures area.
Sault Ste. Marie Airport (YAM) is about 19 km / 12 mi from downtown Sault Ste. Marie.
Transportation
Please allow sufficient time to drop off your car rental before your departing flight.
Taxi and car service from downtown costs about $45 CAD.
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.
