Ottawa's historic landmarks and diverse neighbourhoods are yours to explore after your Vancouver to Ottawa flight. From its iconic attractions, world-class museums and wide range of activities, the nation's capital offers something for everyone.
A flight from Vancouver to Ottawa lands you in a city full of great museums. Home to seven of Canada's nine national museums, your days will be filled with loads of learning and exploring. The Canadian Museum of Nature, which is housed in a beautiful historic building, offers visitors a deep dive into the science related to mammals, birds, fossils and much more. It's an ideal attraction to visit after you explore Parliament Hill since it's only a few minutes away.
Aviation enthusiasts will want to check out the Canada Aviation and Space museum, as it holds over 130 civil and military aircraft, and artifacts. Some of the museum's highlights include the Lancaster bomber from the Second World War and the two wing tips and nose section of the famous Avro Arrow.
While Ottawa has an incredible range of historical landmarks and museums, you'll also be spoiled with dining options after your flight from Vancouver to Ottawa. Several Ottawa restaurants made it to the list of Canada's top 100 restaurants – so if you're in the mood to dine at a small, local restaurant or fine-dining hotspot, you've got several options in Ottawa.
See Canada's largest market after your flight from Vancouver to Ottawa
ByWard Market
A flight from Vancouver to Ottawa takes you to the footsteps of one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. Spanning about four city blocks, the ByWard Market District is home to a local farmers' market and over 600 businesses. With plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining possibilities, you'll find what you're looking for in the bustling ByWard Market.
Bring home unique gifts and momentos after your Vancouver to Ottawa trip. As you explore the market, you'll pass by several artisan stands that specialize in custom jewellery and handmade products. A full day of shopping is bound to have you ready to chow down – choose from sit-down restaurants or takeout joints to satisfy your cravings.
While you can easily spend the day eating your way through the ByWard Market, carve in some time for a visit to the National Gallery of Canada. But before you step inside to see one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world, there's no doubt the gallery's exterior will leave you awestruck. The building's facade is made of glass and pink granite, with one of the facades designed to resemble a cathedral. It's no wonder the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada selected the gallery as one of the top 500 buildings produced in Canada during the last millennium.
A Vancouver to Ottawa flight takes you to a buzzing market that'll keep you busy day and night.
Visit an outdoor playground after your Vancouver to Ottawa flight
Gatineau Park
Get ready to experience the great outdoors once you step off your flight from Vancouver to Ottawa. A 15-minute drive from Ottawa brings you to Gatineau Park, a massive wilderness site with rolling hills, forests and lakes located in the Outaouais region of Quebec.
A great diversity of wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, beavers and black bears, call Gatineau Park home. With over 230 bird species spotted in the park, it's not surprising that birdwatching is one of the most popular park activities.
Put on your hiking boots after your Vancouver to Ottawa flight and explore the park's 183 km of hiking trails. Regardless if you're a new or seasoned hiker, the park has several trails that are suitable for all levels. Beginners should try the Pioneers trail, a 1.3 km loop featuring interpretation panels that highlight the history of settlers in the Outaouais region. For more of a challenge, consider the King Mountain trail. At the end of this 1.8 km loop, you'll find yourself at the top of the Eardley Escarpment enjoying a stunning view of the Ottawa Valley.
Interests beyond hiking? No problem. Gatineau Park is a year-round destination, letting you maximize your time outdoors. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, cycling and swimming are just a few of the activities you can partake in amongst this unique landscape.
See the beauty of one of Canada's most popular parks after your flight from Vancouver to Ottawa.
How to get to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Porter's check-in desk is located on the departures level.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is about 14 km / 8.6 mi from the Vancouver city centre.
Transportation to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
There are a few ways to get to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to catch your YVR to YOW flight.
Taxis and ridesharing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps Uber and Lyft are available for pick-up and drop-off at the airport.
By train
Vancouver's light rail transit system connects directly from Vancouver City Centre to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Canada line connects travellers from downtown Vancouver to the airport in less than 30 minutes. Visit thecanadaline.com for more information about fares and schedules.
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.
Landing in Ottawa after a flight from Vancouver
There are many options for transportation to downtown Ottawa from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW).
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is about 10 km / 6 mi from downtown Ottawa.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to downtown
Taxis and ridesharing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft offer services that take you from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to downtown Ottawa.
By bus
The OC Transpo Bus Route 97 at the airport takes you to downtown Ottawa. 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 is close to the terminal and 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.
Flights may be operated by Porter Airlines (Canada) Ltd or Porter Airlines Inc.
