Traveling from Ottawa to Vancouver: what you need to know
Ottawa's main airport is Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Check out your options for leaving from this base when searching for your flights from Ottawa to Vancouver.
The major gateways to Vancouver are Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH).
Around 5 hours 20 minutes is how long you can expect to be traveling on a direct Ottawa to Vancouver flight.
Leave enough time to get on your Ottawa to Vancouver flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Traveling during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Vancouver
Right now, $45 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Ottawa to Vancouver. The cheapest price for a return flight is $127. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap Ottawa to Vancouver flights, reserve your trip two months before your planned departure.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Ottawa to Vancouver is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates with the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Ottawa to Vancouver is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Ottawa to Vancouver flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
You can get a direct flight from Ottawa to Vancouver departing from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Begin your trip at YOW and touch down at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
You'll find a variety of airlines offering direct Ottawa to Vancouver plane tickets with departures from YOW, including:
Located around 11 kilometers from the center of Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
Want an easy start to your trip? Stay near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Vancouver or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 58.21% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
YOW is located at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is approximately 11 kilometers from central Vancouver. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 25 minutes.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of about 35 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. Reserve one of these accommodation options near YVR instead:
Pick up a Vancouver International Airport rental car and explore Vancouver and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Thrifty and Avis are top providers to choose from here.
Reserving your ride from Vancouver International Airport about one week in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
The center of Vancouver is approximately 0.80 kilometers from Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH). Once your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 5 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take about 15 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to CXH. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Avoid filling out forms on the spot and save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from CXH ahead of time so you can simply grab the keys and go.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
Make your way to the city center after your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver has landed. Central Vancouver is around 64 kilometers from Abbotsford Airport (YXX) and takes roughly 1 hour to reach by car.
If you're using public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Book a hotel close to YXX and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you have a late Ottawa to Vancouver flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these accommodation options offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
Start your journey without stressing about how to reach your next stop with an Abbotsford Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with reliable companies here like Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your ride from YXX one week before your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver for the best deals.
Best time to go to Vancouver
It's time to plan your dates for your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. August is the most popular month to visit Vancouver. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in May.
When booking your Ottawa to Vancouver tickets, think about the kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Vancouver, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC (55ºF) to 24ºC (75ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Ottawa to Vancouver in December if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF) on average.
More about Vancouver
Start your Vancouver trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, explore our selection of hotels including:
Every great vacation has to include some sightseeing. Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World are essential stops on your Vancouver itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
Surrey is just one of the many cities in Canada waiting to be explored after you've seen Vancouver. Around 32 kilometers to the south-east, top sights here include Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park.
Around 97 kilometers south of Vancouver, Victoria is another essential stop in Canada. No visit is complete without checking out Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and Inner Harbour.