Flying from Ottawa to Vancouver: what you need to know
Many exciting adventures start from Ottawa's main airport, Ottawa International Airport (YOW). Explore the options for booking a flight from Ottawa to Vancouver leaving from this terminal.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Vancouver Coal Harbour Airport (CXH) are the major arrival points in Vancouver.
Jump on a direct Ottawa to Vancouver flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 5 hours 20 minutes.
The timezone in Vancouver is UTC-8, which is three hours behind Ottawa.
The most popular route for flights from Ottawa to Vancouver is from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There are 31 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from YOW to YVR is the 05:40 Air Canada option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 21:55 with Air Canada.
To ensure you make it on your Ottawa to Vancouver flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak time like July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Vancouver
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap Ottawa to Vancouver flight. Fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in every month when searching for your plane ticket from Ottawa to Vancouver.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Ottawa to Vancouver by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Ottawa to Vancouver flights.
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
Depart from Ottawa International Airport (YOW) on a nonstop flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. From YOW, you can fly straight to Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct Ottawa to Vancouver plane tickets out of YOW. Reserve your trip with one of these:
The journey from central Ottawa to YOW takes about 35 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a taxi, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a handy hotel close to Ottawa International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Ottawa International Airport's on-time performance, 65% of flights complete their journey on time.
The address for YOW is 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to central Vancouver takes around 25 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 10 kilometres away.
It usually takes 25 minutes to get there on public transport.
Book a hotel near YVR if you're coming in on a late flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Follow your own route with a Vancouver International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Thrifty or Avis and find adventure across Vancouver and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Vancouver International Airport about one week before your travel date.
Vancouver Coal Harbour Airport (CXH)
After your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in around 5 minutes by car. Central Vancouver is approximately 3 kilometres from Vancouver Coal Harbour Airport (CXH).
You can expect the trip to take about 10 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near CXH. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver:
Get the vehicle you actually want, not just what's left over, by reserving your ride from CXH in advance. You can also avoid last-minute price surges, especially when the airport is busy.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
Head toward the city centre after your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver has arrived. Central Vancouver is around 64 kilometres from Abbotsford Airport (YXX) and takes roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will take you there in around 2 hours 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make the journey to the centre, choose a hotel near YXX. Settle in at one of these stays after your Ottawa to Vancouver flight:
Whether you'd like a budget-friendly compact for a solo escape or an SUV to fit the family, you'll find the right Abbotsford Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the types of wheels available here from providers such as Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise.
If you're searching for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from YXX around one week ahead of your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. This gives you a better chance of getting the car you prefer, as well as a better price.
Best time to go to Vancouver
It's time to pick your travel dates for your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver. August is the busiest month for a trip to Vancouver. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in March.
Book a Ottawa to Vancouver ticket departing in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Vancouver to range from 13ºC (55ºF) to 24ºC (75ºF).
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Ottawa to Vancouver in February when temperatures average between -2ºC (28ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Vancouver
Start your Vancouver trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Ottawa to Vancouver, browse our range of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Stanley Park Seawall, Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver are attractions you won't want to skip in Vancouver.
Explore more of Canada
You've done Vancouver, now it's time to explore more of Canada. Travel around 27 kilometres southeast to Surrey to check off its top sights. From Green Timbers Urban Forest Park to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Surrey Art Gallery & Surrey Civic Theatres at Surrey Arts Centre, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Victoria is another sought-after destination in Canada and is around 97 kilometres south of Vancouver. No trip is complete without dropping by Empress Hotel National Historic Site of Canada, St. Andrew's Cathedral and Craigdarroch Castle.