Ontario, Canada
This is the main airport for Canada's capital region. It sits approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of downtown Ottawa, making for easy city access.
Major Canadian Carriers: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Flair Airlines, and Lynx Air offer extensive domestic connections across Canada and some cross-border flights.
Flight prices typically rise during summer (June-August), around major holidays (Christmas, New Year's, March Break), and during special events like Winterlude (February) or Canada Day (July 1st).
Booking well in advance is recommended for peak travel periods. Traveling during off-season (late fall, early spring) often results in lower fares. Use Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.
Public transit (OC Transpo buses, O-Train) provides cost-effective links. Taxis have fixed downtown rates (~CAD $36). Uber/Lyft available. Car rentals at YOW.
Numerous land border crossings connect Ontario with the United States. Common crossings close to Ottawa include Thousand Islands Bridge and Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge.
A valid passport is for all travelers. US citizens driving into Canada generally do not need a visa or eTA for tourism. Declare goods. Check border wait times online.
Ottawa Central Station is a hub for VIA Rail Canada. Direct train service connects Ottawa to Montreal (approx. 2 hours) and Toronto (approx. 4-5 hours). Service to Quebec City is available via a transfer in Montreal.
Bus services present economical travel to and from Ottawa.
A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted for short visits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license is not in English or French.
Driving in Ottawa is generally safe. Be aware that roads can become slippery in winter. On rural roads outside the city, watch for wildlife, especially at dusk and dawn.
Paid street parking is available downtown; use parking meters or apps like ParkMobile. Numerous underground parking garages exist, especially near attractions and shopping centers (e.g., Rideau Centre, National Arts Centre).
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied upon departure from Canada beyond those typically included in your airline ticket price.
For train or bus departures, arrive at the station 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This time covers boarding and finding your seat without rush.
Allow ample time for security screening and, for US-bound flights, customs pre-clearance at YOW.
Complete online check-in if available to save time. Be at your gate well before boarding to ensure a smooth departure.
Confirm baggage allowance with your airline. Plan your transfer to the airport or station considering peak traffic times.
Always confirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Keep all travel documents accessible for a seamless departure.
