Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
International Airport
Ottawa
"Love the free WiFi!"(7 Tips)
"If you fly with Porter, get to the Porter Lounge."(5 Tips)
"Good Service...."(6 Tips)
"Breakfast sandwich at Senate Chambers is awesome."(4 Tips)
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Nice, modern feel to the architecture in the domestic departures area. Security is relatively quick (especially compared to YEG).
JasonSeptember 1, 2013Quite a pleasant small airport. With the river running through a large section of the gate area, you find yourself very relaxed. Nice job Ottawa!
Nexus card holders bypass long immigration lines at us customs as well as security lines at domestic and international gates
Best medium-sized airport in North America if not the world, and that's not just my opinion. Lots of courteous staff, European destinations include London and Frankfurt, many US and Caribbean flights!
The cellphone parking lot has been in operation for a year or two. Use it and you won’t run afoul of the parking control security agents!
Uber is now allowed to pick up at the airport. Meet your driver at Pillar 12 on the outside lane.
City bus 97 from arrivals level is excellent--gets to downtown faster than taxis (dedicated bus route) at a fraction of the cost. Runs every 15 min on weekdays.
If you're in town for a while head downtown and explore. Walk across the MacDonald Cartier bridge, visit the National Art Gallery and the Museum of Civ, or bike/walk the full length of the canal.
Alex MacDonaldApril 11, 2014Great family washroom on the ground level past the doors at the end of the terminal opposite the baggage claim area.
The filtered water dispenser is now hidden away in Gate 21 for those who like to fill up before flights. Bring an empty water bottle through security, fill up here.
If you park <15 mins while waiting to pick someone up, it's free -- handy if you don't want to circle around the arrivals lane waiting for a slot
Bella MJune 9, 2019If u are looking for souvenirs, then try the Relay. store near gate 12 , lots of very nice and light weight souvenirs to choose from
Domestic flight and you get caught with a no-fly object at security? Take the elevator right outside the screening area down one floor, walk 2ft: there's a kiosk there that can mail your objects home.- If flying to the USA directly, you clear customs here first. I have never encountered a line up for security or customs - it’s a breeze here!
Frequent travelers to/from this airport know that the 97 bus takes you to/from downtown for about $3.50 a trip. Beats the $32 cab. Go outside at arrivals and stand by post 15.
Steve MannelJanuary 7, 2013Beautiful airport, with some interesting quirks. Check-in on L3, security on L2, and gorgeous Air Canada lounge up above airport!
Lana VenturaApril 1, 2015Ottawa is a nice city and quite dynamic. I was surprised to see the crowded airport, probably the worst I've seen so far (for a "big" city) in terms of design, services, restaurants.
The bars and lounges are really good and the staff is friendly
PCL ConstructionJanuary 8, 2013The passenger terminal project at YOW included a 645,000-square-foot building, 15 new gates, links to the existing terminal and new parking structure, and an elevated road to the third floor. Read more
Jeremy OApril 15, 2013If you are connecting through Ottawa for a USA bound flight don't forget to claim your checked bag! It's located in a small closet... Find a gate agent to help you!
Omer IdreesMarch 27, 2017Small, sweet and accessible from all aspects. It's just sad that there aren't many direct flights to take you outside the country.
Grab #97 bus downtown just as quick as a taxi but only $3.30 cash or buy tickets (2 for $2.60) at the info desk near the exit doors.
Fat BoyJanuary 2, 2018On the international side there is one burger style restaurant and a very small kiosk shop/duty free outlet.- Josiah WiebeJanuary 15, 2016Super fast free wi-fi (I got 80Mbps download), lots of power ports, clean. Not much to be had after US customs.
Richard LoatFebruary 10, 2013Voted North America's best airport of. 2011 they do a good job of welcoming you to the nations Capitol. Don't forget your over sized baggage if you have some!
Small airport. Easy to get in and out. Not a lot of direct flights into states
I've mastered the carry on liquid rule. Everything in a one litre bag, and each no more than 50 ml
.Wednesday night flight — 3 min from car drop off to inside security — no lines at YOW. Tulip wine bar has decent food- Byward Taps near Gate 18 has decent food. The portabello sandwich is excellent, garden salad basic but generous and fresh.
Leah WhitneyApril 16, 2010Go to the bar called 'Byward Taps' and have a conversation with the bartender who is an older gentleman. By far my favourite part of the airport. An excellent conversation awaits you.- Voted among the best airports (for its size) in the world. Give #YOW some love.
- If you fly with Porter, get to the Porter Lounge. Available to all travelers flying with porter. They have nicer seats and free snacks.
Be sure to grab food before you pass security to the U.S. gates, it's slim pickins on the other side!
Jiju ThomasMay 17, 2012Look for the seats with plug icons, they have power outlets and USB hook ups underneath.
DoubleTree by Hilton ManagerSeptember 9, 2011Early bird gets the legroom. Travel as early in the day as possible to avoid crowds and getting bumped by passengers who got bumped or canceled earlier in the day.
Khalaf AleneziAugust 5, 2019Small airport & limited airflights to Middle East. Mostly in Montreal and Toronto.
Daniel PlawSeptember 2, 2011Booster Juice has a spot in the terminal. Try the Bananas Whey as an alternative to your timmy ho breakfast.
- Anthony RizkJanuary 20, 2012Breakfast sandwich at Senate Chambers is awesome. The 'hash browns' are terrible though.
DoubleTree by HiltonSeptember 27, 2011When choosing your travel outfit, less is more. Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal when traveling to cut your time barefoot in the security line.
Still has pay phones; I love the stickers they attract.
If you going for a week check out Mr. Parking full service drop and pickup of car for $84.75.
You need to print your luggage tags now! Expect delays! But it will get better.. NOT .. no clue on what they are doing and the machine is a bit slow. Just like checking in again!
Stopped to chat with AC agents who were striking to protect pensions and for modest long-overdue raises. Find out more!
Air Canada ground crew is Always late to Marshall the aircraft into the gate here, get comfortable.
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Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
1000 Airport Parkway Pvt
Ottawa ON K1V 9B4
Canada
Ottawa ON K1V 9B4
Canada
Open (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 24 Hours
(613) 248-2000
Features
Wi-Fi
Free
See More
Places inside Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
- 6.4
"Great washrooms. Always clean, big private stalls, room for your luggage - safer."
John Lark - 5.3
"You need to go to the first floor location and get a coffee made by Fong. She makes far better coffee than all of the other Tim Horton's employees at YOW. The line is shorter there too."
Geoff Campbell 
"Try to snag comfy green couch while you wait, (and wait)"
Diana Cantu
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