Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Layover Guide (YOW)

What are you looking for in YOW?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Ottawa Airport (YOW) is an international airport located in Ottawa, Ontario. It’s situated about 10 km (6 miles) from downtown Ottawa. The airport officially opened in 1927. Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and high quality of life. It’s also recognized for its impressive architecture, scenic waterways, and numerous museums and galleries, making it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travelers.

Can you leave Ottawa Airport (YOW) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Yes, you may leave Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport during a layover, provided you allow ample connection time and clear customs smoothly. All travellers need entry authorization: visa-exempt nationals require an eTA, while others must obtain a visitor visa in advance. Check processing times and airline requirements. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Parliament Hill Explore Canada’s political heart with stunning Gothic Revival architecture, watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard in summer, and enjoy panoramic views of the Ottawa River and downtown skyline. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or OC Transpo Route 97 ~35 min)
• ByWard Market Wander through a historic open-air market buzzing with local vendors, artisanal crafts, farm-fresh produce, diverse eateries, and lively nightlife in adjacent streets, offering an authentic taste of Ottawa’s culture. (Time required: 1–2 hours / Airport to here: OC Transpo Route 97 to Rideau Centre + walk ~40 min; taxi ~20 min)
• Rideau Canal Stroll or cycle along the UNESCO-listed Rideau Canal, admire scenic lockstations, relax on riverside pathways, or hop on a boat tour to experience this historic waterway’s charm at any time of year. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or OC Transpo Route 97 ~35 min)
• National Gallery of Canada Discover Canadian and Indigenous masterpieces at the National Gallery, marvel at the iconic spider sculpture ‘Maman,’ explore rotating exhibitions, and enjoy stunning riverfront views from its striking glass façade. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or OC Transpo Route 97 ~35 min)
• Canadian Museum of History Cross the Ottawa River to Gatineau’s Canadian Museum of History to explore First Peoples narratives, Canadian heritage exhibits, the Grand Hall’s totem poles, and panoramic faces on the mountain. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~30 min or OC Transpo Route 97 + STO bus ~60 min)
• Canadian War Museum Engage with Canada’s military past at the Canadian War Museum, tour immersive galleries, view historic artefacts, interactive displays, and memorial gardens dedicated to those who served in conflicts worldwide. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or OC Transpo Route 98 to LeBreton ~40 min)
• Dow’s Lake Pavilion Rent a paddleboat or kayak, sip coffee at the lakeside pavilion, and meander through vibrant floral displays around Dow’s Lake, a serene oasis ideal for relaxation and nature spotting. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or OC Transpo Route 79 ~40 min)
• The Glebe & Lansdowne Park Explore The Glebe’s charming streets, boutique shops, quaint cafés, leafy parks, and Lansdowne Park’s historic grounds, offering farmers’ markets, sports events, artisanal vendors, and eclectic dining options year-round. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi ~20 min or OC Transpo Route 6 ~45 min)

Things to Do in Ottawa Airport (YOW)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Ottawa Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and quiet workstations. Day passes are available; members of major alliances and select credit cards receive free access. The lounge overlooks the runway, providing a serene environment to unwind or catch up on work before departure. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While there’s no on-site overnight hotel, several nearby options offer complimentary shuttle service, including the Alt Hotel and Fairfield Inn & Suites. Rooms feature free breakfast, fitness centers, and business facilities. Guests departing early can arrange wake-up calls and pre-book airport transfers to ensure a seamless start to their journey. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Ottawa Airport doesn’t provide dedicated sleep pods, but travelers can find quieter spots near Gates 6 and 7, where padded seating and low foot traffic create makeshift rest zones. Bring a travel pillow and eye mask to enhance comfort. Security remains in operation 24/7, and public bathrooms nearby offer basic amenities.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout all public areas, with unlimited connection time. Simply select the “YOW_Free_WiFi” network and accept terms. Power outlets and USB charging ports are plentiful near seating clusters and gate areas, ensuring devices stay charged while streaming, browsing, or handling last-minute work before boarding.

SIM/eSIM Card: Visitors can purchase local SIM cards at vending machines near arrivals or visit kiosks in the domestic terminal landside. Major Canadian carriers offer prepaid plans with voice, text, and data. eSIM activation instructions come with QR codes; ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible. Rates are competitive and valid across Canada. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: A designated taxi rank is located curbside outside Arrivals. Licensed Ottawa taxis offer flat rates to downtown or metered fares for other destinations. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and credit-card payment is standard. Expect a 20- to 25-minute ride to downtown Ottawa, with some surge pricing during peak hours or special events.

Train: Ottawa’s O-Train Line 1 “Trillium” connects the airport to Bayview Station for transfers downtown. Trains run every 15 minutes from 5 AM to midnight on weekdays, with reduced weekend service. A single-ride fare covers a one-hour transfer. Purchase tickets at the station kiosk or via the OC Transpo app. (more info).

Bus: OC Transpo Route 97 provides direct service between the airport and downtown Ottawa (Bayview and Blair stations). Buses run every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening. Fares can be paid with a PRESTO card, exact cash, or the OC Transpo app. Routes also link to local neighborhoods and Rideau Centre. (more info).

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels offer complimentary private shuttle service to and from the airport; schedules vary by property. Additionally, shared-ride shuttles can be booked in advance through local providers, offering door-to-door service across the National Capital Region. Advance reservation is recommended to guarantee pickup times and seamless transfers.

Car rentals: Major car rental companies (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National) maintain desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles are parked steps from the terminal with covered walkways. After-hours returns can be made via a drop-box. Fuel stations are located just outside the airport grounds; most rentals include roadside assistance and optional insurance packages. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: YOW offers short-term and long-term surface lots and a covered parking garage adjacent to the terminal. Rates are tiered by proximity: Hourly, Daily, and Economy lots. All facilities include free shuttle service for the Economy lots, EV charging stations, and accessible spaces. Online booking grants discounted rates and guaranteed spots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are no official lockers at YOW, but luggage storage services operate in the public arrivals area via third-party providers. Rates are charged per item, per day. Alternatively, several downtown hotels and storage businesses near Confederation Square offer secure, hourly or daily luggage holding for travelers exploring the city before or after their flights. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Ottawa Airport (YOW) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks