Bus route 97 connects the airport to downtown in about 25–30 minutes. Taxis and rideshares take 20 minutes.
Things to do at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
Macdonald-Cartier International AirportYOW
At the airport
Things to do in Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Ottawa, Canada's capital, offers a rich concentration of national institutions within walking distance of each other. Parliament Hill's Gothic Revival buildings dominate the skyline and offer free tours. The National Gallery of Canada — with its stunning glass tower housing Inuit and First Nations art alongside the Emily Carr collection — is world-class. The Rideau Canal (UNESCO) is the world's largest outdoor skating rink in winter, and a picturesque cycling corridor in summer.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
- Parliament Hill's Centre Block tours are free but require advance booking — check availability online.
- The ByWard Market neighborhood has Ottawa's best restaurants, BeaverTails pastries, and weekend farmers market.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at YOW
1 Sanctifly partner lounge at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestAspire Lounge
At Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa, Canada, the Aspire Lounge is conveniently located in the Main Terminal on the airside, making it easy to access once you’ve cleared the required formalities. After you pass through passport control and security, turn left and continue along the concourse, following the signs toward gate 20. As you make your way through the departures area, look for gate 18— the entrance to the airport lounge is immediately after gate 18 on the left-hand side. This straightforward location is ideal for travelers who want to settle in quickly after screening and enjoy some downtime before their flight.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.