13 Affordable Places to Fly From Ottawa for Your Next Trip

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After endless hours comparing flights from Ottawa International, I’ve finally cracked the code on scoring incredible deals. Turns out, flying from Canada’s capital doesn’t have to cost a fortune when you know where to look. Just last month, I grabbed a steal of a ticket to Vancouver and spent my mornings watching seaplanes land in Coal Harbour while sipping coffee at one of those cozy waterfront cafes.

I’ve discovered some of the best places to fly from Ottawa that won’t empty your bank account. From Quebec City, where I wandered through the Petit Champlain district feeling like I’d stepped into a European fairytale, to direct flights down to Cancun, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need to drive to Toronto or Montreal for awesome travel deals. Your wallet can thank me later.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Ottawa

Looking for cheap places to fly from Ottawa? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5+ years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. YOW) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $189 roundtrip fare from Ottawa to Miami. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Affordable Travel Destinations from Ottawa

Looking for affordable travel destinations from Ottawa? Take a quick trip from Ottawa to Toronto and explore the iconic CN Tower, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant arts scene. Travel from Ottawa to Montreal to experience historic Old Montreal, world-class cuisine, and lively festivals. Fly from Ottawa to Vancouver for breathtaking coastal views, outdoor adventures, and a dynamic city atmosphere. Head east from Ottawa to Halifax to discover charming waterfronts, fresh seafood, and rich maritime history. Whether you’re seeking culture, nature, or city life, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes from Ottawa.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Ottawa to Toronto ($79–$150 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter, Flair (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🌞 and December to February ❄️ for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, foodies 🍴, culture seekers 🎭

Toronto is Canada’s coolest metropolis with serious international vibes. The city has distinct neighborhoods each with their own personality, an incredible food scene reflecting the city’s diversity, and a skyline that looks even better in person than on postcards.

CN Tower dominates the view and offers the EdgeWalk for adrenaline junkies brave enough to circle the outside 116 floors up. Kensington Market bursts with vintage shops, global street food, and colorful street art around every corner. Sports fans can catch the Blue Jays, Raptors, or Maple Leafs depending on when you visit. Between the lakefront beaches, world-class museums, and incredible shopping districts, this city makes the perfect weekend getaway from Ottawa.

Porter flies from downtown Ottawa to downtown Toronto Island Airport, saving you the hassle of getting to and from distant airports on both ends. Look for their sales with fares sometimes below $80 one-way. Flair occasionally has rock-bottom prices if you can pack ultra-light. Visit in summer for perfect patio weather and festivals every weekend, or try winter for indoor food halls, ice skating, and cozy brewery hopping when the temperature drops.

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Toronto

2. Ottawa to Montreal ($91–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter, PAL Airlines (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and January to March ❄️ for festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture lovers 🎭, foodies 🍽️, nightlife seekers 🍸

Montreal is like sneaking off to Europe without the long flight. The city has cobblestone streets, incredible French cuisine, and that special Quebec vibe where everyone somehow seems cooler than you.

Old Montreal captivates visitors with its historic architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica with its breathtaking blue interior. Mont Royal offers hiking trails and the best lookout point for city views, while Jean-Talon Market delivers fresh food and local products in one of North America’s largest open-air markets. The Underground City connects over 20 miles of shops, restaurants, and metro stations for when winter gets too brutal.

Porter typically has the best value on this short hop with downtown airport locations on both ends. Air Canada runs the most daily flights but usually charges $20-30 more each way. Hit Montreal in summer for amazing festivals like Jazz Fest and outdoor dining throughout the city, or brave winter for magical snow scenes and the incredible Igloofest where people somehow party outside in subzero temperatures.

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Montreal

3. Ottawa to Vancouver ($130–$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Flair (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and December to February ⛷️ for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Outdoor enthusiasts 🏔️, foodies 🍽️, nature photographers 📸

Vancouver is where mountains meet ocean meet city. This west coast gem has stunning natural scenery in literally every direction, an incredible food scene, and that laid-back Pacific vibe that makes you question why you live anywhere else.

Stanley Park has a massive urban forest with scenic seawall views of mountains and ocean that’ll fill your Instagram for weeks. Granville Island buzzes with its public market, local artisans, and waterfront patios perfect for people-watching. For adventure seekers, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge deliver easy access to nature activities just minutes from downtown. Between the diverse neighborhoods, amazing Asian food, and beaches right in the city, Vancouver feels like several vacation destinations in one.

Flair Airlines consistently offers the cheapest cross-country fares, sometimes below $150 one-way if you can pack light and be flexible with dates. Air Canada and WestJet cost more but provide better reliability for this important connection. Aim to visit summer for the perfect weather to explore the city’s beaches and nearby hiking trails.

• Read Next: Cheapest Flights from Vancouver

4. Ottawa to Halifax ($115–$210 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter, Flair (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Seafood lovers 🦞, coastal explorers 🌊, history buffs 🏰

Halifax delivers East Coast charm with a side of amazing seafood. The city has one of Canada’s most walkable downtowns, a perfect mix of historic sites and modern bars, and that special Maritime hospitality that makes everyone feel like a local.

Halifax Boardwalk stretches along the waterfront with shops, restaurants, and the Maritime Museum where you can learn about the Titanic disaster (many victims are buried here). Citadel Hill offers colonial history with actors in period costumes and daily cannon firings that’ll make you jump even when you’re expecting it. For food lovers, Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest in North America, while pubs like The Split Crow serve up live East Coast music with your local craft beer.

Porter frequently runs sales on this route with fares sometimes below $120 one-way including their free beer and wine service. Flair offers bargain-basement prices if you can travel ultra-light. Summer brings perfect weather for exploring the stunning coastal areas and nearby Peggy’s Cove with its iconic lighthouse, while fall delivers gorgeous colors and significantly lower tourist crowds.

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Destinations from Halifax

5. Ottawa to Calgary ($176–$290 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: WestJet, Air Canada, Flair (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August 🏔️ and December to March ❄️ for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain enthusiasts 🏔️, outdoor adventurers 🌲, cowboys at heart 🤠

Calgary is your gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The city combines urban amenities with cowboy culture and easy access to some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on the planet.

Banff and Lake Louise are just 90 minutes away with their turquoise lakes and mountain backdrops that look straight out of a postcard. Downtown Calgary offers the iconic Calgary Tower with glass floors that freak out anyone with a fear of heights, while Prince’s Island Park provides a beautiful oasis right in the city center. If you visit in July, the famous Calgary Stampede brings rodeos, chuck wagon races, and an entire city dressed in cowboy boots.

Flair Airlines typically features the lowest cross-country fares, sometimes below $180 roundtrip if you can pack light and be flexible with dates. WestJet and Air Canada run multiple daily flights with better reliability for this important connection. Summer is perfect for hiking and exploring the mountain parks, while winter transforms the region into a world-class ski destination with several resorts within easy driving distance.

6. Ottawa to Winnipeg ($101–$185 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: WestJet, Air Canada, Flair (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and January to March ❄️ for festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Culture seekers 🎭, winter adventurers ❄️, budget travelers 💰

Winnipeg is Canada’s underrated middle child. The city has a surprisingly vibrant arts scene, multicultural neighborhoods with amazing food, and that prairie resilience that turns brutal winters into actual festivals.

The Forks is where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, creating a year-round gathering place with markets, restaurants, and river activities. Canadian Museum for Human Rights impresses with its stunning architecture and powerful exhibits in the first museum dedicated entirely to human rights. Winter transforms the frozen Red River into the world’s longest natural skating trail, while summer brings perfect weather for exploring the Assiniboine Park Zoo and its award-winning polar bear conservation center.

Flair Airlines consistently offers the lowest fares on this route, sometimes below $110 roundtrip if you can pack super light. WestJet typically has better schedules but at higher prices. Visit in summer for perfect festival weather and the massive Folklorama multicultural celebration, or brave winter for the famous Festival du Voyageur where locals somehow party outside in subzero temperatures with ice sculptures and traditional voyageur food.

7. Ottawa to Edmonton ($167–$280 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Flair, Air Canada, WestJet (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August 🌞 and January to March ❄️ for seasonal attractions
• 🏆 Perfect for: Festival goers 🎭, nature lovers 🌲, urban explorers 🏙️

Edmonton is way more than just that giant mall. Alberta’s capital has an incredible river valley park system, a booming food scene, and festivals pretty much year-round despite the polar vortex winters.

North Saskatchewan River Valley offers 22 times more parkland than New York’s Central Park, with trails perfect for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing. Whyte Avenue buzzes with independent shops, restaurants, and nightlife in a historic district that feels like a small town inside the city. For indoor days, the famous West Edmonton Mall delivers with its water park, indoor roller coasters, and actual sea lion shows under one massive roof.

Flair Airlines consistently offers the cheapest cross-country fares, sometimes dipping below $170 roundtrip if you can pack light. Air Canada and WestJet provide more reliable service but typically charge $50-80 more roundtrip. Head west in summer for the legendary Edmonton Fringe Festival and endless daylight, or check out winter for the incredible Ice Castles and surprisingly great cross-country skiing right in the city.

8. Ottawa to Quebec City ($123–$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter, PAL Airlines (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and January to February ❄️ for festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏰, foodies 🍽️, architecture lovers 🏛️

Quebec City feels like you teleported to Europe without the jet lag. The city has cobblestone streets, incredible French cuisine, and fortified walls that make you feel like you stepped into a fairy tale.

Old Quebec (Vieux-Québec) is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can wander narrow streets lined with 17th and 18th-century buildings. Château Frontenac dominates the skyline as the most photographed hotel in the world, while the nearby Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk offers spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. For foodies, Petit Champlain district serves up traditional Quebecois cuisine in charming historic buildings.

Porter offers the best experience on this short hop with downtown airport locations and complimentary wine served in actual glasses. Air Canada runs the most daily flights but usually charges $20-30 more each way. Time your visit for summer to enjoy outdoor dining and the city’s many festivals, or embrace winter for the magical Carnaval de Québec with its ice sculptures, night parades, and the famous ice hotel that you can actually stay in.

• Read Next: Most Beautiful Places in Canada
• You may also like: Airbnbs in Quebec

9. Ottawa to Saskatoon ($199–$310 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: WestJet, Air Canada, Flair (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 and February 🎭 for festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Prairie explorers 🌾, food enthusiasts 🍽️, river lovers 🚣‍♀️

Saskatoon is Canada’s surprise gem on the prairies. The city has an amazing food scene, stunning river views, and that special prairie hospitality that makes even first-time visitors feel like locals returning home.

South Saskatchewan River cuts through the heart of the city with seven bridges and miles of waterfront trails that locals use year-round. Broadway District delivers local shops, amazing restaurants, and the city’s best nightlife scene. For a taste of prairie history, Wanuskewin Heritage Park showcases 6,000 years of Indigenous culture with guided tours and authentic experiences just minutes from downtown.

Flair Airlines consistently offers the cheapest fares on this cross-country route, occasionally dropping below $200 roundtrip if you can pack ultra-light. WestJet provides more reliable service but typically costs $40-60 more. Check out summer for the perfect patio weather and the world-class Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, or visit in winter for the surprisingly fun Winterruption festival where locals embrace the cold with music, art, and outdoor activities despite the crazy low temperatures.

10. Ottawa to St. John’s ($250–$375 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, WestJet, Porter (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to September 🌞 and May to June 🐋 for wildlife viewing
• 🏆 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🌊, hikers 🥾, friendly locals 🍻

St. John’s is like nowhere else in Canada. The city has colorful row houses that brighten up foggy days, epic hiking trails right from downtown, and a nightlife scene on George Street that rivals cities triple its size.

Signal Hill offers panoramic ocean views and the spot where the first transatlantic wireless message was received. Cape Spear marks the easternmost point in North America where you can be the first person in the continent to see the sunrise. The famous East Coast Trail delivers stunning coastal hikes with iceberg and whale sightings in season, while downtown’s jelly bean row houses provide the perfect colorful backdrop for photos.

Air Canada runs the most direct flights to the Rock, but watch for Porter sales that occasionally drop below $270 roundtrip. All flights from Ottawa take over 3 hours, making this more than just a weekend trip. Plan your visit for summer when temperatures are actually pleasant and massive icebergs float by the coast. Spring offers whale watching opportunities as humpbacks and orcas follow capelin fish to shore. Just pack for all weather conditions, as locals joke you can experience all four seasons in a single afternoon.

11. Ottawa to Boston ($299–$425 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Porter, Air Canada, United (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October 🍂 and December 🎄 for seasonal activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, sports fans ⚾, seafood lovers 🦞

Boston packs serious character into a walkable package. The city combines American history, world-class universities, and that distinct New England charm with neighborhoods that feel like completely different cities.

Freedom Trail takes you through 16 historic sites with guides in period costumes sharing stories of the American Revolution. Fenway Park delivers old-school baseball vibes even if you’re not a Red Sox fan, while Harvard Square lets you pretend you’re smart enough to attend America’s oldest university. The food scene is all about fresh seafood, with locals debating who has the best lobster roll or clam chowder.

Porter typically offers the best direct service from Ottawa to Boston with their downtown airport convenience. Air Canada runs connecting flights through Toronto that sometimes are cheaper but add travel time. Hit Boston in fall for incredible foliage in the city parks and perfect walking weather, or visit in spring when baseball season starts and the famous swan boats return to Boston Common. Winter brings charming holiday decorations, though the wind off the harbor can cut right through you.

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly to from Boston

12. Ottawa to London ($657–$850 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 7 hours (with connection)
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, British Airways, WestJet (connecting flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍂 for milder weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, theater lovers 🎭, royal watchers 👑

London delivers big-city energy with centuries of history packed into every block. The city has iconic landmarks you’ve seen in movies, world-class museums that are actually free, and neighborhoods with totally different vibes all connected by the super easy-to-use Underground.

Big Ben and Westminster Abbey provide those classic London photo ops, while Borough Market serves up incredible food under Victorian architecture. Covent Garden offers street performers and easy access to the theater district, where you can score last-minute tickets to world-class shows. Between royal palaces, hidden pubs where Shakespeare drank, and museums housing treasures from around the world, you could visit a dozen times and still discover new corners.

Air Canada offers connecting flights through Toronto or Montreal, while WestJet partners with Virgin Atlantic for connections. Look for seat sales in January and February for summer travel, when fares occasionally dip below $700 roundtrip. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly From London

13. Ottawa to Cancun ($455–$600 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: WestJet, Air Canada, Sunwing (3+ weekly flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🏝️ and May 🌞 for ideal beach weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, party seekers 🍹, all-inclusive fans 🏨

Cancun is basically the perfect escape from Ottawa winters. The Mexican hotspot has ridiculous turquoise waters, powder-white beaches, and resorts ranging from party central to family-friendly, all with that guaranteed sunshine when home is buried in snow.

Hotel Zone stretches along a perfect beach with that Caribbean blue water you see in all the ads. For a different vibe, Isla Mujeres is just a quick ferry ride away with a more relaxed atmosphere and amazing snorkeling spots. History buffs shouldn’t miss the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza or Tulum, where massive stone pyramids sit just minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

WestJet and Air Canada offer seasonal direct flights from Ottawa to Cancun, though most require a connection through Toronto. Sunwing runs vacation packages with direct flights during winter months. May is the ideal time to visit thanks to great weather, fewer crowds, and significantly lower prices before the summer rain and hurricane seasons kick in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Ottawa

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Ottawa? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Ottawa to anywhere.

Which destinations are typically the cheapest to fly to from Ottawa?

From Ottawa, several destinations consistently offer budget-friendly flight options. Within Canada, cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax are often more affordable due to their proximity and the frequency of flights. On the international front, destinations like Cancun, Boston, and London tend to have competitive fares. This is influenced by factors such as airline partnerships, travel demand, and seasonal promotions. It’s always a good idea to compare prices across multiple booking platforms to find the best deals.

Is there direct flight from Ottawa to Europe?

Ottawa International Airport (YOW) does not typically offer direct flights to European destinations. Most travelers flying from Ottawa to Europe would usually have to make a connecting flight through other major Canadian airports like Toronto or Montréal, or through U.S. airports. However, as of 2025, there is one Ottawa to Europe flight available with Air Canada to to Paris (CDG Airport).

When is the best time to book cheap flights from Ottawa?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, flights are generally more affordable when booked 2-3 months in advance. However, this can vary based on the destination and time of year. For instance, booking a summer vacation in winter or vice versa can yield better prices. Additionally, mid-week flights, especially those on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, tend to be cheaper. It’s also beneficial to monitor airline promotions and last-minute deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.

Are there direct flights available from Ottawa to these cheaper destinations?

Absolutely! Many of the more affordable destinations, especially those within Canada, offer direct flight options from Ottawa. For farther international destinations, while there are direct flights available, the frequency and availability might vary based on factors like the season, airline, and current travel trends. It’s always recommended to check flight schedules and routes in advance to plan your trip efficiently.

How can I stay updated on the latest deals and promotions for flights from Ottawa?

To stay in the loop about the latest flight deals and promotions, consider subscribing to newsletters from airlines and travel booking platforms. Many of these platforms also offer fare alert features, which notify you when prices drop for specific routes. Additionally, joining frequent flyer programs or loyalty clubs can provide exclusive access to deals, promotions, and points-based travel rewards.

Does Ottawa do international flights?

Ottawa International Airport (YOW) does handle international flights, but these are primarily to destinations in the United States, the Caribbean, and Central America. The airport is not a major hub for long-haul international flights, such as those to Europe or Asia. For those destinations, travelers often connect through larger Canadian airports like Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) or Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), or through major U.S. airports.

Do budget airlines operate from Ottawa to these cheaper destinations?

Yes, Ottawa International Airport is serviced by a blend of major carriers and budget airlines. Companies like WestJet, Air Canada Rouge, and Porter Airlines frequently offer competitive fares to a range of destinations. These budget airlines often have promotions and deals, especially during non-peak travel times. However, it’s essential to be aware of the amenities and services included in budget airline tickets, as some might charge extra for checked baggage or in-flight services.