YOW Layover Guide: What to Do at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Ottawa, Canada · CYOW
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW/CYOW) is an airport serving Ottawa, Canada, in North America.
This page covers the practical essentials for YOW — getting to and from the airport, lounges and WiFi, transit and visa considerations, hotels nearby, and what to do if you have a layover here.
Transit & visa requirements
- Whether you need a transit visa for YOW depends on your nationality, your routing, and whether you must clear immigration to change flights.
- Always verify current Canada transit and entry requirements with official government sources before you travel.
Things to do during a layover at YOW
Stay airside at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Clear security to your connection early, then find a lounge or quiet seating area near your departure gate.
Enough time to relax in a lounge, eat a proper meal and explore the terminal’s shops and amenities without rushing your connection.
With a long layover you may have time to leave the airport and see Ottawa, provided your nationality and routing allow you to clear immigration. Confirm transit visa rules first, and leave a generous buffer to return.
Lounges
Lounge availability at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport varies by terminal. Independent lounges (often accessible via Priority Pass or pay-in) and airline lounges are common at airports of this size — check your terminal on arrival.
WiFi
Free WiFi is offered at most major airports. Look for the official YOW network on arrival; coverage and time limits can vary by terminal.
YOW — Frequently Asked Questions
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) serves Ottawa, Canada.