What to do in YOW for 5 hours
 

Hi all-
I will be taking my first flight on AC in June when I fly LGA-YOW-LHR. Will have a solid 4-5 hours to kill and am *G so I assume most of that time will be spent in the lounge. I've also never been to Ottowa and would be willing to venture into the city if you all think it's worthwhile considering my time constraints.

I'm also psyched to see how C class compares to CO, VS and AF. Flying the 333 outbound and 773 on return.

Thanks!

Just make sure you follow the signs for Ottawa, not Ottowa. ;)

What day of the week and what time of day?

you can trip civil servants when they walk by in the airport or try "cow tipping" again same idea only using federal workers asleep as they stand around..:D:D:D

Where is Ottowa and what is the airport code? It might be a nice place to visit. Is it near YOW?

Ottawa's a nice city -- with 4-5 hours it'd be well worth getting out of the airport and seeing some of the sights. Hop the bus #97 to downtown (20-30 minute trip). You'll have plenty of time to check out parliament, Rideau Canal, Byward Market.

Apologies for the typo. I will be there on a Sunday from 5-10pm.

Those civil servants jokes never get old do they... oh, wait... yeah, they do.:td:


Cabs to/from airport cost approx. $30 or a bit more each way in CAD (I should add this is important now that the CAD more expensive than the USD...:)). At any rate, worth it as it's fast and flexible so you can make the best of your 4-5 hrs. I would definitely check out the market and Parliament.

Thanks. Will definitely take a cab downtown. Is Byward Market Ottawa's version of Pike's Market in Seattle?

Sort of, but there are no flying salmon. Byward Market is a building, and a neighbourhood. There is a market, but by 5pm on Sunday, it will be mostly wrapped up. There are fish mongers, delicatessens, butcher shops, patisseries, charcuteries, etc. And lots of bars and restaurants. Enjoy.
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13F

I'm not sure how similar it is, having never been to Pike's, but I'll say Byward Market is more a collection of neat shops (some "market" shops), bars and restaurants spanning several blocks than it is a traditional "market".

Those 4-5 hours could be reduced if there are ATC holds around LGA. YOW has a great AC Lounge with some nice views.

That's a pity - you won't be able to take a (free) tour of Parliament. It's well worth walking around Parliament Hill though. The main buildings of Parliament, in particular the Centre Block are quite nice from an architectural perspective and it's neat that access is still very open and free. (As it should be, now and forever more.)

As others have pointed out, the Byward Market is a nice area to walk around but it's pretty small. You'll be able to see the Canadian Museum of Civilization just down the street and the heavily fortified US Embassy as well.

As long as your flight from LGA departs more or less on time, I would recommend taking a taxi or bus into downtown Ottawa and seeing the sights a bit. A lounge is a lounge but Ottawa is the capital of Canada. Do take a bit of time to enjoy it.

That would be the Pike Place Market in Seattle!:p

I know that- I lived in Seattle for a year and a half and spend a week there every month for work. :)

Thanks for all the suggestions- I am definitely going to check it out. My flight to LHR isn't until 10:45 but I've decided to play it's safe and take the 3:30 instead of the 7:55 from LGA.

Last question- I wasn't planning to check my (roller) bag so I would like to lock it up at the airport while I hop a cab to town. Is that possible at the AC club?

Bonus question- It looks like the sleeper seat is similar to the new lie-flat beds on CO. Any thoughts there?