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?

Not sure if they'll hold it at the lounge, but there is a baggage storage place on the arrivals level. This might be easier than going through security to get the lounge (as you'll have to clear customs and exit the sterile area upon arrival from LGA).

I like Ottawa, but having spent countless nights downtown for work, I can tell you that there won't be much going on, especially on a Sunday.

As already mentioned, most of the stalls and stores in Byward Market will likely be closed. Though there are countless restaurants and bars that will likely be open - just don't expect much "street life". Same for most of the downtown area.

You MAY want to consider renting a car - I've seen some really cheap rates for Ottawa, and for the same price or a couple of dollars more than a cab, you'll have the freedom to explore different areas. And if you rent a car, then there is no issue with having to store your bag.

rent a car, drive to Gatineau park..

there are some very nice trails and lookouts..

http://www.canadascapital.gc.ca/bins...9-10170&lang=1

you won't have time to visit them all, but you can pick one to get the taste of the park for next time :)

Ottawa is a fantastic City and 4-5 hours is enough to get a taste.

Arrival & Customs - 30 minutes

I suggest being dropped off at Chateau Laurier as it is a very central location and you may either head to see Parliament Hill, Walk the Rideau Canal or take a Stroll in the market.
(Time to Chateau Laurier - 20 minutes by Cab ~ $32 -35 CDN)

If you head to Parliament, take some time and walk around the building. Behind Parliament (near the library) is a great view of the river, Canadian Museum of Civilization etc.

From there you can walk back towards the Chateau Laurier and possibly around Majors Hill Park (behind Chateau Laurier). This will give you a nice view of the hill also.

If you decide to head into the market make sure you stop for a Beaver Tail (Beavertail) at the corner of George and Williams street before leaving. They taste great and are unique to Ottawa.

When you decide to head back to the airport make sure the cab driver takes you along the canal as it is a very nice drive.

I know this sounds like a lot but a couple hours should be enough to get a quick glance at the city… probably bringing you back for more in the near future.

Hope you enjoy your travels!

I echo Ian's views, but just so you know, a Beavertail isn't actually a beaver's tail, but a pastry. :)

All- thanks so much for your conscientious responses!

I've not flown the new in the new CO seats, but the concept is the same. AC has pods arranged in a herring bone fashion. There's also AVOD. They are quite comfortable.

And renting a car is not a bad option. It's cost effective, it's easy to get in and out of town, and there shouldn't be any problem parking at that time of day on a Sunday.

Opps, typo... thanks!

Very good suggestion. You could check your bag with the hotel bell desk for the price of a tip.
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13F

Depending on your interests (and the weather), you might also consider these two museums:

http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/home/cmc-home
http://www.gallery.ca/

if not all, most museums will be closed Sundays by 5pm :td:

GUYS, C'mon!!!!!!

My advice, to get yourself pepped up, if in the Market area, check Barefax ...if you take a rental, don't miss Gatineau's Pigale... :D

EAT: Empire Grill
DRINK: Heart & Crown

go swimming in the waterfall/pool at the airport :D

Um, go shopping; some nice stores in Rideau Centre, have lunch in the market, or down elgin, and then hop back on the bus to the airport. Thanks to the transitway you can get to downtown very easy with one bus

You can visit your embassy along Sussex; one huuuuuuugggggggggeeeeeeeeee building. I mean from the outside. Walk up the street to the Parliament building and laugh at us for not having a stable government :D But no its a very nice picture spot. I do appologize for one thing though. Do not walk along King Edward below Rideau (/ Wellington), it's pretty sketchy (IMO).

Oh yeah, by the embassy is the rideau canal a little further up the road. There are some locks there, if you time it correctly (or lucky enough) you may see a boat passing through them

EDIT: Sorry I saw that you will be there from 5-10pm...alas you may not find much to do on a Sunday...i hope you do find something to do. It is a sleepy town, but it does have its moments

oh god you said pigale!!! :D I think there is a good one in the market - i would add something to that statement but it would be mean :)

Oh, and you don't need a passport to enter Quebec (and hopefully you never will) lol :D