A Quick Guide to Macdonald – Cartier International Airport

If you are flying to or from the Ottawa International Airport (YOW), you will find the article useful. It shall help you navigate the airport better.

The facility is also known as Macdonald – Cartier International Airport. The name is a tribute to the “founding father of Canada.” They are Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Etienne Cartier.

Read below to find more about the facilities and terminal, below:

Ottawa International Airport (YOW) Terminal Layout

A single terminal facilitates all the traffic movement. This terminal has three levels.

1. First Level:

You can find Arrivals at level 1. Other facilities on this level include Police Canada border services, transportation, and information counters.

There’s also a baggage claim area, with four carousels. Moreover, you will also observe other amenities.

These include a water fountain, water bottle filling station, ATMs, currency exchange, nursing room, and so on.

2. Second Level:

This level gives you access to the boarding gates. To your left, find boarding gates 1-14. Right at the center of the terminal, you see gates 15-17. Gate numbers 18-28 are to the right. Passengers can also make their layover comfortable on this level.

You will find VIP lounges here. In addition, you can discover concessions such as food and beverage outlets.

Other facilities on the second level are change rooms, bookstore, and water bottle filling station.

3. Third Level:

Check-in counters for both domestic and international flights are on the Third Level. If you are flying to Canada from the USA, you have to go through the USA check-in and the US Custom Clearance.

They are located on this level and are separate from other international check-in and clearance. The third level also gives you access to boarding gates 1-18, and observation area, and more.

Ottawa International Airport Restaurants

Ottawa International Airport offers a decent range of restaurants and dining options. Below, you shall find the timings and locations of each outlet. For ease of navigation, they have been categorized as:

1. Pre-Security

• Subway:

Located on level 3, Subway operates from 5 am to 9 pm daily.

• Tim Hortons:

There are two Tim Hortons outlets, pre-security. The one that operates 24 hours a day is located on level 1. The other one operates from 5 am to 9.30 pm, and you will find it on level 3.

2. Post-Security US

• Cork and Well:

Located on Level 2, this place opens at 4.30 am and shuts down at 7 pm daily.

• Tim Hortons:

In case you missed the two outlets’ pre-security, you can find another store post-security US. It operates seven days a week, from 4.30 am to 7 pm.

3. Post-Security International/Canada

• Booster Juice:

Find the outlet near Gate 18. From Mon-Fri, the place operates from 5 am – 9 pm. On weekends, i.e., Sat-Sun, the place opens at 6 am and closes at the same time.

• Cafe and Vin:

Near gate 15, you shall find Cafe and Vin operating from 3.30 am to 9 pm.

• D’Arcy McGee’s:

Operational from 3.30 am to 10 pm, it is located near Gate 23.

• Starbucks:

Starbucks near Gate 24, is open from 3.30 am to 8.30 pm.

• Tim Hortons:

You will also find a Tim Hortons’ kiosk at Gate 20, which is operational from 3.30 am to 9 pm.

• Vino Volo:

Find the outlet near gate 16, open from 6 am to 9 pm every day.

Ottawa International Airport Restaurants Shopping

Let’s follow the same categorization to explore the shopping options at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW).

1. Pre-Security

• Bytown Marche:

Shop for reading material, beauty and health products, stamps, and more at Bytown Marche.

It is situated on Level 1. It operates from 6 am to 11 pm on weekdays. Timings are different on Sundays and Saturdays, i.e., from 7 am to 11 pm.

• Relay:

At this convenience store, you’ll find travel and electronic accessories, and a lot more. Located on Level 3, it is open from 4 am to 9 pm.

2. Post-Security US

• TRG Duty-Free:

You can shop for your favourite goodies at duty-free prices near gate 12. The place opens up to three hours before the direct international flight

• Relay:

Relay is also located near gate 12. It is operational from 4 am to 9 pm.

3. Post-Security International/Canada

• Best Buy:

Fulfil all your electronic needs at Best Buy. The place has got you covered if you forgot your phone/laptop charger, headphones, and so on.

It happens especially when you book last-minute flights. It is open round the clock and located at gates 15, 18, and 24

• Discover Ottawa:

If you catch

, stop by at Discover Ottawa. Here, you can shop for Canadian souvenirs, local products, and more. You can find the place at gate 15, open from 3.30 am to 9 pm.

• TRG Duty-Free:

Located at gate 15, the place opens three hours before direct international flight departures.

• Hudson’s Bay Company:

Another good place to pick up souvenirs to mark your Ottawa flight It is located near gate 16. The place is open from 5 am to 9 pm on weekdays. On weekends, the place opens at 6 am.

• Metalsmiths Sterling:

From hand-crafted Canadian jewelry to unique gems and cuts, find them at Metalsmiths. Head over to Gate 16 between 6 am to 9 pm to find the place.

• Relay:

The timings are 4 am to 9 pm, and the store is located at Gate 19.

• The Scoreboard:

Select from the finest sports clothing. Find the outlet at Gate 16. The place shuts at 9 pm and opens at 5 am on weekdays, and 6 am on weekends.

So, this was a quick look at the airport terminal, and restaurants and shopping options. Use the information above to plan your layover better.

If you are to catch a flight from the airport, reach the airport well in time. You will find something or the other to keep you engaged while you wait to board.