Methodology

Prices were last updated on July 18, 2023. As anyone who frequently flies knows, flight prices can fluctuate significantly and the best deals don’t linger for long!

All listed prices for discount airlines, such as Flair, Swoop, Lynx, and others, are base fares and exclude baggage costs. For passengers flying with carry-on baggage only, it may be more beneficial to seek deals on major carriers which typically include at least one piece of carry-on luggage in their fares.

Overview of Ottawa and Edmonton

Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a city steeped in history and culture. As the nation’s capital, Ottawa is home to iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the historic Rideau Canal, which transforms into the world’s longest skating rink in the winter. The city boasts a mix of stunning architecture, green spaces, and museums that offer insight into Canada’s rich heritage. In addition to its cultural attractions, Ottawa offers a lively culinary scene, with a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and food markets to delight food enthusiasts.

Edmonton, the capital of Alberta, is renowned as Canada’s Festival City, with year-round festivals that celebrate everything from food to music to theatre. It is home to the vast West Edmonton Mall, North America’s largest mall, and showcases a vibrant arts and culture scene. In addition, Edmonton offers easy access to outdoor activities in the surrounding parks and wilderness areas. Many people travel to Edmonton for business, tourism, or to visit family and friends.

The flight route between Ottawa and Edmonton is well-traveled for a variety of reasons. Connecting two major cities in different provinces, this route serves as an important link between Eastern and Western Canada. Many people choose this route for business, as well as for leisure, drawn by the distinct charms of each city — the historic, cultural allure of Ottawa contrasting with the modern, vibrant spirit of Edmonton. Furthermore, this route is popular among students attending universities in either city and individuals visiting family or friends.

Whether you’re a history buff eager to visit Ottawa’s iconic landmarks or an art enthusiast seeking to explore Edmonton’s cultural scene, this flight route offers a seamless connection between two captivating cities, each offering a unique experience for every type of traveler.

The Airlines

Direct Flights – Most enjoyable and often the cheapest option

Air Canada, Flair and WestJet offer direct flights from Ottawa to Edmonton. These airlines provide comfort and efficiency in their services, making your travel experience smoother.

Other Good Options – Typically indirect, but sometimes the cheapest option

Porter – Flights usually involve a stopover in Toronto (YYZ).

Long Shots – Not usually the best deal, but worth looking at

United Airlines – It is possible to get a flight from Ottawa to Edmonton via Denver (DEN). This would involve an additional stopover in Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD) or New York (EWR). It is unlikely this will ever be the cheapest option on this route, but you never know!

Your Best Option for a Trip from Ottawa (YOW) to Edmonton (YEG)

• Flights on Flair are very cheap throughout the year, so any pair of dates that works for you will likely be affordable if picked from the one-way lists below. One example is:
  • Depart Ottawa at 8:30 PM on September 14, 2023 arriving in Edmonton at 10:55 PM
  • Depart Edmonton at 11:40 PM on September 19, 2023 arriving in Ottawa at 5:30 AM (Sept. 20)
  • The total cost of this trip before any baggage fees is $120.

• Flights are also affordable on WestJet over the same time period. One example is:
  • Depart Ottawa at 3:00 PM on September 18, 2023 arriving in Edmonton at 5:25 PM
  • Depart Edmonton at 8:30 AM on September 25, 2023 arriving in Ottawa at 2:10 PM
  • The total cost of this trip before any baggage fees is $163 if booked through Kiwi.com. Booking directly with WestJet will cost $177.

Your Best Option for a Trip from Edmonton (YEG) to Ottawa (YOW)

• Flights on Flair are very cheap throughout the year, so any pair of dates that works for you will likely be affordable if picked from the one-way lists below. One example is:
  • Depart Edmonton at 11:40 PM on September 19, 2023 arriving in Ottawa at 5:30 AM (Sept. 20)
  • Depart Ottawa at 8:30 PM on September 24, 2023 arriving in Edmonton at 10:55 PM
  • The total cost of this trip before any baggage fees is $117.

• Flights are also affordable on WestJet over the same time period. One example is:
  • Depart Edmonton at 8:30 AM on September 10, 2023 arriving in Ottawa at 2:10 PM
  • Depart Ottawa at 3:00 PM on September 18, 2023 arriving in Edmonton at 5:25 PM
  • The total cost of this trip before any baggage fees is $159 if booked through Rehlat.com, or $170 if booked directly through WestJet.

The Cheapest Direct One-Way Flights – Ottawa (YOW) to Edmonton (YEG)

Flights are currently available on Flair from Ottawa to Edmonton for $79 on various dates from August 2023 to March 2024. The best deal currently available, however, is in September 2023, where you can fly for just $59. Excluding discount carriers, WestJet offers the cheapest one-way flights starting at $85, available in September and October 2023.

Discount Carriers – One-way flights are currently available on Flair from Ottawa to Edmonton for $59 on a few dates in September 2023, including September 14, 16, 24, 26, 28 and 30.

Major Carriers – Excluding discount carriers, the cheapest one-way flights currently available are on WestJet in September and October 2023 for $85. Dates include:

• September 2023: 18, 24
• October 2023: 8

There are a few other dates in September and October 2023 where flights are $90.

The Cheapest Direct One-Way Flights – Edmonton (YEG) to Ottawa (YOW)

Flights from Edmonton back to Ottawa are currently available at similar prices, starting from $49. These can be found from August 2023 to March 2024. For those preferring major carriers, the best price is $63 for flights in September 2023 and October 2023.

Discount Carriers – One-way flights are currently available on Flair from Edmonton to Ottawa for $59 on a few dates in September 2023, including September 19, 26, 28, 30.

Major Carriers – Excluding discount carriers, the cheapest one-way flights currently available are on WestJet in September and October 2023 for $76 or $78. Dates include:

• September 2023: 10, 25
• October 2023: 9

There are a few other dates in September and October 2023 where flights are $84.

The Cheapest Indirect Flights

While the direct flights outlined above are the cheapest options, sometimes an indirect flight can be more affordable or offer its own perks. Extended layovers can provide a chance to explore a new city, and indirect flights are often less crowded, offering a more relaxed travel experience. Be sure to check Porter and United for these options. However, always compare the total travel time and layover duration to ensure it aligns with your travel preferences.

Remember, while we’ve done our best to provide the most current information, flight prices are subject to change and may vary. We recommend checking on the airlines’ official websites or reliable flight booking platforms closer to your booking date to confirm these prices. Happy travels!