Is there a direct flight from St. John's to Ottawa?

No, most flights require a connection in Montreal or Toronto.

How long is the ferry from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia?

The Argentia crossing takes 16 hours, while the Port aux Basques crossing takes 7 hours.

Do I need a passport to travel to Ottawa?

No, domestic travel within Canada does not require a passport, but government-issued ID is mandatory.

What is the best highway to take from Montreal to Ottawa?

Highway 417 is the primary and most direct route.

Are there trains from Newfoundland to Ottawa?

No, there is no rail service on the island of Newfoundland.

Portugal Cove-St. Philip's

Ottawa

Flight Driving

Portugal Cove-St. Philip's to Ottawa

Updated: 31 May 2026

The journey from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's to Ottawa spans approximately 2,200 km. You must first travel 15 km to St. John's International Airport (YYT) or the Argentia/Port aux Basques ferry terminals. Air travel is the most efficient method, typically involving a connection in Montreal or Toronto. Driving requires taking the Marine Atlantic ferry from Argentia or Port aux Basques to North Sydney, Nova Scotia. From there, you follow the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 104 and Hwy 20) through Quebec to reach Ottawa. This route combines coastal ferry transit with major Canadian highway navigation.

Total Distance: Driving distance is 2,450 km including ferry; air distance is 1,850 km.

Fastest Way

Flight from St. John's (YYT) to Ottawa (YOW) takes approximately 5.5 hours including layovers.

Cheapest Way

Driving is cheaper for groups, but flight is more cost-effective for solo travelers when factoring in ferry and fuel costs.

Compare Portugal Cove-St. Philip's to Ottawa Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Connecting
Duration	5 hours 30 mins	32 hours
Avg Price	$400 - $800 CAD	$600 - $1,000 CAD
Operator	Air Canada	Marine Atlantic
Route	YYT to YOW via YUL or YYZ.	TCH Route 1 to Argentia, Ferry to North Sydney, Hwy 104, Hwy 20, Hwy 417.
Tip	Book at least 3 weeks in advance to secure lower fares.	Reserve your ferry spot months ahead during peak summer season.

Travel Tips

Ferry Booking
Always book your Marine Atlantic ferry crossing well in advance as spots fill up quickly.
Airport Transit
Use a taxi or rideshare from Portugal Cove-St. Philip's to YYT as public transit is limited.
Time Zones
Remember that Ottawa is 1.5 hours behind Newfoundland time.
Packing
Pack layers, as Ottawa experiences significant temperature fluctuations between seasons.
Highway Stops
Plan your fuel stops carefully when driving through Northern Ontario or rural Quebec.

Safety Tips

Winter Driving
If driving in winter, ensure your vehicle has high-quality winter tires and an emergency kit.
Wildlife
Be vigilant for moose on the Trans-Canada Highway in Newfoundland, especially at dawn and dusk.
Ferry Safety
Follow all crew instructions during the ferry crossing, especially during rough sea conditions.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a list of provincial police and roadside assistance numbers handy for the entire route.