C$ 277 Find Cheap Flights from Ottawa to California – Compare and Save

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Best California Flight Deals from Ottawa

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Los Angeles
Los Angeles2 stopsC$ 572
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stopC$ 510
San Diego
San Diego1 stopC$ 592
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stopC$ 511
San Jose
San Jose2 stopsC$ 963
Reno
Reno2 stopsC$ 1,082
Los Angeles
Los Angeles2 stopsC$ 572
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stopC$ 510
San Diego
San Diego1 stopC$ 592
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stopC$ 511
San Jose
San Jose2 stopsC$ 963
Reno
Reno2 stopsC$ 1,082
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Ottawa to California flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Ottawa to California to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from Ottawa to California?

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to California from Ottawa usually cost between C$ 612 and C$ 750 in February.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was C$ 572 on WestJet (12 Feb–19 Feb).

What is the cheapest month to fly from Ottawa to California?

The cheapest month for flights from Ottawa to California is January, when tickets cost C$ 610 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and August, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is C$ 812 and C$ 735 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Ottawa to California?

To get a below-average price on a flight from Ottawa to California, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 32% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 24 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

November

Cheapest flight

C$ 277
Most popular time to fly (23% more expensive on average)
Flight from Ottawa to Los Angeles

FAQs - booking California flights

  • Is it necessary for me to obtain a visa to fly from Ottawa to California?

    Unless you plan on flying from Ottawa to California and staying there for several months, you won’t need to secure a visa before your trip. You can stay in California for several days or even weeks without a visa. Just make sure you pack your passport or a valid NEXUS card for the trip.

  • Does Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport participate in the Verified Traveller program?

    Yes, the airport in Ottawa does take part in the Verified Traveller program. If you’ve signed up for this program, you’ll be able to make your way through security much faster than usual.

  • What are the common layovers on the way from Ottawa to California?

    There are several layover locations used on flights from Ottawa to California. Two of the airports you might find yourself in include Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

  • What are the best ways to make a flight from Ottawa to California sustainable?

    If you’d like to help make your flight from Ottawa to California more sustainable, you can start by packing lightly. It’ll reduce the impact your luggage has on the weight of your plane. You should also look into flying with an airline like Air Canada that has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Ottawa to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Ottawa to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Ottawa to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Ottawa to California is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Ottawa to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly from Ottawa to California with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Ottawa to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Ottawa to California up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • If you would like to fly from Ottawa to California, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) will be the best place to start. There are a few airlines that fly from Ottawa to one of the airports in California, such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or San Diego International Airport (SAN).
  • While you will be able to fly from Ottawa to California, there aren’t any direct flights between these two places. More often than not, you will only have to make one stop while you’re on your way to California from Ottawa, but there are instances when you’ll have to make two or even three stops en route to California. Ideally, you’ll want to search for an airline that can get you from Ottawa to California in just one stop, since it could significantly trim your travel time.
  • Flying from Ottawa to California will take you at least 12 hours, in most cases, and sometimes even longer than that. Because of this, you may want to consider booking a first-class ticket for your flight. Before you do, though, you should book an economy ticket and keep your eyes peeled for emails from your airline. It might be willing to extend a discount on a first-class ticket if you’re willing to wait.
  • If you want to avoid getting hit with baggage fees when you arrive at Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, you may want to limit the amount of luggage you bring. Airlines like Air Canada will charge you about $30 to check your first bag and $50 for a second one. By only bringing only a carry-on bag, you can save money while you fly to California.
  • It’ll be important for you to head to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport about two to three hours before your international flight to California. Once you make your way through security, you can kill extra time by heading to one of the lounges in YOW, such as the Aspire Lounge. It’s open to all passengers regardless of which airlines they’re flying.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines flying from Ottawa to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Ottawa to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
Porter AirlinesOverall score based on 468 reviews
8.6Crew
7.6Food
8.0Comfort
8.2Boarding
6.9Entertainment
Airline reviews

Porter is very professional. The boarding process was smooth both in Newark and Toronto City airport. This was a very convenient option for traveling to downtown Toronto. The security line was not long at either location. The seats on the plane were not the most comfortable, but its a small price to pay for the convenience of this flight. Flight crew were courteous and professional. I would definitely fly Porter again.

10.0 ExcellentLuke, Nov 2026
Read more Porter Airlines reviews

Porter is very professional. The boarding process was smooth both in Newark and Toronto City airport. This was a very convenient option for traveling to downtown Toronto. The security line was not long at either location. The seats on the plane were not the most comfortable, but its a small price to pay for the convenience of this flight. Flight crew were courteous and professional. I would definitely fly Porter again.

A very comfortable flight, an additional wash room could have made it almost perfect.

Look, I understand that Kayak doesn't know I cancelled my flight on Porter. So I didn't actually fly yesterday. My main disappointment is with Porter ticket fare policies, and maybe you can pass this on to them: At my employer's request, I had booked a full fare ticket with no change fees since my trip to Toronto would likely be extended. Indeed, when I went to change my flight home to a later date, I was told the Fare Difference would cost an additional $550. So much for no change fees lol! While I had the agent on the line, I hopped over to Kayak, searched for new flights on the date in question, and saw a one-way ticket that got me home for only $355. So I got reimbursed about $450for the unused half of my roundtrip and bought a new ticket for $355. What good is a full fare / no change fee ticket if they screw you with "fare difference" BS. I'm still flying home on Porter Airlines but they just lost a hundred bucks with their stupid shenanigans.

The check-in staff, boarding staff, and flight crew were all very friendly. Really miss the Porter lounge in Ottawa.

Lavatories broke with an hour to go. At least we were on time.

Due to mechanical problems it was delayed causing problems the actual flight. Was fune

First time with Porter. Amazing experience overall, will be my airline of choice in North America whenever possible. Liked the quality of food and how it was served but one suggestion- a hot meal on the longer flights, perhaps?

Delayed by 2.5 hours. This happened previously on my flight from YOW to YVR on Dec. 26.2023. This is a terrible airline. The reason was there was lack of ground crew. This is a known event. AVOID PORTER AIRLINES IF YOU CAN. There is a reason half the plane was empty.

Flight Ottawa to Toronto canceled and no crew was available to direct me on what to do. I opened a file and I wait to be compensated.

Porter, like most airlines, need to improve their baggage policies. In reality, there are no longer 'cheap flights' because passengers pay exorbitant baggage fees.

I had to check my carry on and paid extra for it. Had to wait for the luggage on the carousel which is what I wanted to avoid.

Very cold on aircraft. Everyone was wearing “Parker’s”to stay warm.

On one of the flights, the situation became sufficiently frustrating that a passenger openly expressed their dissatisfaction. Despite these complaints, we did not observe any meaningful improvement or receive an adequate explanation. The fact that members of our group experienced similar conditions on two separate aircraft is particularly concerning. We recognize that cabin temperatures may vary during a flight; however, the prolonged discomfort and the apparent lack of an effective response significantly affected our travel experience. Passengers reasonably expect a long-haul international flight to provide a tolerable cabin environment. When multiple passengers raise concerns about their comfort or well-being, those concerns should be acknowledged and addressed professionally.

Flight was really good, with no middle section on an A321neo for an international flight, from Ottawa directly to London. Staff was friendly. The food was okay, and entertainment amenities could be better.

The flight was terrible based off the temperature in the plane and the air smelled so stale and gross. I have never wanted to hosed lore in my life after I got off. The food was disgusting and seemingly low quality. The staff was friendly. The bathrooms were so gross after a couple of hours. I will definitely never book with them again.

The crew was great. There was no entertainment and the internet wasn't working. We sat in the run way for a LONG time which is always so upsetting. The seats are very close together and the flights are completely full which makes for a tough flight. Flying is just an uncomfortable experience.

Very kind crew. Vegetarian food better than usual. Prompt take off. Entertainment worked well. Could always do with more room!

The dinner was bland and boring, but the economy seats were surprisingly comfortable. The flight was very packed.

Great crew and entertaining Captain. Seats were not what we had expected based on my booking but things worked out in the end. Of course, like all airlines these days not enough leg or elbow room.

The entertainment system was down; food by purchase only; several people did not receive their luggage. No one answers at the local office or online about the luggage.

Crew were welcoming, accommodating and they worked hard to find places for all carry on.

very average service no complimentary alcoholics drinks unlike other airlines such as Porter airlines No decent seats available during check-in time the day before

It was great. There were some issues prior to takeoff. The weather was poor so we had to go through deicing, and we were delayed a bit by the pilots' concern about one of the engines, but that's aviation. The pilots handled everything with aplomb, and kept us apprised

I dread trans-Pacific flights. They are very long. This was my first time on Universal, and it was my best crossing ever. The staff were professional, the hospitality was great, and the food was delicious. The entertainment system filled the long flight hours. I will seek out Universal flights from now onwards. 🙂

My flight was delayed about 1 1/2 hours in Chicago, but other then that it was a good flight.

The flight was delayed, it took longer than anticipated because of weather, and they broke my luggage.

lots of delays the crew were unclear about where to pick up my carry-on, which they took from me to check in on the plane.

My connecting gate in .Chicago was across the aisle from my arriving gate. Otherwise I would not have made my connection. So that was very fortunate.

My flight was delayed by a whole day, so I lost a day of my vacation.

How would you rate my experience when I was stuck in YOW without being offered a cup of water by the airline?

The crew were all helpful, kind, and effective. There could have been more space under the seats.

Horrible, delayed 3 hours due to a mechanical issue where the plane is deemed unsafe so we had to deplane after an hour on the tarmac. No credit was given even though plenty of passengers missed their connecting flights and then the baggage claim info showed that no flight was being loaded on the carousel whilst the bags were being dropped, so no one knew if it was the right flight or not since the arrivals screen didn’t show anything.

I'm so frustrated my flight was canceled they give flight on August 5 which is not sure. Its was big mistake I booked my ticket from kayak.

I loved the fact it was on time and it was a smooth flight to my destination.

The staff at the airport and on the plane were wonderful I especially wanna acknowledge the staff who boarded us at the Calgary airport. The women who helped us board at the airport were incredible… they were so kind and sweet…I very happy with WestJet and I am hoping I can fly more often to Canada.

Good value, minor delay due to waiting for inbound plane but they gave accurate information about wait time. Able to switch to a seat by my husband thanks to a kind flight attendant

Absolutely terrible, from the customer service to boarding the plane. On the phone, there was some mishaps with getting in my correct date and they did not help me retrieve a refund or any assistance. I’m gonna be reporting to all my followers and family around the region of Los Angeles to New York.

Nothing to like because my inbound flight was cancelled without notification by West Jet or third party, JustFly. I couldn’t take the inbound flight due to cancellation; therefore could not take the outbound flight back.

It took 30 minutes to check in with the Westjet rep. They didn’t have enough seats and she needed to make a call… I am always “randomly” selected to be checked at security. Their “randomly “ selection system may need some updating. They treat people like criminals. It is not appropriate behavior.

Not a tonne of food for purchase items for early morning.

Plane had cargo loading issues which delayed us by an hour. Not sure when the crew found out about this but it became a real pain.

Everything was excellent except the breakfast was cheap yogurt and cake ????

The flight was good. My luggage didn’t land with me when I arrived in Columbus. So grateful I was able to get my luggage back within the 2 hours😍👍.

The Flight Attendant was particularly helpful to my wife, who was having a bad day.

It is air Canada so leaving 20 minutes late is very acceptable

One United employee a little impatient, also on flight WiFi was out for some time. I was happy to receive a complimentary alcoholic beverage for volunteering to check my carry on bag.

Everything was great, staff, planes, at the gate. All around everything was a pleasure flying .

I COULD NOT GET ON THE FLIGHT BECAUSE THE AIR CANADA CHECK-IN STAFF COULD NOT CHECK ME IN NEITHER COULD THEY DIRECT ME TO THE ALTERNATIVE CHECK-IN AIRLINE I DIDN'T FLY AND HAD TO REBOOK ANOTHER AIRLINE, PORTER FOR THE FOLLOWING DAY. I NEED MY REFUND FOR THE RETURN LEG

When a person pays 500 $ for one way ticket that person should have better seat not the seat before the bathrooms.🤔🤨

Seating is very tight. We were delayed 90 minutes to board, because the flight crew were late

More options for your flight from Ottawa to California

Complete your trip to California with a hotel stay or car rental