October is a strong month to book flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) due to shoulder-season fares and spectacular fall colors near Ottawa. Expect mild, rainy conditions departing Portland and crisp cool weather on arrival in Ottawa. Popular nearby destinations accessed from PDX include Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Boise — useful if you consider alternate routing for cheaper fares.
Arriving at Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) from Portland International Airport (PDX) in October gives you quick access to Ottawa's fall foliage, cultural festivals, and nearby Gatineau Park. Expect cool, crisp weather and a pleasant mix of outdoor activities and city exploration. Nearby major cities and top destinations accessible from YOW include Toronto, Montreal, Gatineau, Kingston, and Quebec City — useful if you plan multi-city travel in Canada.
October in Ottawa offers fall foliage experiences, cultural festivals, and holiday observances that attract travelers arriving via Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW). Notable October draws include the Ottawa International Animation Festival (often spanning late September into early October), scenic leaf-viewing at Gatineau Park, and Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations mid-October which influence travel demand and local prices.
The best time to fly from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) in October is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) to capture lower fares and reduced crowds. Early October (first two weeks) often provides the best combination of fall foliage and fewer holiday crowds, while mid- to late-October may be busier around Canadian Thanksgiving. Booking 3–8 weeks ahead usually yields favorable prices for October travel.
Direct flights (nons top) between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) are rare. Most travelers choose connecting flights via hubs such as Vancouver (Vancouver International Airport (YVR)), Toronto (Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)), or Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)). Connecting itineraries typically offer more frequent schedules and lower fares, while direct or single-connection options reduce total travel time and the risk of missed connections.
Air Canada, Alaska Airlines (partnered itineraries), United Airlines, and Delta commonly provide service between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) via partner hubs. Air Canada offers seamless connections through Toronto (YYZ) and Vancouver (YVR) with Canadian domestic continuity; Alaska and United often route via Seattle (SEA) or U.S. hubs before a Canadian connection. Compare total travel time, baggage allowance, change fees, and loyalty benefits when choosing an airline for October travel.
Traveling in October from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is ideal for fall scenery and cooler city exploration. Prepare for variable weather: pack layered clothing, a waterproof shell, and a warm mid-layer for Ottawa evenings. October daylight hours shorten, so plan outdoor activities earlier in the day and book transportation ahead of major holiday weekends like Canadian Thanksgiving.
Typical travel time from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) on one-stop itineraries ranges from about 6.5 to 9 hours total, depending on layover length and routing. Nonstop flights on this exact route are uncommon, so most itineraries connect through Vancouver (YVR), Toronto (YYZ), or Seattle (SEA). In October, schedule frequency is generally consistent with year-round patterns but may see slight upticks during Canadian Thanksgiving and fall festivals.
Finding cheap PDX to YOW flights in October is realistic if you use flexible search dates, midweek departures, and consider one-stop routing through major hubs like Vancouver (Vancouver International Airport (YVR)) or Toronto Pearson (Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)). Sign up for price alerts on Google Flights or airline newsletters, and compare nearby airports such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) for outbound flexibility. Use fare comparison tools, set firm booking windows (3–8 weeks ahead), and watch for flash sales from carriers serving Pacific Northwest to Eastern Canada routes.