Air Travel
- Companies: Air Canada, WestJet
- Duration: Approximately 5.5 hours (including layover)
- Distance: 2,800 km (1,740 miles)
- Costs:$600 - $800 CAD (tier-dependent)
- Roads/Routes: Not applicable
Pro Tip: Book flights during off-peak hours and consider checking in online to avoid long lines at the airport.
Road Travel
- Companies: N/A (self-driven)
- Duration: Approximately 31 hours driving time (non-stop)
- Distance: 3,400 km (2,113 miles)
- Costs: $400 CAD (fuel) + $300 CAD (food & lodging) = $700 CAD total
- Roads/Routes: Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is the primary route taken.
Pro Tip: Plan for plenty of rest stops along the Trans-Canada Highway to enjoy the scenic views and local attractions.
Recommended Option
For a balance of speed and comfort, I recommend flying from Ottawa to Calgary with Air Canada or WestJet. While road travel gives you the freedom to explore, flying saves you significant time and can be done affordably, especially when booked in advance.