A layover in Gatineau is one of those happy accidents of air travel. Ottawa / Gatineau Airport sits just 40 minutes from the city center by STO Bus, and even a short visit can be surprisingly rewarding. This guide covers everything you need to get out of the terminal and back in time for your next boarding call.
What to Know Before Leaving the Terminal
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at YND:
First, verify that you can enter Canada — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the STO Bus takes about 40 minutes into Gatineau, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — CAD is the currency here. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some CAD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Gatineau from the Airport
The most straightforward way into Gatineau is the STO Bus, which takes about 40 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 60 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the STO Bus is usually the smarter call.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Gatineau:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $19 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $39 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Gatineau, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Luggage Storage at YND
Luggage storage is available at Not available at this small regional airport.. Drop your bags off early so you can explore hands-free.
Alternatively, third-party services like Bounce or Stasher can connect you with storage locations closer to wherever you’re headed in Gatineau.
Exploring Gatineau on a Layover
If you head into Gatineau, here are two things worth checking out:
Canadian Museum of History is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
Parc de la Gatineau (Gatineau Park) is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
If you’d rather stay inside YND — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Aspire Lounge by Swissport
- YOW Airport Art Program & Exhibits
Eating Well on a Gatineau Layover
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Gatineau: Le Baccara and Les Vilains Garçons. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Byward Taps or Bridgehead Coffee (YOW). Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at YND include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Canada also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YND, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Gatineau itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Canada that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Gatineau with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Gatineau may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.