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ORD → YEG
Which side of the plane to sit from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago) to Edmonton International Airport (Edmonton)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers consistent northern exposure, providing indirect light ideal for photography, and captures the density of the Minnesota lake district and the expansive Canadian prairie landscapes better than the left.
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Lake Michigan Coast
Views of the sprawling Chicago shoreline and the deep blue waters of the lake during the first 15 minutes of flight.
Minnesota Lake District
An endless tapestry of glacial lakes and forests across central Minnesota and the northern plains.
Red River Valley
The exceptionally flat and fertile agricultural corridor that defines the border between Minnesota and North Dakota.
Lake Diefenbaker
A massive, winding reservoir in Saskatchewan that stands out against the surrounding prairie landscape.
North Saskatchewan River
The deep, winding river valley that cuts through the heart of Edmonton as you approach for landing.
The right side is generally preferred for this northwest heading because it faces away from the sun, offering crisp, clear views of the landscape. It is particularly scenic during the winter months when the frozen lakes of Minnesota create a high-contrast mosaic. On late evening or night flights, keep an eye out for the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) which can often be seen on this side when flying over the Canadian prairies.
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Chicago Skyline
Spectacular views of downtown skyscrapers including the Willis Tower during the initial climb out of O'Hare.
Mississippi River
Aerial crossing of the legendary river near the border of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
North Dakota Badlands
A distant view of the rugged, colorful geological formations in the western part of the state.
Canadian Rockies
On clear days, the jagged peaks of the Rocky Mountains are visible on the far western horizon as you enter Alberta.
The left side provides the best chance to see the Chicago skyline immediately after takeoff, depending on the runway configuration. However, since this side faces south/southwest, you will likely encounter significant sun glare and heat on afternoon flights, making photography difficult.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for CanadaDistance: 2,280 km (1,417 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 2 min
Departure: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Arrival: YEG (53.3097000122, -113.580001831)
Route Type: International
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