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PDX → YYC
Which side of the plane to sit from Portland International Airport (Portland) to Calgary International Airport (Calgary)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a superior view of the dramatic volcanic peaks of the Cascades during the initial climb and an unparalleled perspective of the Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park during the descent into Calgary.
Mt. St. Helens
Visible shortly after takeoff from PDX, look for the iconic horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption.
Mount Rainier
Washington's tallest peak dominates the horizon to the north during the first segment of the flight.
The Palouse Hills
View the unique, rolling green and gold silt dunes of the eastern Washington agricultural region from cruise altitude.
Glacier National Park
As you approach the border, the rugged peaks and glacial valleys of the Continental Divide come into clear view.
The High Rockies
During the descent into YYC, the left side faces the massive 'Wall of the Rockies' just west of Calgary.
Book a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. For afternoon flights, the sun will be behind the aircraft, providing perfect front-lighting for the Canadian Rockies. Keep your camera ready about 20 minutes before landing to capture the transition from mountains to the Alberta prairies.
Mount Hood
Immediately after takeoff, this snow-capped stratovolcano appears remarkably close to the aircraft.
Columbia River Gorge
The deep river canyon carving through the Cascades is visible as the plane turns northeast.
Mount Adams
The second-tallest peak in Washington provides a massive white silhouette to the east during the climb.
Idaho Panhandle
Deeply forested mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene are visible during mid-flight.
Calgary Skyline
If the flight approaches YYC from the north, the right side offers a direct view of the Calgary Tower and downtown core.
The right side is the 'Volcano Side' for the first ten minutes of the flight; don't look away from the window early on. Morning flights provide spectacular alpenglow on Mt. Hood. If the weather is clear, you can often see all the way to the southern Alberta badlands during the final approach.
Distance: 882 km (548 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 28 min
Departure: PDX (45.58869934, -122.5979996)
Arrival: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)
Route Type: International
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