Loading map...
SFO → YVR
Which side of the plane to sit from San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco) to Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver)?
Right Side of the Plane
Flying north from SFO to YVR, the right side provides a continuous parade of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic volcanic peaks and the rugged Cascade Range.
Search flights from SFO to YVR
Mount Shasta
A massive, snow-covered stratovolcano that dominates the landscape of Northern California.
Cascade Volcanoes
A sequence of peaks including Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and the cratered remains of the 1980 eruption.
Mount Rainier
Washington's highest peak, which often appears remarkably close and towers above the surrounding clouds.
Columbia River Gorge
The deep, dramatic canyon marking the border between Oregon and Washington states.
Vancouver Skyline
Aerial views of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains if the approach is from the east.
The right side is the 'Volcano Side.' Morning flights are best as the sun illuminates the eastern faces of the mountains. Keep your camera ready about 45-60 minutes into the flight for the best mountain sequence. Check the flight path; if you fly east of the Cascades, the view is even more dramatic, though most commercial flights stay just to the west.
Book Hotels in Vancouver
Golden Gate Bridge
A stunning view of the bridge and the Marin Headlands shortly after departure if the aircraft turns north immediately.
Pacific Coastline
Expansive views of the rugged Northern California and Oregon shores, featuring secluded beaches and rocky cliffs.
Olympic Peninsula
The lush, green expanse of Olympic National Park and its majestic mountain range as you approach the border.
Gulf Islands
A beautiful archipelago in the Salish Sea visible during the final descent into Vancouver.
Choose the left side for spectacular ocean sunsets on evening flights and views of the San Juan Islands during descent. Sit in front of the wing to avoid engine glare and heat blur when photographing the coastline. If the wind is from the west, you may get a direct view of the Vancouver skyline upon landing.
Get eSIMs for United States
Get eSIMs for CanadaDistance: 1,289 km (801 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 43 min
Departure: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Arrival: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Route Type: International
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.