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SHE → YVR
Which side of the plane to sit from Taoxian Airport (Shenyang) to Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side of the aircraft offers a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic volcanic and glacial landscapes on Earth, following the Great Circle route along the Russian Far East and the Alaskan coast.
Kamchatka Volcanoes
Aerial views of the massive, snow-capped peaks of the Kamchatka Peninsula, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka.
Sea of Okhotsk
Witness the rugged coastline where the Russian wilderness meets the icy northern waters.
Alaskan Glaciers
As the flight enters North American airspace, look for massive ice fields and tidewater glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska.
BC Coastal Range
Stunning views of the jagged, forested peaks of the British Columbia Coast Mountains during the descent.
Mt. Elsay and North Shore
On final approach, see the iconic mountains that form the backdrop of the Vancouver metropolitan area.
This side is superior for geological features. Flights typically depart SHE in the morning, meaning you will have daylight for the Kamchatka crossing. Watch for the Northern Lights if the flight path stays high enough north during the middle dark hours of the trans-Pacific crossing. Glacial views are best in the final 2 hours of flight.
Pacific Horizon
Expansive views of the North Pacific, perfect for witnessing a mid-flight sunrise or sunset depending on seasonality.
Aleutian Chain
While often cloud-covered, you can occasionally spot the southern edges of these remote volcanic islands.
Vancouver Island
A grand view of the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island as you cross from the Pacific toward the mainland.
Strait of Georgia
Views of the busy shipping lanes and BC Ferries crossing between the island and the mainland.
Richmond and Fraser River
On the final approach to YVR, get a detailed look at the Fraser River delta and the city of Richmond.
Choose the right side if you prefer a lower sun angle and want to avoid the harsh direct glare of the southern sun during the Pacific crossing. This side offers the best views of the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island's coastline just before landing. If landing on Runway 08L, you will see the city skyline and the airport layout clearly.
Distance: 8,003 km (4,973 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 9 hrs 25 min
Departure: SHE (41.63980102539063, 123.48300170898438)
Arrival: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Route Type: International
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