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SJD destination photo
YYC destination photo

SJDYYC

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior sequence of landscapes, featuring the rugged Pacific coastline of Baja, the dramatic Sierra Nevada range, and a front-row view of the Canadian Rockies during the descent into Calgary.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Pacific Baja Coast

Dramatic views of the crashing Pacific waves against the arid, mountainous terrain of the Baja California peninsula.

🏔️

Sierra Nevada Range

Aerial perspective of high-altitude peaks and alpine lakes as you traverse the backbone of California.

🌲

Pacific Northwest Forests

A stark contrast to the desert south, featuring dense evergreen canopies across Oregon and Washington.

🏔️

Canadian Rockies

Stunning snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys near Banff and Canmore as the plane begins its descent.

🏙️

Downtown Calgary

Depending on the wind direction, you may get a sweeping view of the Calgary skyline and the Bow River.

For the best experience, book an 'A' seat away from the wing. On northbound morning flights, the sun will be behind you or to the right, providing perfect lighting for the Sierra Nevada and Rockies. Watch for the transition from desert to alpine tundra roughly halfway through the journey.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏝️

Sea of Cortez

The deep turquoise waters of the Gulf of California dotted with small, uninhabited islands shortly after takeoff.

🏜️

Mojave Desert

Vast stretches of arid landscape, including unique geological formations and dry lake beds in Nevada.

💦

Great Salt Lake

The distinct colors and expansive salt flats of Utah's massive inland sea are often visible to the east.

🌾

Alberta Prairies

The patchwork quilt of agricultural land and rolling foothills that define the approach into Calgary from the south.

🐎

Canadian Badlands

The unique, eroded coulees and hoodoos of southern Alberta become visible just before crossing into the Calgary area.

Select an 'F' or 'K' seat to avoid direct glare during afternoon flights. This side is excellent for observing the unique 'checkerboard' patterns of the US and Canadian interior. Keep an eye out for the vibrant mineral colors of the Great Salt Lake mid-flight.

Top Activities in Calgary
Route Information

Distance: 3,131 km (1,946 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 41 min

Departure: SJD (23.15180015563965, -109.72100067138672)

Arrival: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)

Route Type: International

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