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SYD → YVR
Which side of the plane to sit from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (Sydney) to Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the Australian coastline during takeoff and the iconic Vancouver skyline, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains during the final approach into YVR.
Sydney Harbour
If departing to the north, you may catch a glimpse of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge shortly after liftoff.
Mid-Pacific Sunrise
Uninterrupted views of the sunrise over the horizon as the flight crosses the International Date Line.
Fraser River Delta
The silty, winding channels of the Fraser River meeting the Strait of Georgia just south of the airport.
Vancouver Skyline
The dense high-rises of downtown Vancouver and the lush greenery of Stanley Park during the descent.
North Shore Mountains
The dramatic, snow-capped peaks of the Coast Mountain Range that serve as the backdrop to the city.
For the most iconic arrival experience, the right side is essential. Most YVR approaches track over the water then turn east, placing the city and mountains directly in view. Note that this side will face the sun during much of the northbound journey, so keep the shade down during the mid-flight cruise to keep the cabin cool.
New South Wales Coast
Dramatic views of the Australian eastern seaboard and the deep blue Tasman Sea shortly after takeoff.
Pacific Atolls
Occasional sightings of remote South Pacific island chains like Vanuatu or Fiji depending on the specific flight track.
Olympic Mountains
Glaciated peaks of Washington State visible to the south during the northern approach to the Canadian border.
Vancouver Island
Sweeping views of the rugged, forested terrain of Canada's largest Pacific island and the city of Nanaimo.
Gulf Islands
The intricate network of the Southern Gulf Islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Salish Sea.
The left side is ideal for morning arrivals as it faces away from the direct glare of the rising sun. Keep your window shade open during the last 45 minutes of the flight to catch the transition from the open ocean to the dense archipelago of the British Columbia coast.
Distance: 12,501 km (7,768 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 14 hrs 42 min
Departure: SYD (-33.94609832763672, 151.177001953125)
Arrival: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Route Type: International
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