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SYD destination photo
YVR destination photo

SYDYVR

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🏙️

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

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.

Top Activities in Vancouver
Route Information

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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