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VRA destination photo
YYC destination photo

VRAYYC

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a superior vantage point for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean upon departure and a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains silhouette during the descent into Calgary.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🏝️

Varadero Peninsula

Stunning aerial views of the narrow Hicacos Peninsula and its white sand beaches immediately after takeoff.

🌊

Mississippi Delta

The intricate, bird-foot shaped sediment patterns where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.

🚜

Great Plains Grids

Vast, colorful geometric crop patterns across the American Midwest and the Canadian Prairies.

🏜️

Badlands Terrain

The rugged, eroded landscapes of the northern plains, featuring deep canyons and striped rock formations.

🏔️

The Rocky Mountains

As the flight approaches Calgary from the southeast, the jagged peaks of the Rockies dominate the western horizon.

For late afternoon flights, the left side is the 'sunset side,' offering dramatic golden hour views over the plains. During the final 30 minutes of the flight, keep your camera ready for the contrast between the flat prairies and the rising mountain range to the west. Seat away from the wing for unobstructed views of the Mississippi River crossing.

Right Side Highlights
7.6
🐊

Florida Everglades

The vast, emerald-green wetlands of South Florida visible shortly after crossing the Florida Straits.

🏙️

Midwestern Cities

Clear views of major urban hubs like St. Louis or Chicago, depending on the specific air traffic control routing.

🐍

Missouri River

The winding, serpentine path of the Missouri River as it carves through the central United States.

🌾

Saskatchewan Basin

The wide-open 'Big Sky' vistas and massive grain elevators dotting the southern Canadian landscape.

🏙️

Calgary Skyline

Depending on the wind direction and runway approach, the right side often gets a direct view of downtown Calgary and the Bow River.

Choose the right side on morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. This side is excellent for spotting the dense network of lakes in central Canada. If the plane lands towards the south at YYC, the right side provides an excellent view of the Calgary Tower and the Saddledome during the final turn.

Top Activities in Calgary
Route Information

Distance: 4,191 km (2,604 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 56 min

Departure: VRA (23.03440093994141, -81.435302734375)

Arrival: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)

Route Type: International

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