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YQG destination photo
YYC destination photo

YQG β†’ YYC

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side is superior for this trans-continental route, providing the best angle for the Detroit/Windsor skyline immediately after takeoff and a spectacular panoramic view of the Rocky Mountain front range during the descent into Calgary.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
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Detroit River Waterfront

A stunning view of the Detroit skyline, the Ambassador Bridge, and the downtown Windsor core shortly after departure.

🌊

Lake Michigan Crossings

Visuals of the southern basin of Lake Michigan, often showing heavy shipping traffic and coastal dunes.

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Mississippi River

The winding path of the Mississippi River as it carves through the American Midwest.

🌾

Great Plains Mosaic

The intricate, geometric patterns of agricultural fields across North Dakota and Southern Saskatchewan.

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The Rocky Mountain Front

As the plane approaches YYC, the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies appear as a massive wall on the western horizon.

Sit on the left side to keep the sun mostly behind the aircraft during morning and midday flights, reducing glare for photography. In the final 20 minutes of the flight, the Rockies will be most prominent from this side as you align for arrival. This side is also best for seeing the urban sprawl of both Detroit and Calgary.

Right Side Highlights
7.4
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Lake Huron & Georgian Bay

Exceptional views of the blue waters and numerous islands of northern Lake Huron and the Bruce Peninsula.

🌲

Boreal Forest Edge

The transition from southern agriculture to the rugged, lake-dotted landscape of the Canadian Shield.

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Lake Superior Distant View

Depending on the northernly arc of the flight path, the vast expanse of Lake Superior may be visible to the north.

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Qu'Appelle Valley

The distinct, deep-cut glacial valley that winds through the flat Saskatchewan prairie landscape.

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Calgary Northern Suburbs

Views of the rapidly expanding northern communities of Calgary and the Airdrie area during the final approach.

The right side is ideal for seeing the northern wilderness and the massive scale of the Great Lakes system. If flying in late evening, this side offers incredible sunset colors over the flat horizon of the prairies. Note that the sun can be intense on this side during summer afternoons.

Top Activities in Calgary
Route Information

Distance: 2,541 km (1,579 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 3 hrs 23 min

Departure: YQG (42.27560043334961, -82.95559692382812)

Arrival: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)

Route Type: Domestic

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