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YQL destination photo
YYC destination photo

YQLYYC

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side of the aircraft offers a spectacular and continuous view of the Canadian Rockies as you fly north, providing a dramatic contrast between the foothills and the mountain peaks.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
⛰️

Canadian Rockies

A stunning, snow-capped horizon of the mountain range remains visible for the entire duration of the flight.

🏞️

Oldman River Coulees

The deep, winding river valleys and unique landforms surrounding Lethbridge immediately after takeoff.

🌄

Porcupine Hills

The distinctive rolling ridges that serve as a transition zone between the prairie and the high mountains.

🏙️

Calgary Skyline

On the final approach into YYC, the downtown core including the Calgary Tower is often visible against the mountain backdrop.

Sit on the left for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight and see the mountains bathed in soft light. Look southwest immediately after takeoff to spot Chief Mountain on the US-Canada border. This side is superior for photography as it captures the most iconic Alberta geography.

Right Side Highlights
6.2
🌉

Lethbridge High Level Bridge

The massive steel trestle bridge, one of the longest and highest in the world, is visible shortly after departure.

🌾

Agricultural Patchwork

Intricate geometric patterns of canola, wheat, and barley fields that change colors dramatically with the seasons.

💧

Little Bow Reservoir

A large, bright blue body of water that stands out against the golden prairie landscape mid-flight.

🛸

The Town of Vulcan

The famous Star Trek-themed town can be spotted roughly halfway through the flight along the highway corridor.

Choose this side for morning flights to have the sun behind you, illuminating the prairies. It is the best side for viewing the sheer scale of Alberta's irrigation systems and the massive High Level Bridge right at the start. Watch for the large wind farms near Claresholm.

Top Activities in Calgary
Route Information

Distance: 186 km (116 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 19 min

Departure: YQL (49.6302986145, -112.800003052)

Arrival: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)

Route Type: Domestic

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