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YVR → SNA
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport (Santa Ana)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a front-row seat to the 'Volcano Row' of the Pacific Northwest and the dramatic granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada.
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Mount Rainier
The most prominent peak in the contiguous US, offering a massive glaciated presence shortly after crossing into Washington.
Mount St. Helens
A clear view of the horseshoe-shaped crater left by the 1980 eruption, often appearing stark against the surrounding forest.
Mount Hood
The iconic snow-capped stratovolcano near Portland, recognizable by its sharp, pointed peak.
Crater Lake
The deepest lake in the US, famous for its intense blue color and Wizard Island, visible as you fly over southern Oregon.
Sierra Nevada Range
Stunning views of the high-altitude wilderness, including the jagged peaks of Yosemite and potentially Mount Whitney.
Choose the left side for morning flights to see the sun illuminating the western faces of the Cascade volcanoes. This side is superior for mountain enthusiasts who want to see the sequence of major peaks from Rainier to the Sierras. Keep an eye out about 20-30 minutes after takeoff for the best volcano views.
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San Juan Islands
A beautiful archipelago of forested islands scattered across the Salish Sea immediately after departure from YVR.
Olympic Mountains
The rugged, snow-dusted peaks of Olympic National Park and the lush greenery of the Olympic Peninsula.
Oregon Coastline
Miles of dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and the meeting of the dense coastal forests with the Pacific Ocean.
San Francisco Bay
On clear days, you may see the Golden Gate Bridge, the city skyline, and the unique salt ponds of the south bay.
Channel Islands
During the descent into Orange County, look for the rugged silhouettes of Santa Cruz and Anacapa Islands off the coast.
The right side is the premier choice for sunset flights, offering spectacular views of the sun dipping into the Pacific. It is also ideal for spotting coastal landmarks and the intricate waterways of the Salish Sea right after takeoff. On the approach to SNA, this side offers views of the Southern California coastline and Huntington Beach.
Book Hotels in Santa AnaDistance: 1,780 km (1,106 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 22 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: SNA (33.67570114, -117.8679962)
Route Type: International
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