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YVR → YCG
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Castlegar/West Kootenay Regional Airport (Castlegar)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the dramatic North Shore Mountains, the expansive Harrison Lake, and the rugged, snow-capped peaks of the Monashee Range.
Vancouver Skyline & North Shore
Bird's-eye view of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the iconic twin peaks known as The Lions.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
The distinctive double peaks rising sharply from the northern edge of the Fraser Valley.
Harrison Lake
A massive glacier-fed lake that stretches deep into the remote coastal mountains.
North Okanagan Valley
Aerial perspective of Okanagan Lake and the rolling vineyards near Kelowna.
Monashee Mountains
Incredible vistas of high-altitude ridges and alpine basins as the plane nears the Kootenays.
Choose the left side for the most consistent mountain scenery. In the morning, the northern peaks are perfectly lit by the rising sun. Look for the turquoise color of alpine lakes during the summer months, which is particularly vibrant from this side. Since the Dash 8-400 is often used on this route, try to sit in the rear of the cabin to ensure the high-mounted engine doesn't obstruct your downward view.
Fraser River Delta
The complex network of silt-rich river channels and islands meeting the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Baker
The massive, ice-covered stratovolcano in Washington State dominates the southern horizon.
North Cascades
A parade of jagged peaks along the US-Canada border including the Skagit Range.
Penticton & Skaha Lake
The scenic valley floor between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes in the southern interior.
Lower Arrow Lake
The wide, fjord-like sections of the Columbia River valley during the final approach.
The right side is essential for those wanting to see Mount Baker, which remains visible for a significant portion of the flight. Watch for the US border 'cutline' through the forest. During the descent into Castlegar, this side offers a great view of the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers. Afternoon flights on this side can be quite bright, so bring sunglasses for the southern glare.
Distance: 403 km (250 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 40 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: YCG (49.2963981628, -117.632003784)
Route Type: Domestic
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