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YVR → YXE
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport (Saskatoon)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent view of the most dramatic alpine peaks and glaciers within the Garibaldi, Glacier, and Yoho National Parks during the mountain crossing.
North Shore Mountains
Immediately after takeoff, view The Lions and the rugged peaks guarding Vancouver's northern edge.
Garibaldi Provincial Park
Stunning views of alpine glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Black Tusk volcanic spire.
Northern Okanagan
Aerial perspective of the deep blue Okanagan Lake and the rolling vineyards of the valley.
Rogers Pass
The heart of Glacier National Park featuring sharp, snow-capped peaks and the Trans-Canada Highway snaking through the pass.
Yoho National Park
Direct views of the high Rockies, including the massive limestone walls and peaks near the Alberta border.
Central Saskatchewan Plains
The transition from the foothills to the vast, golden geometric patterns of the Canadian grain belt.
Book a window seat on the left (port) side for morning flights to avoid direct sunlight and glare. The transition from the rugged Selkirk Mountains to the Rockies happens quickly; keep your camera ready roughly 35-45 minutes after departure. In winter, this side offers the best views of the snow-blanketed ski resorts.
Mount Baker
On clear days, the massive ice-clad volcano in Washington State dominates the southern horizon shortly after takeoff.
Manning Provincial Park
Dense evergreen forests and the rolling ridges of the northernmost Cascades.
Kootenay Lake
A long, fjord-like lake nestled between the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges.
Mount Assiniboine
Often called the 'Matterhorn of the Rockies,' its distinct pyramid shape is visible in the distance to the south.
Calgary Skyline
Depending on the specific air corridor, the skyscrapers of Calgary may be visible to the south as you exit the mountains.
South Saskatchewan River
The winding, silt-filled river curves gracefully across the landscape as you descend toward Saskatoon.
The right side is ideal for evening flights to enjoy the sunset colors reflecting off the mountain peaks and prairie sloughs. Watch for the 'checkerboard' agricultural layout once you pass the Alberta-Saskatchewan border; the contrast in crop colors is most vivid in late summer before harvest.
Distance: 1,205 km (749 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 36 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: YXE (52.170799255371094, -106.6999969482422)
Route Type: Domestic
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