Loading map...
YVR → YXS
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Prince George Airport (Prince George)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides an unparalleled view of the rugged Coast Mountains, massive icefields, and iconic landmarks like Mount Garibaldi and Whistler as the flight heads north.
Howe Sound
Breathtaking views of the fjord and islands immediately following departure from YVR.
Mount Garibaldi
The massive glaciated stratovolcano stands out as the primary landmark near Squamish.
Whistler Blackcomb
Aerial perspective of the world-famous ski resort and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola span.
Bridge River Icefield
Expansive, shimmering alpine glaciers and permanent snowfields north of Pemberton.
Chilcotin Plateau
The landscape shifts into the vast, wild, and forested high-altitude interior plateau.
Sit on the left for the best mountain photography; afternoon flights offer spectacular lighting on the peaks without the sun's glare. Keep your camera ready about 10-15 minutes after takeoff for the most dramatic alpine scenery. In winter, the snow-covered peaks of Garibaldi Park are exceptionally brilliant.
Vancouver Skyline
A panoramic view of the downtown core and Burrard Inlet during the climb out.
Harrison Lake
A long, deep glacial lake carving through the mountains toward the interior.
Seton & Anderson Lakes
Vibrant, turquoise-colored lakes nestled deep within narrow mountain valleys.
Marble Range
Distinctive limestone ridges and canyons that characterize the dry interior transition.
Fraser River
Views of the sinuous river as it winds through the canyons toward the arrival in Prince George.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to catch the sunrise over the Rockies in the distance. This side offers better views of the 'rain shadow' effect, showing the transition from lush coastal forests to the arid interior. Watch for the sharp contrast in lake colors near Lillooet.
Distance: 523 km (325 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 52 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: YXS (53.8894004822, -122.679000854)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.