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YVR → YZT
Which side of the plane to sit from Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver) to Port Hardy Airport (Port Hardy)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers unparalleled views of the mainland's rugged Coast Mountains and the deep, dramatic fjords like Jervis Inlet and Desolation Sound that are inaccessible by road.
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Vancouver & North Shore
Immediate views after takeoff of Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the towering North Shore Mountains.
Howe Sound
A stunning glacial fjord featuring steep granite cliffs and emerald-colored waters right at the start of the journey.
Jervis Inlet
A deep, winding fjord that reaches far into the mainland; watch for the famous Princess Louisa Inlet branch.
Desolation Sound
A maze of small islands and protected bays that constitute one of the most beautiful marine parks in the world.
Broughton Archipelago
A complex network of islands and channels near the destination, providing a classic West Coast coastal landscape.
The right side is the 'mountain side.' For the best lighting on the fjords, choose a morning flight to avoid the glare of the western sun. Look for the 'Malaspina Peninsula'—the transition point into the more remote northern coast. This side offers the most dramatic 'wall of mountains' perspective throughout the flight.
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Strait of Georgia
Expansive views of the Salish Sea, often dotted with BC Ferries and cargo ships traveling the Pacific routes.
Comox Glacier
A prominent white ice cap visible on the central mountain range of Vancouver Island during the mid-flight segment.
Strathcona Provincial Park
Breathtaking views of the rugged, untouched wilderness and high-alpine lakes of BC's oldest provincial park.
Johnstone Strait
As the plane descends toward Port Hardy, look down into the narrow waters famous for resident orca populations.
Discovery Islands
A beautiful view of Quadra and Cortes Islands nestled against the shoreline of Vancouver Island.
The left side is superior for evening flights as the sun sets over the Pacific, casting a golden glow on the Vancouver Island mountains. It is also the best side for spotting the Comox Glacier. Use binoculars if possible to scan the Johnstone Strait for whale spouts during the final 15 minutes of the flight.
Get eSIMs for Canada
Get eSIMs for CanadaDistance: 342 km (213 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 34 min
Departure: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Arrival: YZT (50.68059921264648, -127.36699676513672)
Route Type: Domestic
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