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YYC → YCD
Which side of the plane to sit from Calgary International Airport (Calgary) to Nanaimo Airport (Nanaimo)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the jagged peaks of Banff National Park, the massive glaciers of the Coast Mountains, and the expansive Strait of Georgia during the final approach.
Banff National Park
Unrivaled aerial views of iconic peaks like Cascade Mountain and the turquoise Bow River valley.
The Great Divide
The jagged, snow-capped mountain ridge that defines the continental boundary between Alberta and BC.
Rogers Pass
The steep, snowy corridors of Glacier National Park and the heart of the Selkirk Mountains.
Shuswap Lake
The unique H-shaped lake system near Salmon Arm, surrounded by dense evergreen forests.
North Shore Mountains
Dramatic views of the peaks overlooking Vancouver as the flight approaches the Pacific coast.
Strait of Georgia
The vast expanse of coastal water and shipping lanes separating the mainland from Nanaimo.
Morning flights provide the best lighting for photography of the Rocky Mountains. As the plane crosses the coast, look north for a distant view of the Vancouver skyline and the Lions Gate Bridge.
Kananaskis Country
Rugged limestone peaks and hidden alpine lakes south of the main trans-Canada flight corridor.
Columbia River Valley
The winding river system snaking through the Rocky Mountain Trench between mountain ranges.
Okanagan Valley
Stunning views of the deep blue Okanagan Lake and the patchwork of vineyards around Kelowna.
Mount Baker
On clear days, the massive ice-covered volcanic dome in Washington State is visible to the south.
Southern Gulf Islands
A dense archipelago of forested islands visible as the aircraft descends toward Vancouver Island.
Sit on this side for afternoon flights to avoid direct sunlight glare. Keep an eye out for the distinct pyramid shape of Mount Assiniboine shortly after crossing the BC-Alberta border.
Distance: 738 km (459 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 14 min
Departure: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)
Arrival: YCD (49.0549702249, -123.869862556)
Route Type: Domestic
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