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YYC destination photo
YCD destination photo

YYCYCD

Our Recommendation
9.2

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.

Right Side Highlights
9.2
⛰️

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

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.

Top Activities in Nanaimo
Route Information

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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