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YYC destination photo
YCG destination photo

YYCYCG

Our Recommendation
9.2

Left Side of the Plane

While both sides are spectacular, the Left Side offers a superior vantage point for Mount Assiniboine and the dramatic crossing of Kootenay Lake before the steep descent into the valley.

Left Side Highlights
9.2
🏙️

Calgary Skyline

Aerial views of the downtown core and the Bow River immediately after departure from YYC.

🏔️

Mount Assiniboine

Known as the 'Matterhorn of the Rockies', this iconic 3,618m pyramid peak is a major landmark to the south.

🛶

Windermere Lake

The sparkling blue waters of the Columbia Valley trench visible as you cross the first major mountain range.

🌲

Purcell Mountains

Densely forested ridges and jagged granite spires that define the wilderness of the Kootenay region.

💧

Kootenay Lake

Stunning views of this massive fjord-like lake and the nearby city of Nelson nestled in the Selkirks.

Sit forward of the wing for unobstructed views of the peaks. In the morning, the sun provides excellent front-lighting on the southern mountain faces. Keep your camera ready about 15-20 minutes after takeoff for the most dramatic high-alpine scenery.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🏞️

Bow River Valley

Follow the turquoise path of the Bow River as it flows through the foothills toward the mountains.

🏔️

Banff National Park

Glimpses of the famous Sundance Range and distant peaks surrounding the Banff townsite to the north.

♨️

Radium Hot Springs Area

View the deep limestone canyons and the northern stretch of the Rocky Mountain Trench.

❄️

Kokanee Glacier

The expansive white icefield and high alpine lakes of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

🚁

Columbia River Confluence

The dramatic meeting of the Kootenay and Columbia rivers during the final approach into Castlegar.

The right side is ideal for evening flights to catch the sunset over the Monashee Mountains. During the descent into YCG, which is known for its steep approach, the right side provides a thrilling view of the narrow river valley walls.

Top Activities in Castlegar
Route Information

Distance: 327 km (203 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 33 min

Departure: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)

Arrival: YCG (49.2963981628, -117.632003784)

Route Type: Domestic

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