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YYC → YCG
Which side of the plane to sit from Calgary International Airport (Calgary) to Castlegar/West Kootenay Regional Airport (Castlegar)?
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.
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.
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.
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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