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YYC → YVR
Which side of the plane to sit from Calgary International Airport (Calgary) to Vancouver International Airport (Vancouver)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers the most direct views of the iconic Banff National Park peaks, the rugged Rogers Pass, and the stunning North Shore Mountains during the final approach into Vancouver.
Banff National Park
Spectacular views of the Bow Valley, the town of Banff, and the jagged peaks surrounding Lake Louise.
Rogers Pass
A dramatic high mountain pass in the Selkirk Mountains, famous for its heavy snowfall and massive glaciers.
Mount Revelstoke
The transition from the high Rockies to the lush interior rainforests is visible around this area.
Vancouver Cityscape
During a standard landing pattern, the right side offers a panoramic view of Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the Lions Gate Bridge.
North Shore Mountains
Incredible proximity to the peaks of Grouse, Seymour, and Cypress as the aircraft aligns with the YVR runway.
The right side is unbeatable for photography of the high alpine terrain. Sit here during afternoon flights to avoid the southern sun glare. Keep your camera ready as you pass Revelstoke for some of the most concentrated glacial views in Canada.
Mount Assiniboine
Known as the Matterhorn of the Rockies, this distinctive pyramid peak is visible shortly after leaving Calgary airspace.
Okanagan Lake
A sprawling, deep blue lake stretching through the valley, visible mid-flight near Kelowna.
Gulf Islands
As the plane descends over the Salish Sea, look for the intricate patterns of the southern Gulf Islands and Salt Spring Island.
Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
A unique bird's-eye view of the causeway and ferries crossing the Strait of Georgia during the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you and enjoy the shimmering waters of the Georgia Strait. During winter, look for the stark contrast between the white Kootenay peaks and the dark valley floors.
Distance: 686 km (426 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 9 min
Departure: YYC (51.113899231000005, -114.019996643)
Arrival: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)
Route Type: Domestic
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