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ZMT destination photo
YVR destination photo

ZMTYVR

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers unparalleled views of the rugged Mainland Coast Mountains, the pristine Great Bear Rainforest, and a dramatic perspective of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore during the descent.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Hecate Strait

Cross the shallow and often turbulent waters separating Haida Gwaii from the mainland of British Columbia.

🌲

Great Bear Rainforest

Fly over one of the largest remaining tracts of unspoiled temperate rainforest in the world, featuring deep fjords.

🏔️

Coast Mountains

Spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, including the jagged ridges of the Pacific Ranges and distant glaciers.

🏘️

Sunshine Coast

View the coastal communities of Powell River and Sechelt nestled between the mountains and the Salish Sea.

🏙️

Vancouver Approach

On clear days, enjoy a world-class view of Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the downtown skyline.

Sit on the left for the most dramatic mountain scenery. On morning flights, this side will be sunlit, providing excellent clarity for photos of the Great Bear Rainforest. During the descent into YVR, look for the 'Lions' peaks in the North Shore Mountains and the Burrard Inlet.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🛶

Southern Haida Gwaii

Catch glimpses of the wild, remote islands of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve upon departure.

🏞️

Vancouver Island

Peer across the water at the rugged eastern coastline and the mountainous interior of northern Vancouver Island.

🐋

Johnstone Strait

Look down at the narrow marine corridor famous for its resident orca populations and deep blue waters.

🏝️

The Gulf Islands

Aerial perspective of the complex archipelago including Texada, Lasqueti, and the northern Gulf Islands.

⛴️

Strait of Georgia

Observe BC Ferries and large cargo ships navigating the busy shipping lanes toward Vancouver.

The right side is ideal for afternoon flights as the sun will be on the opposite side, reducing glare. It provides a better view of the marine geography of the Salish Sea and the winding channels of the Inside Passage. Watch for the expansive mudflats of the Fraser River delta just before landing.

Top Activities in Vancouver
Route Information

Distance: 817 km (508 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 22 min

Departure: ZMT (54.02750015258789, -132.125)

Arrival: YVR (49.193901061999995, -123.183998108)

Route Type: Domestic

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