The left side dominates the whole flight: dramatic Chugach peaks at takeoff, a cruise track that skirts the glaciated Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle fjords, and a final approach framed by the North Shore mountains behind Vancouver. The right side is mostly open Pacific and Gulf of Alaska water with little variation.
Flight Path
Coast Mountains and glaciated peaks of the Alaska Panhandle, Inside Passage fjords and islands, occasional views of tidewater glaciers near Juneau and the Stikine Icefield before the route continues south toward the Strait of Georgia
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ANC
LEFTDeparting ANC to the south, the climb-out puts the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm directly on the left, with jagged peaks and glaciers rising right off Cook Inlet. The right side only shows open water and the flatter Kenai lowlands.
Landing at YVR
LEFTOn approach into YVR from the north, the left side offers views of the North Shore mountains behind Vancouver and Burrard Inlet as the aircraft turns toward runway 26, giving a strong sense of the city framed by peaks. The right side mostly shows the flatter Fraser Delta and farmland.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Anchorage to Vancouver. The left side dominates the whole flight: dramatic Chugach peaks at takeoff, a cruise track that skirts the glaciated Coast Mountains and Alaska Panhandle fjords, and a final approach framed by the North Shore mountains behind Vancouver. The right side is mostly open Pacific and Gulf of Alaska water with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International in Anchorage?
During takeoff from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ANC to the south, the climb-out puts the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm directly on the left, with jagged peaks and glaciers rising right off Cook Inlet. The right side only shows open water and the flatter Kenai lowlands. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, Kenai Peninsula foothills.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into YVR from the north, the left side offers views of the North Shore mountains behind Vancouver and Burrard Inlet as the aircraft turns toward runway 26, giving a strong sense of the city framed by peaks. The right side mostly shows the flatter Fraser Delta and farmland. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, Downtown Vancouver skyline, Georgia Strait.
How long is the flight from Anchorage to Vancouver?
The flight from Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes 3h 10m.
What does the Anchorage to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Coast Mountains and glaciated peaks of the Alaska Panhandle, Inside Passage fjords and islands, occasional views of tidewater glaciers near Juneau and the Stikine Icefield before the route continues south toward the Strait of Georgia