While the left side wins at takeoff for the Paris cityscape, the right side delivers the Rocky Mountain Front Range on approach into Calgary, which is the single most spectacular visual moment of the entire flight. Over the Atlantic and Greenland the views are similar on both sides, but the right side also gets slightly better angles on Greenland's ice sheet during the mid-flight polar routing.
Flown CDG to YYC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Paris to Calgary is 4,574 miles (7,362 km), a flight of about 9 hours 30 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over the English Channel, then across southern England or Ireland, then out over the North Atlantic on a great circle route. Mid-flight passes over or near the southern tip of Greenland with its massive ice sheet and fjords visible on clear days. The route then crosses the Davis Strait and Baffin Island or northern Quebec, with the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted boreal forest below. As the aircraft descends into Alberta, the flat prairies give way to the dramatic transition at the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Great circle distance and headings ›.jpg?width=600)
.jpeg?width=600)
Phase by phase
Takeoff from CDG
LEFTCDG departures heading west on runway 27L/27R put Paris city center on the left side. You get a clear view south over the Seine bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense urban grid of central Paris before the aircraft climbs out over the western suburbs.
Landing at YYC
RIGHTYYC typically uses runways 35L/35R for northbound arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south. The right side faces west, giving a direct view of the Rocky Mountain Front Range — the most dramatic visual feature of any approach into Calgary — with the Bow River valley and downtown Calgary visible below on descent.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Calgary International (YYC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Paris to Calgary. While the left side wins at takeoff for the Paris cityscape, the right side delivers the Rocky Mountain Front Range on approach into Calgary, which is the single most spectacular visual moment of the entire flight. Over the Atlantic and Greenland the views are similar on both sides, but the right side also gets slightly better angles on Greenland's ice sheet during the mid-flight polar routing.
What can I see during takeoff from Charles De Gaulle in Paris?
During takeoff from Charles De Gaulle (CDG), sit on the Left side for the best views. CDG departures heading west on runway 27L/27R put Paris city center on the left side. You get a clear view south over the Seine bends, the Eiffel Tower area, and the dense urban grid of central Paris before the aircraft climbs out over the western suburbs. Notable sights include: Seine river bends through Paris, Eiffel Tower district (Champ de Mars area), La Défense business district towers, Versailles palace and gardens to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Calgary International in Calgary?
When landing at Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Right side for the best views. YYC typically uses runways 35L/35R for northbound arrivals, meaning the aircraft approaches from the south. The right side faces west, giving a direct view of the Rocky Mountain Front Range — the most dramatic visual feature of any approach into Calgary — with the Bow River valley and downtown Calgary visible below on descent. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front Range (including Mount Yamnuska and the Fairholme Range), Bow River valley, downtown Calgary skyline, Nose Hill Park plateau.
How long is the flight from Paris to Calgary?
The flight from Charles De Gaulle (CDG) to Calgary International (YYC) takes about 9 hours 30 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,574 miles (7,362 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Paris to Calgary flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over the English Channel, then across southern England or Ireland, then out over the North Atlantic on a great circle route. Mid-flight passes over or near the southern tip of Greenland with its massive ice sheet and fjords visible on clear days. The route then crosses the Davis Strait and Baffin Island or northern Quebec, with the Canadian Shield's lake-dotted boreal forest below. As the aircraft descends into Alberta, the flat prairies give way to the dramatic transition at the Rocky Mountain foothills.