The right side wins thanks to the mountainous approach into YVR and occasional northern terrain glimpses during cruise, while the left side spends most of the flight over flat prairies and open water with little variation.
Flown DET to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Vancouver is 1,966 miles (3,164 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Northern Great Lakes shoreline, Canadian prairie farmland across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the first foothills of the Canadian Rockies near Alberta
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTDeparting DET on runway 33 to the northwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Detroit River, Belle Isle, and the Windsor skyline across the water before the aircraft turns onto its westbound routing over flat Michigan farmland.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTOn the typical eastward approach into YVR runway 26L, the right side (north) faces the snow-capped Coast Mountains and the North Shore peaks rising sharply behind Vancouver, offering a dramatic contrast to the flat Fraser Valley below.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Vancouver. The right side wins thanks to the mountainous approach into YVR and occasional northern terrain glimpses during cruise, while the left side spends most of the flight over flat prairies and open water with little variation.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing DET on runway 33 to the northwest, the right side offers a brief glimpse of the Detroit River, Belle Isle, and the Windsor skyline across the water before the aircraft turns onto its westbound routing over flat Michigan farmland. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Belle Isle, Windsor skyline, Lake St. Clair.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the typical eastward approach into YVR runway 26L, the right side (north) faces the snow-capped Coast Mountains and the North Shore peaks rising sharply behind Vancouver, offering a dramatic contrast to the flat Fraser Valley below. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains, North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour), Fraser River delta, Vancouver skyline.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Vancouver?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,966 miles (3,164 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Northern Great Lakes shoreline, Canadian prairie farmland across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the first foothills of the Canadian Rockies near Alberta