The right side delivers Hong Kong's dramatic harbor-and-skyscraper departure and Vancouver's mountain-backed arrival, the two most visually striking segments of the trip, while the left side's urban and terrain views at both ends are comparatively flat and unremarkable.
Flown HKG to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Hong Kong to Vancouver is 6,381 miles (10,269 km), a flight of about 11 hours 50 minutes.
The great-circle route arcs north over eastern China and the Sea of Japan, passes near Sakhalin and the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, crosses the Bering Sea and Aleutian chain, then runs along the Gulf of Alaska and the glaciated Alaska Panhandle before descending along the mountainous British Columbia coastline into Vancouver.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from HKG
RIGHTDeparting HKG toward the east/northeast, the right side looks south across Victoria Harbour to the packed skyscraper skyline of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon before the aircraft turns north toward the mainland. The left side mostly shows Lantau's hills and the airport's own artificial island receding into the South China Sea.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTOn the westbound landing into YVR, the right side faces north toward Vancouver's downtown skyline and the North Shore Mountains rising sharply behind Burrard Inlet, with Howe Sound's fjord visible beyond. The left side over the Fraser River delta shows mostly flat farmland and suburban grid with no comparable relief.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Vancouver. The right side delivers Hong Kong's dramatic harbor-and-skyscraper departure and Vancouver's mountain-backed arrival, the two most visually striking segments of the trip, while the left side's urban and terrain views at both ends are comparatively flat and unremarkable.
What can I see during takeoff from Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing HKG toward the east/northeast, the right side looks south across Victoria Harbour to the packed skyscraper skyline of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon before the aircraft turns north toward the mainland. The left side mostly shows Lantau's hills and the airport's own artificial island receding into the South China Sea. Notable sights include: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island skyline, Kowloon peninsula, Lantau Island peaks.
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 westbound landing into YVR, the right side faces north toward Vancouver's downtown skyline and the North Shore Mountains rising sharply behind Burrard Inlet, with Howe Sound's fjord visible beyond. The left side over the Fraser River delta shows mostly flat farmland and suburban grid with no comparable relief. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Cypress), Vancouver downtown skyline, Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound.
How long is the flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver?
The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 11 hours 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 6,381 miles (10,269 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Hong Kong to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The great-circle route arcs north over eastern China and the Sea of Japan, passes near Sakhalin and the volcanic Kamchatka Peninsula, crosses the Bering Sea and Aleutian chain, then runs along the Gulf of Alaska and the glaciated Alaska Panhandle before descending along the mountainous British Columbia coastline into Vancouver.