The right side wins on all three phases: a north-facing view of Reykjavik and Mt Esja at takeoff, likely glimpses of southern Greenland's ice-capped coast and Baffin Island's mountainous terrain during cruise, and a dramatic North Shore mountain backdrop on final approach into Vancouver. The left side is dominated by open ocean, Hudson Bay lowlands, and flat Fraser delta farmland with far less relief.
Flight Path
The great-circle route curves north from Iceland across the Denmark Strait, past southern Greenland's ice cap and fjord coastline, over Davis Strait to Baffin Island's mountains, then southwest across Hudson Bay lowlands and the Canadian Shield before descending toward the Rockies and Coast Mountains near Vancouver.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from KEF
RIGHTDeparting KEF toward the west, the right side faces north across Faxaflói Bay toward Reykjavik and Mt Esja, with Snæfellsjökull's glacier-capped peninsula sometimes visible on the horizon. The left side only shows the flatter, less varied southern Reykjanes coastline and open ocean.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTYVR arrivals typically land west on 26L/R after crossing the Fraser Valley, and the right side faces north toward the North Shore mountains rising directly behind downtown Vancouver and Burrard Inlet. The left side mainly shows the flat Fraser River delta, farmland, and open water toward the Gulf Islands.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Keflavik to Vancouver. The right side wins on all three phases: a north-facing view of Reykjavik and Mt Esja at takeoff, likely glimpses of southern Greenland's ice-capped coast and Baffin Island's mountainous terrain during cruise, and a dramatic North Shore mountain backdrop on final approach into Vancouver. The left side is dominated by open ocean, Hudson Bay lowlands, and flat Fraser delta farmland with far less relief.
What can I see during takeoff from Keflavik Nas in Keflavik?
During takeoff from Keflavik Nas (KEF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing KEF toward the west, the right side faces north across Faxaflói Bay toward Reykjavik and Mt Esja, with Snæfellsjökull's glacier-capped peninsula sometimes visible on the horizon. The left side only shows the flatter, less varied southern Reykjanes coastline and open ocean. Notable sights include: Reykjavik cityscape, Faxaflói Bay, Mt Esja, Snæfellsjökull glacier peninsula (distant).
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. YVR arrivals typically land west on 26L/R after crossing the Fraser Valley, and the right side faces north toward the North Shore mountains rising directly behind downtown Vancouver and Burrard Inlet. The left side mainly shows the flat Fraser River delta, farmland, and open water toward the Gulf Islands. Notable sights include: North Shore mountains (Grouse and Cypress), Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver skyline, Fraser River delta.
How long is the flight from Keflavik to Vancouver?
The flight from Keflavik Nas (KEF) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes 7h 35m.
What does the Keflavik to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The great-circle route curves north from Iceland across the Denmark Strait, past southern Greenland's ice cap and fjord coastline, over Davis Strait to Baffin Island's mountains, then southwest across Hudson Bay lowlands and the Canadian Shield before descending toward the Rockies and Coast Mountains near Vancouver.