About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Calgary International (YYC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Calgary. The left side wins both ends of the flight. Over the Atlantic and Canadian Shield the views are broadly similar on both sides, but the left seat captures the Greenland ice sheet and Baffin Island coastline during the polar routing, and delivers the definitive Rocky Mountain panorama on descent into Calgary.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow departures on runway 27L/27R head westbound, so the left (south) side gives you a clear view over central London as the aircraft climbs out and turns northwest. You'll see the Thames snaking through the city, the dense urban grid of west London, and on clear days the City skyline to the east. Notable sights include: River Thames through central London, Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park to the southwest, the M25 orbital motorway ring, Wembley Stadium arch.
What can I see when landing at Calgary International in Calgary?
When landing at Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Calgary International typically uses runways 35L/35R for northbound landings or 17L/17R for southbound, but the dominant approach from the east on runway 28 or from the south puts the Rocky Mountains on the left (south/southwest) side. The Front Ranges of the Rockies — including the distinctive profile of the Bow Valley corridor — are unmistakably visible to the southwest on approach, and the left seat captures this panorama directly. Notable sights include: Canadian Rocky Mountain Front Ranges (Bow Valley corridor), Mount Yamnuska, the Bow River winding through Calgary, downtown Calgary skyline.
How long is the flight from London to Calgary?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Calgary International (YYC) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the London to Calgary flight path pass over?
The route follows a great circle arc tracking northwest over Scotland, then across the North Atlantic near Iceland and southern Greenland — where the Greenland ice sheet and fjord coastline are visible below. The flight then crosses Baffin Island and Hudson Bay before descending over the boreal forest and Canadian Shield of northern Ontario and Manitoba. The final third crosses the flat agricultural prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta before the Rockies appear on the horizon approaching Calgary.