While the takeoff offers good views of the Twin Cities and Minnesota River valley on the right, the landing approach into Edmonton on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the North Saskatchewan River valley is a more visually striking geographic feature than the relatively flat Minnesota landscape. The left side captures the most memorable part of this route.
Flown MSP to YEG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Minneapolis to Edmonton is 1,084 miles (1,744 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Minnesota and Saskatchewan, passing over the transition zone between the agricultural prairie of Minnesota and the boreal forest of Canada. Notable features along the route include the Minnesota-North Dakota border region (relatively flat prairie), the transition into Saskatchewan (increasingly forested), and scattered lakes throughout the Canadian Shield region. The landscape gradually transitions from gently rolling terrain with lakes to flatter, more heavily forested terrain as you move northwestward. No major mountain ranges are visible on this route—the terrain remains below 2,000 feet elevation throughout.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MSP
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area receding below, with clear views of the river systems that define the landscape.
Landing at YEG
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Edmonton. You'll see the North Saskatchewan River valley and the city's distinctive river-cut landscape as you approach from the south. The river's dramatic valley is the most striking geographic feature in the Edmonton area.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Edmonton International (YEG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Minneapolis to Edmonton. While the takeoff offers good views of the Twin Cities and Minnesota River valley on the right, the landing approach into Edmonton on the left provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the North Saskatchewan River valley is a more visually striking geographic feature than the relatively flat Minnesota landscape. The left side captures the most memorable part of this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International in Minneapolis?
During takeoff from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Minnesota River valley and the Twin Cities urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area receding below, with clear views of the river systems that define the landscape. Notable sights include: Minnesota River valley, Mississippi River confluence, Twin Cities urban grid, St. Paul downtown skyline.
What can I see when landing at Edmonton International in Edmonton?
When landing at Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Edmonton. You'll see the North Saskatchewan River valley and the city's distinctive river-cut landscape as you approach from the south. The river's dramatic valley is the most striking geographic feature in the Edmonton area. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley, Edmonton city grid, Beaver Lake, Canadian Shield transition zone.
How long is the flight from Minneapolis to Edmonton?
The flight from Minneapolis St Paul International (MSP) to Edmonton International (YEG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,084 miles (1,744 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Minneapolis to Edmonton flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Minnesota and Saskatchewan, passing over the transition zone between the agricultural prairie of Minnesota and the boreal forest of Canada. Notable features along the route include the Minnesota-North Dakota border region (relatively flat prairie), the transition into Saskatchewan (increasingly forested), and scattered lakes throughout the Canadian Shield region. The landscape gradually transitions from gently rolling terrain with lakes to flatter, more heavily forested terrain as you move northwestward. No major mountain ranges are visible on this route—the terrain remains below 2,000 feet elevation throughout.