While takeoff favors the left for Mount Hood views, the landing experience on the right is superior and more consistent. The approach into YVR from the south provides dramatic mountain and water scenery that outweighs the takeoff advantage. Right-side seats capture the entire descent sequence over the Strait of Georgia and North Shore Mountains.
Flown PDX to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Portland to Vancouver is 251 miles (403 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Cascade Range foothills, then follows the I-5 corridor northward through agricultural lands and forests. Around the midpoint near the Washington-British Columbia border, you'll pass over the Skagit River valley and foothills. The route then transitions over the Strait of Georgia with the San Juan Islands visible below, before the final approach into YVR over Burrard Inlet.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from PDX
LEFTPDX typically departs runways 28L/R or 10L/R depending on wind. A left-side seat on a northbound departure (runway 28) gives you the Cascade Range and Mount Hood immediately after climb-out. On eastbound departures (runway 10), left seats still capture the volcanic peaks and the Willamette Valley spreading eastward.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTYVR uses runways 08L/R or 26L/R. On approach from the south (runway 08), right-side seats provide excellent views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the approach path over the Strait of Georgia. The descent path naturally aligns the right side with Vancouver's geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Portland International (PDX) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Portland to Vancouver. While takeoff favors the left for Mount Hood views, the landing experience on the right is superior and more consistent. The approach into YVR from the south provides dramatic mountain and water scenery that outweighs the takeoff advantage. Right-side seats capture the entire descent sequence over the Strait of Georgia and North Shore Mountains.
What can I see during takeoff from Portland International in Portland?
During takeoff from Portland International (PDX), sit on the Left side for the best views. PDX typically departs runways 28L/R or 10L/R depending on wind. A left-side seat on a northbound departure (runway 28) gives you the Cascade Range and Mount Hood immediately after climb-out. On eastbound departures (runway 10), left seats still capture the volcanic peaks and the Willamette Valley spreading eastward. Notable sights include: Mount Hood (11,240 ft, dominant peak southeast), Cascade Range ridgeline, Willamette Valley agricultural plains, Columbia River gorge entrance.
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 uses runways 08L/R or 26L/R. On approach from the south (runway 08), right-side seats provide excellent views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the approach path over the Strait of Georgia. The descent path naturally aligns the right side with Vancouver's geography. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress peaks), Burrard Inlet waterway, Gulf Islands scattered across Strait of Georgia, Vancouver city skyline and downtown core.
How long is the flight from Portland to Vancouver?
The flight from Portland International (PDX) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 251 miles (403 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Portland to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Cascade Range foothills, then follows the I-5 corridor northward through agricultural lands and forests. Around the midpoint near the Washington-British Columbia border, you'll pass over the Skagit River valley and foothills. The route then transitions over the Strait of Georgia with the San Juan Islands visible below, before the final approach into YVR over Burrard Inlet.