While takeoff favors left seats for Icelandic volcanic terrain, the landing approach over the North Shore Mountains and Strait of Georgia from the right side is more visually dramatic and geographically significant. The approach descent provides extended views of Vancouver's mountain setting.
Flown RKV to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Vancouver is 3,543 miles (5,703 km), a flight of about 6 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's ice sheet (visible as a white expanse if flying at optimal altitude during daylight). The route then crosses the Canadian Arctic Archipelago's islands and the northern reaches of Hudson Bay before descending toward the Pacific coast. Baffin Island's dark terrain and the Davis Strait are potential midpoint landmarks on northerly routing. Southern routing passes over Labrador and the Atlantic provinces, offering views of the Labrador coast and Maritime geography.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTRKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Left seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor and the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTYVR typically lands runway 26L/26R (westbound approach over water) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Right seats during westbound approaches offer views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the approach path over the Strait of Georgia. Left seats face the city and less dramatic terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Vancouver. While takeoff favors left seats for Icelandic volcanic terrain, the landing approach over the North Shore Mountains and Strait of Georgia from the right side is more visually dramatic and geographically significant. The approach descent provides extended views of Vancouver's mountain setting.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. RKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Left seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor and the Reykjanes Peninsula's volcanic terrain during climb-out. Right seats face inland toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Reykjavik harbor and Old Harbor district, Reykjanes Peninsula lava fields, Mount Esja to the northeast, Faxaflói Bay.
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 typically lands runway 26L/26R (westbound approach over water) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Right seats during westbound approaches offer views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the approach path over the Strait of Georgia. Left seats face the city and less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress peaks), Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia, Vancouver's downtown skyline.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Vancouver?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 6 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,543 miles (5,703 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic, passing south of Greenland's ice sheet (visible as a white expanse if flying at optimal altitude during daylight). The route then crosses the Canadian Arctic Archipelago's islands and the northern reaches of Hudson Bay before descending toward the Pacific coast. Baffin Island's dark terrain and the Davis Strait are potential midpoint landmarks on northerly routing. Southern routing passes over Labrador and the Atlantic provinces, offering views of the Labrador coast and Maritime geography.