The right side delivers the flight's two biggest landmarks — Mount Rainier and Mount Baker at takeoff, and the North Shore mountains with the Vancouver skyline at landing — while the left side's Puget Sound and island views, though pleasant, are less visually dramatic.
Flown SEA to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Vancouver is 127 miles (205 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
San Juan Islands and the Strait of Georgia, with the Cascade Range and Mount Baker visible to the east and Vancouver Island's mountains faint on the western horizon
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTDeparting SEA to the north, the right side faces east toward Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills, with Mount Rainier's snowy cone visible receding to the south as the aircraft climbs. Mount Baker's glaciated summit comes into view ahead on the same side as the flight continues north toward the border.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTYVR's westbound landing runway means the final approach curves in from the east, putting the North Shore's Coast Mountains and downtown Vancouver's skyline on the right side of the aircraft just before touchdown. This gives a dramatic combination of glaciated peaks and city skyline that the flatter Fraser delta side to the left can't match.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Vancouver. The right side delivers the flight's two biggest landmarks — Mount Rainier and Mount Baker at takeoff, and the North Shore mountains with the Vancouver skyline at landing — while the left side's Puget Sound and island views, though pleasant, are less visually dramatic.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing SEA to the north, the right side faces east toward Lake Washington and the Cascade foothills, with Mount Rainier's snowy cone visible receding to the south as the aircraft climbs. Mount Baker's glaciated summit comes into view ahead on the same side as the flight continues north toward the border. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier, Lake Washington, Cascade foothills, Mount Baker.
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's westbound landing runway means the final approach curves in from the east, putting the North Shore's Coast Mountains and downtown Vancouver's skyline on the right side of the aircraft just before touchdown. This gives a dramatic combination of glaciated peaks and city skyline that the flatter Fraser delta side to the left can't match. Notable sights include: North Shore Coast Mountains, downtown Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, Grouse Mountain.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Vancouver?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 127 miles (205 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Vancouver flight path pass over?
San Juan Islands and the Strait of Georgia, with the Cascade Range and Mount Baker visible to the east and Vancouver Island's mountains faint on the western horizon