While takeoff offers river valley scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and recognizable landmarks—the Mississippi-Missouri confluence and St. Louis's iconic Gateway Arch make the descent more visually rewarding than the boreal forest climb-out.
Flown YEG to STL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Edmonton to St. Louis is 1,488 miles (2,395 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Plains, passing over central Minnesota and northern Iowa. Notable features include the Minnesota River valley, scattered lakes in Minnesota, the transition from boreal forest to prairie grassland, and the Des Moines River valley in Iowa. The landscape gradually transitions from forested terrain to open agricultural plains with visible field patterns.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YEG
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the North Saskatchewan River valley and the transition from Edmonton's urban sprawl into the boreal forest. The river's distinctive meandering pattern is clearly visible during climb-out heading southeast.
Landing at STL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River's confluence with the Missouri River and St. Louis's urban landscape during descent. The Gateway Arch and downtown riverfront are visible on approach, along with the river's distinctive geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Edmonton International (YEG) to Lambert St Louis International (STL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Edmonton to St. Louis. While takeoff offers river valley scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and recognizable landmarks—the Mississippi-Missouri confluence and St. Louis's iconic Gateway Arch make the descent more visually rewarding than the boreal forest climb-out.
What can I see during takeoff from Edmonton International in Edmonton?
During takeoff from Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the North Saskatchewan River valley and the transition from Edmonton's urban sprawl into the boreal forest. The river's distinctive meandering pattern is clearly visible during climb-out heading southeast. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley, Edmonton city grid, boreal forest transition zone, Beaver Lake (visible at distance during climb).
What can I see when landing at Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
When landing at Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of the Mississippi River's confluence with the Missouri River and St. Louis's urban landscape during descent. The Gateway Arch and downtown riverfront are visible on approach, along with the river's distinctive geography. Notable sights include: Mississippi River, Missouri River confluence, Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis, Illinois bluffs across the river.
How long is the flight from Edmonton to St. Louis?
The flight from Edmonton International (YEG) to Lambert St Louis International (STL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,488 miles (2,395 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Edmonton to St. Louis flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Plains, passing over central Minnesota and northern Iowa. Notable features include the Minnesota River valley, scattered lakes in Minnesota, the transition from boreal forest to prairie grassland, and the Des Moines River valley in Iowa. The landscape gradually transitions from forested terrain to open agricultural plains with visible field patterns.