The right side wins on both ends of the flight — dramatic Coast Mountain scenery during departure from YVR and volcanic peaks near Lake Shikotsu during arrival into CTS — while the left side offers mostly flat suburban terrain and open water with little variety.
Flown YVR to CTS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Sapporo is 4,276 miles (6,882 km), a flight of about 10 hours 15 minutes.
The great-circle route crosses the Gulf of Alaska, passes south of the Aleutian Islands, and traverses the Kamchatka Peninsula's coastal waters before descending toward Hokkaido — mostly open North Pacific Ocean with occasional distant volcanic islands near the Aleutian chain.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTDeparting YVR on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west over the Strait of Georgia before banking north toward the great-circle route to Japan. Passengers on the right side get a dramatic view of the North Shore's Coast Mountains — Grouse, Seymour, and the jagged peaks behind Vancouver — while the left side mostly sees flat suburban Richmond and open water.
Landing at CTS
RIGHTArriving at CTS, flights commonly approach from the east over the Pacific before turning onto final for the north-south runways. This puts the volcanic peaks of the Shikotsu-Toya region — including Mount Tarumae and the Shikotsu caldera rim — on the right side as the aircraft descends over the Tomakomai coastal plain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Chitose International Airport (CTS)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Sapporo. The right side wins on both ends of the flight — dramatic Coast Mountain scenery during departure from YVR and volcanic peaks near Lake Shikotsu during arrival into CTS — while the left side offers mostly flat suburban terrain and open water with little variety.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YVR on runway 26, the aircraft climbs west over the Strait of Georgia before banking north toward the great-circle route to Japan. Passengers on the right side get a dramatic view of the North Shore's Coast Mountains — Grouse, Seymour, and the jagged peaks behind Vancouver — while the left side mostly sees flat suburban Richmond and open water. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains, Grouse Mountain, Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia.
What can I see when landing at Chitose International Airport in Sapporo?
When landing at Chitose International Airport (CTS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving at CTS, flights commonly approach from the east over the Pacific before turning onto final for the north-south runways. This puts the volcanic peaks of the Shikotsu-Toya region — including Mount Tarumae and the Shikotsu caldera rim — on the right side as the aircraft descends over the Tomakomai coastal plain. Notable sights include: Mount Tarumae, Lake Shikotsu caldera rim, Tomakomai coastline, Ishikari plain.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Sapporo?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Chitose International Airport (CTS) takes about 10 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 4,276 miles (6,882 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Sapporo flight path pass over?
The great-circle route crosses the Gulf of Alaska, passes south of the Aleutian Islands, and traverses the Kamchatka Peninsula's coastal waters before descending toward Hokkaido — mostly open North Pacific Ocean with occasional distant volcanic islands near the Aleutian chain.