The right side tracks the mountainous spine of the BC Coast Range and Alaska Panhandle glaciers during cruise, then bookends the flight with the North Shore peaks at takeoff and the Chugach Mountains at landing. The left side is dominated by open Pacific and Gulf of Alaska waters for much of the route, offering less consistent visual interest.
Flown YVR to EDF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Anchorage is 1,324 miles (2,130 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Alaska Panhandle fjords and icefields (Stikine Icefield), Gulf of Alaska coastline, Wrangell-St Elias Range foothills
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTDeparting YVR to the west then curving north toward Alaska, the right side offers a great look back at Vancouver's North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour) and the city skyline along Burrard Inlet as the aircraft banks north. The left side mostly shows open water of the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island in the haze.
Landing at EDF
RIGHTOn approach into the Anchorage area, the right side gives a dramatic view of the Chugach Mountains rising sharply just east of the airport, their glaciated peaks visible right up to touchdown. The left side instead looks over the flatter, water-dominated expanse of Cook Inlet and Mount Susitna in the distance.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Anchorage. The right side tracks the mountainous spine of the BC Coast Range and Alaska Panhandle glaciers during cruise, then bookends the flight with the North Shore peaks at takeoff and the Chugach Mountains at landing. The left side is dominated by open Pacific and Gulf of Alaska waters for much of the route, offering less consistent visual interest.
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 to the west then curving north toward Alaska, the right side offers a great look back at Vancouver's North Shore peaks (Grouse, Seymour) and the city skyline along Burrard Inlet as the aircraft banks north. The left side mostly shows open water of the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island in the haze. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver skyline, Strait of Georgia (distant left).
What can I see when landing at Elmendorf Afb in Anchorage?
When landing at Elmendorf Afb (EDF), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into the Anchorage area, the right side gives a dramatic view of the Chugach Mountains rising sharply just east of the airport, their glaciated peaks visible right up to touchdown. The left side instead looks over the flatter, water-dominated expanse of Cook Inlet and Mount Susitna in the distance. Notable sights include: Chugach Mountains, Eklutna Glacier area, Cook Inlet shoreline, Knik Arm.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Anchorage?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Elmendorf Afb (EDF) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,324 miles (2,130 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Anchorage flight path pass over?
Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Alaska Panhandle fjords and icefields (Stikine Icefield), Gulf of Alaska coastline, Wrangell-St Elias Range foothills