While takeoff favors the left, the landing view of the Wasatch Range's dramatic eastern face and the Great Salt Lake basin is more visually striking and geographically distinctive. Right-side seats capture the flight's most memorable geography.
Flown YVR to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Salt Lake City is 796 miles (1,282 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Washington and Oregon at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Cascade Range (visible to the east during climb-out from YVR), the Columbia River basin, and the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon and western Idaho. The Great Basin becomes visible as you approach Utah, with the Wasatch Range appearing on the horizon roughly 45 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs to the west or northwest over water and the North Shore Mountains. Left-side seats capture the dramatic peaks of the Coast Mountains and North Shore range rising directly from the coastline, plus views of Burrard Inlet and the Strait of Georgia.
Landing at SLC
RIGHTApproaching SLC from the northwest, right-side seats offer the best view of the Wasatch Range as it rises dramatically east of the airport. You'll see the spine of the range with its distinctive peaks and the Salt Lake Valley floor spreading below, plus the Great Salt Lake glinting to the northwest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Salt Lake City. While takeoff favors the left, the landing view of the Wasatch Range's dramatic eastern face and the Great Salt Lake basin is more visually striking and geographically distinctive. Right-side seats capture the flight's most memorable geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs to the west or northwest over water and the North Shore Mountains. Left-side seats capture the dramatic peaks of the Coast Mountains and North Shore range rising directly from the coastline, plus views of Burrard Inlet and the Strait of Georgia. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains (North Shore range), Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia, Vancouver city grid receding southward.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Right side for the best views. Approaching SLC from the northwest, right-side seats offer the best view of the Wasatch Range as it rises dramatically east of the airport. You'll see the spine of the range with its distinctive peaks and the Salt Lake Valley floor spreading below, plus the Great Salt Lake glinting to the northwest. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range (Lone Peak and surrounding ridges), Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake Valley floor, Oquirrh Mountains to the west.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Salt Lake City?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 796 miles (1,282 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Washington and Oregon at cruise altitude. Notable features include the Cascade Range (visible to the east during climb-out from YVR), the Columbia River basin, and the high desert plateau of eastern Oregon and western Idaho. The Great Basin becomes visible as you approach Utah, with the Wasatch Range appearing on the horizon roughly 45 minutes before landing.