The right side captures the dramatic Coast Mountains during departure from Vancouver and the volcanic terrain and coastline during arrival into Taipei, while the left side offers comparatively flat or open-water views during both phases.
Flight Path
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Island chain to the north, Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands along the great-circle track, open sea approaching the East China Sea
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase

Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTDeparting YVR on the westbound runway, the great-circle track toward the North Pacific curves the aircraft north, putting the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, and the peaks around Squamish and Garibaldi on the right side of the plane during initial climb. The left side mostly shows the flat Fraser Delta and Strait of Georgia.

Landing at TPE
RIGHTArriving into TPE from the north/northeast, the descent path typically swings over Taiwan's rugged northern coastline before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers views of the volcanic Yangmingshan massif and the Keelung coastline. The left side mainly faces open water or the flatter Taipei Basin interior.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Taipei. The right side captures the dramatic Coast Mountains during departure from Vancouver and the volcanic terrain and coastline during arrival into Taipei, while the left side offers comparatively flat or open-water views during both phases.
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 the westbound runway, the great-circle track toward the North Pacific curves the aircraft north, putting the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, and the peaks around Squamish and Garibaldi on the right side of the plane during initial climb. The left side mostly shows the flat Fraser Delta and Strait of Georgia. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains, Howe Sound, Garibaldi Provincial Park peaks, Strait of Georgia.
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Arriving into TPE from the north/northeast, the descent path typically swings over Taiwan's rugged northern coastline before turning onto final approach, giving right-side passengers views of the volcanic Yangmingshan massif and the Keelung coastline. The left side mainly faces open water or the flatter Taipei Basin interior. Notable sights include: Yangmingshan volcanic peaks, Keelung coastline, Tamsui River mouth, Taipei Basin.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Taipei?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes 13h 05m.
What does the Vancouver to Taipei flight path pass over?
North Pacific Ocean, Aleutian Island chain to the north, Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands along the great-circle track, open sea approaching the East China Sea