The right side keeps mountains in view for nearly the entire flight — from Vancouver's North Shore peaks through the high Coast Mountains and Cassiar ranges to the Yukon River valley at Whitehorse — while the left side spends more time over comparatively featureless plateau and strait waters.
Flown YVR to YXY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Whitehorse is 922 miles (1,483 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the high peaks of the central Coast Mountains (near Mount Waddington), then the Interior Plateau and Cassiar Mountains of northern British Columbia, before crossing into Yukon near Atlin Lake and descending along the Yukon River toward Whitehorse.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
RIGHTAfter departing on runway 26 and turning north-northwest toward Yukon, the right side faces the North Shore Mountains and the Coast Mountains interior, giving passengers a close-up of snow-dusted peaks right off the wingtip while the city recedes below. The left side only sees the flatter Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island in the distance.
Landing at YXY
RIGHTOn the approach into Whitehorse (favoring runway 32), the right side overlooks Grey Mountain and the Yukon River gorge near Miles Canyon as the aircraft descends into the valley, giving a dramatic last look at Yukon's rugged terrain. The left side mostly faces the flatter plateau west of the river with fewer distinct landmarks.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Whitehorse International (YXY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Whitehorse. The right side keeps mountains in view for nearly the entire flight — from Vancouver's North Shore peaks through the high Coast Mountains and Cassiar ranges to the Yukon River valley at Whitehorse — while the left side spends more time over comparatively featureless plateau and strait waters.
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. After departing on runway 26 and turning north-northwest toward Yukon, the right side faces the North Shore Mountains and the Coast Mountains interior, giving passengers a close-up of snow-dusted peaks right off the wingtip while the city recedes below. The left side only sees the flatter Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island in the distance. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress), Downtown Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet, Coast Mountains foothills.
What can I see when landing at Whitehorse International in Whitehorse?
When landing at Whitehorse International (YXY), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into Whitehorse (favoring runway 32), the right side overlooks Grey Mountain and the Yukon River gorge near Miles Canyon as the aircraft descends into the valley, giving a dramatic last look at Yukon's rugged terrain. The left side mostly faces the flatter plateau west of the river with fewer distinct landmarks. Notable sights include: Yukon River, Miles Canyon basalt cliffs, Grey Mountain, Whitehorse valley plateau.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Whitehorse?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Whitehorse International (YXY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 922 miles (1,483 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Whitehorse flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the high peaks of the central Coast Mountains (near Mount Waddington), then the Interior Plateau and Cassiar Mountains of northern British Columbia, before crossing into Yukon near Atlin Lake and descending along the Yukon River toward Whitehorse.