The left side offers a richer, more continuous mountain show—North Shore peaks and Vancouver's skyline at departure, followed by the Coast, Monashee, and Selkirk ranges along the Trans-Canada corridor, plus glimpses of the Rockies' interior peaks near Golden before the descent into Calgary.
Flight Path
Fraser Canyon, Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, Columbia River valley near Golden, Kicking Horse Pass and the Continental Divide
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTDepartures off YVR's westerly-favored runways typically loop south and then east, giving left-side (north-facing) passengers a close view of the North Shore mountains and downtown Vancouver's skyline across Burrard Inlet before the aircraft settles onto its eastbound track toward the Fraser Valley.
Landing at YYC
RIGHTYYC's typical southbound landing on runway 17 puts the Rocky Mountain front range and Calgary's downtown skyline on the right (west) side of the aircraft during final approach, while the left side only shows flat prairie.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Calgary International (YYC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Calgary. The left side offers a richer, more continuous mountain show—North Shore peaks and Vancouver's skyline at departure, followed by the Coast, Monashee, and Selkirk ranges along the Trans-Canada corridor, plus glimpses of the Rockies' interior peaks near Golden before the descent into Calgary.
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. Departures off YVR's westerly-favored runways typically loop south and then east, giving left-side (north-facing) passengers a close view of the North Shore mountains and downtown Vancouver's skyline across Burrard Inlet before the aircraft settles onto its eastbound track toward the Fraser Valley. Notable sights include: Grouse Mountain, Cypress and Seymour peaks, downtown Vancouver skyline, Burrard Inlet.
What can I see when landing at Calgary International in Calgary?
When landing at Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Right side for the best views. YYC's typical southbound landing on runway 17 puts the Rocky Mountain front range and Calgary's downtown skyline on the right (west) side of the aircraft during final approach, while the left side only shows flat prairie. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain front range, downtown Calgary skyline, Bow River valley, foothills grassland.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Calgary?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Calgary International (YYC) takes 1h 25m.
What does the Vancouver to Calgary flight path pass over?
Fraser Canyon, Monashee and Selkirk Mountains, Columbia River valley near Golden, Kicking Horse Pass and the Continental Divide