Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Victoria. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff view of the North Shore Mountains is more dramatic and immediate than the landing approach. The landing view is pleasant but compressed; the takeoff climb offers a longer, more striking visual sequence.

During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the North Shore Mountains immediately after departure, with clear views of the Strait of Georgia opening southward. YVR typically departs southbound (runways 26L/26R), so right-side passengers get the dramatic alpine backdrop as the aircraft climbs. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour peaks), Burrard Inlet, Strait of Georgia, Vancouver city grid receding northward.

When landing at Victoria International (YYJ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best approach views into YYJ. The aircraft descends over the Strait of Georgia and swings west to land on runway 09, giving left-side passengers direct views of the Olympic Mountains (Washington State) and the final descent over Portage Inlet. Notable sights include: Olympic Mountains (distant, Washington), Portage Inlet, Saanich Peninsula, Victoria harbor and downtown.

The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Victoria International (YYJ) takes Approximately 35-40 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Strait of Georgia at roughly 15,000-20,000 feet. Midway, passengers see the Gulf Islands (Galiano, Mayne, Pender) scattered below as dark forested patches in the blue water. The Saanich Peninsula becomes increasingly prominent as the aircraft descends toward Victoria. No major mountain ranges are crossed; the route stays over water and low-lying coastal terrain.