The left side dominates both takeoff and landing with the Yukon River valley and Whitehorse townsite at departure, plus the dramatic Coast Mountains and Vancouver's harbor skyline on arrival, giving a consistently more scenic and varied experience than the right side's mostly forested plateau and open strait views.
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Flight Path
Whitehorse to Vancouver is 922 miles (1,483 km), a flight of about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Cruise passes over the rugged Coast Mountains and interior plateau of British Columbia, including glaciated peaks near the Chilcotin Range before descending toward the Fraser Valley and Strait of Georgia.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YXY
LEFTDeparting YXY toward the northwest (runway 32), the aircraft banks south over the Yukon River valley, giving left-side passengers views of the Whitehorse townsite, the river, and the surrounding St. Elias foothills. The left side also keeps sight of Grey Mountain and the ridges flanking the Whitehorse valley during the turn south.
Landing at YVR
LEFTArriving at YVR from the north on approach to runway 26, the aircraft crosses the Coast Mountains and descends over the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver's North Shore. Left-side passengers get a strong view of the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, and the city skyline with Stanley Park as the plane lines up for landing.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Whitehorse International (YXY) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Whitehorse to Vancouver. The left side dominates both takeoff and landing with the Yukon River valley and Whitehorse townsite at departure, plus the dramatic Coast Mountains and Vancouver's harbor skyline on arrival, giving a consistently more scenic and varied experience than the right side's mostly forested plateau and open strait views.
What can I see during takeoff from Whitehorse International in Whitehorse?
During takeoff from Whitehorse International (YXY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing YXY toward the northwest (runway 32), the aircraft banks south over the Yukon River valley, giving left-side passengers views of the Whitehorse townsite, the river, and the surrounding St. Elias foothills. The left side also keeps sight of Grey Mountain and the ridges flanking the Whitehorse valley during the turn south. Notable sights include: Yukon River, Whitehorse townsite, Grey Mountain, Miles Canyon area.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Arriving at YVR from the north on approach to runway 26, the aircraft crosses the Coast Mountains and descends over the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver's North Shore. Left-side passengers get a strong view of the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, and the city skyline with Stanley Park as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, Vancouver skyline, Stanley Park.
How long is the flight from Whitehorse to Vancouver?
The flight from Whitehorse International (YXY) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 2 hours 30 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 Whitehorse to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Cruise passes over the rugged Coast Mountains and interior plateau of British Columbia, including glaciated peaks near the Chilcotin Range before descending toward the Fraser Valley and Strait of Georgia.