YYC

Best window seat at Calgary International

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Rocky Mountain front ranges, Bow River valley, Calgary foothills

LandingRIGHT

Rocky Mountains front range, foothills west of Calgary, Bow River valley

🛫 Taking Off from Calgary (YYC)

Best sideLeft
WhyDepartures from YYC typically head north on runway 35 due to prevailing westerly winds and noise abatement routing. On the left (west) side, you get a great view of the Rocky Mountain front ranges rising along the horizon as the city and foothills fall away below.
Look forRocky Mountain front ranges (including peaks near Canmore/Kananaskis), Bow River valley, Calgary foothills, city skyline falling behind on the right
Left window seat view during takeoff from Calgary (YYC) — Rocky Mountain front ranges (including peaks near Canmore/Kananaskis), Bow River valley, Calgary foothills, city skyline falling behind on the rightLeft Side
Right window seat view during takeoff from Calgary (YYC) — Rocky Mountain front ranges (including peaks near Canmore/Kananaskis), Bow River valley, Calgary foothills, city skyline falling behind on the rightRight Side

🛬 Landing at Calgary (YYC)

Best sideRight
WhyMost arrivals land on runway 17, meaning you're flying south, and on the right side of the aircraft you get a great view of the Rocky Mountains' front range to the west as you descend. Calgary sits right at the edge of the foothills, so this is one of the more dramatic mountain approaches in North America on clear days.
Look forRocky Mountains front range, foothills west of Calgary, Bow River valley, Kananaskis peaks in the distance
Left window seat view during landing at Calgary (YYC) — Rocky Mountains front range, foothills west of Calgary, Bow River valley, Kananaskis peaks in the distanceLeft Side
Right window seat view during landing at Calgary (YYC) — Rocky Mountains front range, foothills west of Calgary, Bow River valley, Kananaskis peaks in the distanceRight Side
CalgaryPhoto: Donovan Kelly

Calgary International is a major Canadian airport with two parallel concrete/asphalt runways and a third crosswind runway, handling significant domestic and international traffic. The airport features a single modern terminal with good connectivity to downtown via the Red Line LRT.

⛰️ Elevation3,560 ft
🛫 Runways3 (17L/35R, 17R/35L, 11/29)
✈️ HubWestJet

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About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Calgary International (YYC)?

At Calgary International in Calgary: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Right side. Notable views include: Rocky Mountain front ranges (including peaks near Canmore/Kananaskis), Bow River valley, Calgary foothills, city skyline falling behind on the right.

What can I see during takeoff from Calgary International in Calgary?

When taking off from Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departures from YYC typically head north on runway 35 due to prevailing westerly winds and noise abatement routing. On the left (west) side, you get a great view of the Rocky Mountain front ranges rising along the horizon as the city and foothills fall away below. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain front ranges (including peaks near Canmore/Kananaskis), Bow River valley, Calgary foothills, city skyline falling behind on the right.

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. Most arrivals land on runway 17, meaning you're flying south, and on the right side of the aircraft you get a great view of the Rocky Mountains' front range to the west as you descend. Calgary sits right at the edge of the foothills, so this is one of the more dramatic mountain approaches in North America on clear days. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountains front range, foothills west of Calgary, Bow River valley, Kananaskis peaks in the distance.

What factors affect the best window seat at Calgary International?

The best window seat at Calgary International (YYC) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Calgary (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.