The right side benefits from a dramatic, mountain-and-water arrival into Vancouver with the North Shore peaks and Burrard Inlet, plus westward views over the Coast Mountains during the latter half of cruise, giving it more variety and drama than the left side's boreal lake country and Fraser Valley flats.
Flown YZF to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Yellowknife to Vancouver is 976 miles (1,570 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
Northern British Columbia's Rocky Mountain Trench, the Interior Plateau, and the Coast Mountains as the route crosses from the boreal NWT lowlands into BC's mountainous terrain before descending toward the Fraser Delta.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YZF
LEFTDeparting YZF on runway 16 climbs almost directly over Great Slave Lake's North Arm. The left (east) side gives a clearer view of Yellowknife Bay, the rocky islands near the city, and the docks along the shoreline as the aircraft banks south.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTOn approach into YVR, arrivals from the north typically turn onto final for the westbound runways, putting the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the Vancouver skyline on the right side during descent. The left side mostly shows the flatter Fraser Delta and Georgia Strait.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yellowknife (YZF) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Yellowknife to Vancouver. The right side benefits from a dramatic, mountain-and-water arrival into Vancouver with the North Shore peaks and Burrard Inlet, plus westward views over the Coast Mountains during the latter half of cruise, giving it more variety and drama than the left side's boreal lake country and Fraser Valley flats.
What can I see during takeoff from Yellowknife in Yellowknife?
During takeoff from Yellowknife (YZF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing YZF on runway 16 climbs almost directly over Great Slave Lake's North Arm. The left (east) side gives a clearer view of Yellowknife Bay, the rocky islands near the city, and the docks along the shoreline as the aircraft banks south. Notable sights include: Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife Bay, rocky Canadian Shield islands, Yellowknife waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into YVR, arrivals from the north typically turn onto final for the westbound runways, putting the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the Vancouver skyline on the right side during descent. The left side mostly shows the flatter Fraser Delta and Georgia Strait. Notable sights include: North Shore mountains (Grouse and Cypress), Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver skyline, Stanley Park peninsula.
How long is the flight from Yellowknife to Vancouver?
The flight from Yellowknife (YZF) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 976 miles (1,570 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Yellowknife to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Northern British Columbia's Rocky Mountain Trench, the Interior Plateau, and the Coast Mountains as the route crosses from the boreal NWT lowlands into BC's mountainous terrain before descending toward the Fraser Delta.