While the departure offers a brief lake view on the left, the right side wins overall thanks to the sustained view of the Rocky Mountains along the western horizon during cruise and the dramatic mountain backdrop during the Calgary approach.
Flown YZF to YYC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Yellowknife to Calgary is 784 miles (1,262 km), a flight of about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Northern Alberta boreal forest, Peace River lowlands, scattered lakes and muskeg transitioning to prairie farmland near Edmonton and Red Deer, with the Rocky Mountains visible as a distant western skyline for much of the second half of the flight
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YZF
LEFTDeparting Yellowknife southbound, the initial climb keeps Great Slave Lake's rocky, island-studded shoreline in view just behind the aircraft on the left before the route straightens south over boreal forest. It's the only major water feature on this route.
Landing at YYC
RIGHTOn the descent into Calgary from the north, the approach runway favors southbound landings, and the western horizon reveals the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains rising sharply behind the city skyline. This is one of the signature scenic approaches in Canadian aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yellowknife (YZF) to Calgary International (YYC)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Yellowknife to Calgary. While the departure offers a brief lake view on the left, the right side wins overall thanks to the sustained view of the Rocky Mountains along the western horizon during cruise and the dramatic mountain backdrop during the Calgary approach.
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 Yellowknife southbound, the initial climb keeps Great Slave Lake's rocky, island-studded shoreline in view just behind the aircraft on the left before the route straightens south over boreal forest. It's the only major water feature on this route. Notable sights include: Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife Bay, Canadian Shield rock outcrops, boreal forest.
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. On the descent into Calgary from the north, the approach runway favors southbound landings, and the western horizon reveals the front ranges of the Rocky Mountains rising sharply behind the city skyline. This is one of the signature scenic approaches in Canadian aviation. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain front ranges, Bow River valley, Calgary downtown skyline, foothills.
How long is the flight from Yellowknife to Calgary?
The flight from Yellowknife (YZF) to Calgary International (YYC) takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 784 miles (1,262 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Yellowknife to Calgary flight path pass over?
Northern Alberta boreal forest, Peace River lowlands, scattered lakes and muskeg transitioning to prairie farmland near Edmonton and Red Deer, with the Rocky Mountains visible as a distant western skyline for much of the second half of the flight