While the left side gets a brief Alpine glimpse at takeoff, the right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Coast Mountains and Howe Sound scenery during the YVR approach, plus better sightlines toward Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Rockies during cruise on this northerly great-circle route.
Flight Path
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Baffin Island coastline, Hudson Bay, and the Canadian Rockies near the BC-Alberta border are crossed along the great-circle route before descent into Vancouver.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from ZRH
LEFTDeparting ZRH on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west over the Swiss plateau before turning north toward the polar route, giving left-side passengers a brief but clear view south toward the Alpine foothills and higher peaks near Interlaken before the turn takes the plane away from the mountains.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTOn approach to YVR runway 26, the descent path crosses the Fraser Valley from the east, and the right side of the aircraft (facing north) offers close views of the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, and the North Shore peaks above Vancouver as the plane lines up for landing.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Zurich (ZRH) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Zurich to Vancouver. While the left side gets a brief Alpine glimpse at takeoff, the right side wins overall thanks to the dramatic Coast Mountains and Howe Sound scenery during the YVR approach, plus better sightlines toward Greenland's ice sheet and the Canadian Rockies during cruise on this northerly great-circle route.
What can I see during takeoff from Zurich in Zurich?
During takeoff from Zurich (ZRH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing ZRH on runway 28, the aircraft climbs west over the Swiss plateau before turning north toward the polar route, giving left-side passengers a brief but clear view south toward the Alpine foothills and higher peaks near Interlaken before the turn takes the plane away from the mountains. Notable sights include: Lake Zurich, Swiss Plateau, distant Alpine peaks (Säntis/Glarus Alps), Uetliberg ridge.
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 to YVR runway 26, the descent path crosses the Fraser Valley from the east, and the right side of the aircraft (facing north) offers close views of the Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, and the North Shore peaks above Vancouver as the plane lines up for landing. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains, Howe Sound, Grouse Mountain/North Shore peaks, Fraser River delta.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Vancouver?
The flight from Zurich (ZRH) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes 10h 45m.
What does the Zurich to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet, Baffin Island coastline, Hudson Bay, and the Canadian Rockies near the BC-Alberta border are crossed along the great-circle route before descent into Vancouver.