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YCB → YZF
Which side of the plane to sit from Cambridge Bay Airport (Cambridge Bay) to Yellowknife Airport (Yellowknife)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers an exceptional vantage point of the rugged Bathurst Inlet and the dramatic transition from the Arctic coastline to the lake-studded Precambrian Shield.
Dease Strait
View the narrow channel separating Victoria Island from the mainland, often filled with shifting ice floes in early summer.
Bathurst Inlet
A stunning geological feature characterized by high cliffs, deep blue waters, and hundreds of tiny islands along the coast.
Contwoyto Lake
A massive, elongated lake known for its complex shoreline and its history as a landmark for Arctic travelers.
The Barren Lands
Witness the stark beauty of the tundra, where the ancient rock of the Canadian Shield meets the Arctic sky.
Migration Paths
In late summer, keep an eye out for the vast networks of caribou trails etched into the permafrost below.
Sit on the left for the best morning light during southbound flights. In winter, this side offers the best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis if your flight is delayed into the twilight hours. Look for the distinct 'v' shapes in the landscape caused by glacial retreat.
Coronation Gulf
Expansive views of the Arctic ocean which remains frozen for much of the year, showing incredible pressure ridges.
Duke of York Archipelago
A cluster of remote islands in the gulf that look like scattered puzzle pieces from high altitude.
Coppermine Region
Distant views to the west of the historic area where the Coppermine River flows into the sea.
Yellowknife City View
On the final approach into YZF, the right side often provides a clearer view of the city center and the iconic Frame Lake.
The right side is ideal for late afternoon flights to catch the golden hour over the tundra. During the descent, watch for the 'giant mine' area just north of the city. Use polarized sunglasses to reduce the intense glare from the thousands of small lakes.
Distance: 850 km (528 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: YCB (69.1081008911, -105.138000488)
Arrival: YZF (62.46279907226562, -114.44000244140624)
Route Type: Domestic
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