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YEG → YHY
Which side of the plane to sit from Edmonton International Airport (Edmonton) to Hay River / Merlyn Carter Airport (Hay River)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side provides a superior perspective of the approach to Great Slave Lake and the expansive wetlands of Wood Buffalo National Park.
Edmonton Skyline
Excellent views of downtown Edmonton and the North Saskatchewan River valley shortly after takeoff.
Athabasca Wetlands
Glittering networks of muskeg, fens, and winding tributaries characteristic of northern Alberta.
Wood Buffalo Border
Views of the western reaches of Canada's largest national park and its unique salt plains.
Buffalo Lake
A large, shallow lake situated just south of the Northwest Territories border.
Great Slave Lake
The massive blue expanse of the ninth largest lake in the world dominates the northern horizon.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. Watch for the dramatic color change in the landscape as you cross the 60th parallel into the Northwest Territories. In winter, this side offers the best chance to spot the Aurora Borealis on evening flights.
Alberta Prairies
Vast agricultural patchworks and rural grid patterns south of Edmonton.
Lesser Slave Lake
Distant views of the large lake and its surrounding provincial park to the west.
Peace River Valley
Crossing the deeply carved and dramatic banks of the Peace River near High Level.
Northern Taiga
Dense, unbroken stretches of boreal forest extending toward the horizon.
Hay River Townsite
A clear view of the town's residential areas and industry during the final descent.
Sit on the left for better views of the Peace River's geography and the specific town layout of Hay River during the final turn into YHY. Use a polarized lens to cut through the haze over the boreal forest during the long summer days.
Distance: 848 km (527 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: YEG (53.3097000122, -113.580001831)
Arrival: YHY (60.8396987915, -115.782997131)
Route Type: Domestic
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