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YGX destination photo
YWG destination photo

YGXYWG

Our Recommendation
7.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side provides a front-row seat to the massive hydroelectric projects along the Nelson River and the wild, roadless eastern shores of Lake Winnipeg.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🌊

Nelson River Hydro Dams

Early in the flight, view the massive Kettle and Long Spruce generating stations along the river.

🌲

Stephens Lake

The enormous reservoir created by the hydro infrastructure, dominating the northern landscape.

🏖️

Lake Winnipeg East Shore

Remote stretches of the lake coastline featuring isolated beaches and dense boreal forest.

🏝️

Hecla Island

A large, distinctive island in the narrows of Lake Winnipeg known for its provincial park status.

🏙️

Winnipeg Skyline

As the plane turns for its final approach, views of the downtown core and The Forks are often visible.

Choose the left side for morning flights to see the sun reflecting off the Nelson River system. Keep your camera ready in the first 15 minutes to capture the scale of the hydroelectric spillways. During winter, look for pressure ridges in the ice on Lake Winnipeg which are more prominent on this side.

Right Side Highlights
7.2
🏠

Gillam Townsite

A clear view of the town's unique layout immediately following takeoff from YGX.

💧

Split Lake

A sprawling and complex lake system where the Nelson and Burntwood rivers converge.

🦌

Northern Peatlands

Intricate patterns of muskeg and stunted spruce characteristic of the Hudson Bay Lowlands.

🚜

Interlake Farmland

Watch the dramatic transition from rugged boreal shield to the flat, square-patterned prairie farms.

🛬

YWG Final Approach

Excellent views of the Winnipeg industrial areas and the airport perimeter during landing.

The right side is better for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers the best perspective on the geographic shift from the Canadian Shield to the Red River Valley. Watch for the 'Interlake' region, where you can see both Lake Winnipeg and Lake Manitoba in the distance on a clear day.

Top Activities in Winnipeg
Route Information

Distance: 736 km (457 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 14 min

Departure: YGX (56.35749816894531, -94.71060180664062)

Arrival: YWG (49.909999847399995, -97.2398986816)

Route Type: Domestic

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