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YGX → YWG
Which side of the plane to sit from Gillam Airport (Gillam) to Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (Winnipeg)?
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.
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.
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.
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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