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YHP → YRL
Which side of the plane to sit from Poplar Hill Airport (Poplar Hill) to Red Lake Airport (Red Lake)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers superior views of the massive Pikangikum Lake system and provides the best angle to see the historic gold mining operations as you approach Red Lake.
Poplar Hill Settlement
A bird's-eye view of the remote First Nation community and its connection to the surrounding waterways immediately after takeoff.
Pikangikum Lake
A vast, island-studded lake that dominates the landscape mid-flight, showcasing the complexity of the Canadian Shield's geography.
Evolution Gold Mines
Prominent views of the industrial headframes and processing facilities that mark one of Canada's most productive gold mining districts.
Trout Lake Vista
Deep blue waters of the large Trout Lake Provincial Park area visible on the eastern horizon during the descent.
Sit on the left for the best morning light reflecting off the water. As the plane descends, look closely for the contrast between the rugged wilderness and the large-scale mining infrastructure near Cochenour and Red Lake. These flights are often at lower altitudes, offering excellent detail of the forest floor.
Boreal Canopy
An endless expanse of Black Spruce and Tamarack forest, displaying the sheer scale of the Northern Ontario wilderness.
Berens River
The winding, serpentine path of the Berens River as it meanders westward toward the Manitoba border.
McDowell Lake
A remote and pristine lake system frequently used by fly-in fishers and local trappers, visible shortly after departure.
Red Lake Waterfront
A clear view of the town's residential areas and the numerous floatplane docks lining the shores of Howey Bay.
The right side is perfect for sunset flights, as the sun dips toward the Manitoba border, casting long shadows over the Shield. During autumn, keep an eye out for the bright yellow needles of the larch trees. Use polarized sunglasses to better see through the water's surface reflection to spot submerged reefs and shallows.
Distance: 121 km (75 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 12 min
Departure: YHP (52.1133, -94.2556)
Arrival: YRL (51.06689834594727, -93.79309844970705)
Route Type: Domestic
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