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YHY → YSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Hay River / Merlyn Carter Airport (Hay River) to Fort Smith Airport (Fort Smith)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers an unparalleled view of the Salt Plains in Wood Buffalo National Park, featuring stark white mineral deposits against the boreal green, along with better chances to spot wood bison in the meadows.
The Salt Plains
Dazzling white salt crusts formed by saline springs, creating a surreal landscape in the heart of the forest.
Wood Buffalo National Park
Extensive views across Canada's largest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of global significance.
Wildlife Meadows
The open sedge meadows are prime territory for spotting herds of wood bison from a low cruising altitude.
Buffalo River Meanders
Observe the incredible oxbow lakes and tight river bends of the Buffalo River as it cuts through the wilderness.
Rapids of the Drowned
A dramatic view of the massive rapids on the Slave River just south of the Fort Smith townsite during descent.
The Salt Plains are the absolute highlight and are best seen from the right side shortly before the descent into Fort Smith. Polarized sunglasses will help reduce the glare from the white salt deposits. Early morning flights offer the best shadows for spotting bison in the meadows.
Great Slave Lake Shoreline
Vast views of the southern coastline of North America's deepest lake, showing rugged northern beaches.
Pine Point Area
The site of a former massive mining operation, now showing unique landscape reclamation patterns from above.
Slave River Approach
Watch the powerful Slave River widen as it flows toward its delta on the northern horizon.
Pelican Rapids
View the northernmost nesting colony of American White Pelicans near the river's white water.
Choose this side if you want to see the scale of Great Slave Lake. The best lighting occurs during the late afternoon when the sun is to the south, illuminating the lake's surface and the shoreline's intricate details without direct glare.
Distance: 229 km (142 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 23 min
Departure: YHY (60.8396987915, -115.782997131)
Arrival: YSM (60.020301818847656, -111.96199798583984)
Route Type: Domestic
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