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YLE destination photo
YZF destination photo

YLEYZF

Which side of the plane to sit from Whatì Airport (Whatì) to Yellowknife Airport (Yellowknife)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers superior views of the complex hydrological network between Whatì and Yellowknife, including the massive Marian Lake and the rugged edges of the Canadian Shield.

Right Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

Marian Lake

The primary geographic feature of the route, showcasing vast stretches of water and intricate shorelines.

🪨

Canadian Shield

Ancient Precambrian rock formations and exposed granite ridges characteristic of the NWT landscape.

🧊

Great Slave Lake

Views of the North Arm, showing the transition from smaller lakes to one of the largest bodies of freshwater on Earth.

🏘️

Yellowknife Approach

Excellent views of the capital city's unique geography, including Frame Lake and the downtown skyline.

The right side is generally the most scenic. In winter, look for ice roads carved across the frozen lakes. For the best photography, aim for a seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion, as these regional flights often use turboprops at lower altitudes.

Left Side Highlights
7.2
🛶

Lac La Martre

Aerial perspective of the community of Whatì and the crystal-clear waters of the big lake upon departure.

🌲

Pristine Boreal Forest

A carpet of subarctic taiga stretching toward the western horizon, interspersed with muskeg.

🦅

Glacial Kettle Lakes

Countless small, perfectly round lakes created by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.

Choose the left side for spectacular sunset views during the long twilight hours of late summer or for watching the horizon during the short winter days.

Top Activities in Yellowknife
Route Information

Distance: 161 km (100 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 16 min

Departure: YLE (63.13169860839844, -117.24600219726562)

Arrival: YZF (62.46279907226562, -114.44000244140624)

Route Type: Domestic

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