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YOJ → YOP
Which side of the plane to sit from High Level Airport (High Level) to Rainbow Lake Airport (Rainbow Lake)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the Hay River's intricate meanders and provides a direct line of sight to the namesake Rainbow Lake during the final approach.
Hay River Oxbows
Dramatic river loops and abandoned meander scars visible shortly after takeoff from High Level.
Rainbow Lake
The namesake lake becomes visible to the northwest as the aircraft descends into the YOP terminal.
Remote Oil Fields
Aerial perspective of the specialized infrastructure and well pads powering the local economy.
Muskeg Mosaics
Intricate patterns of peatland and wetlands that create a unique texture from above.
The right side is ideal for photographers looking to capture the Hay River. In the winter, the frozen river patterns are particularly striking. Aim for a window seat ahead of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion on this short turboprop hop.
Boreal Canopy
Uninterrupted views of the vast Northern Alberta spruce and aspen forests.
Seismic Lines
A distinct geometric grid of oil exploration trails cutting through the wilderness.
Chinchaga Tributaries
Small, winding creek systems that feed into the larger regional watersheds.
Sit on the left for softer lighting during midday flights, as the sun will be positioned to the south. Keep a close eye on the forest clearings for a chance to spot large fauna like moose near the muskeg pools.
Distance: 131 km (81 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 13 min
Departure: YOJ (58.62139892578125, -117.16500091552734)
Arrival: YOP (58.49140167236328, -119.40799713134766)
Route Type: Domestic
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