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YPL → YQT
Which side of the plane to sit from Pickle Lake Airport (Pickle Lake) to Thunder Bay Airport (Thunder Bay)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a superior vantage point for the iconic Sleeping Giant landform and the vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Superior during the descent into Thunder Bay.
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Lake St. Joseph
Massive, intricate lake system with hundreds of islands visible shortly after departure from Pickle Lake.
Boreal Wilderness
Uninterrupted views of the Canadian Shield, characterized by rugged granite outcrops and dense spruce forests.
Lake Superior Horizon
As the flight nears Thunder Bay, the horizon opens up to reveal the world's largest freshwater lake.
The Sleeping Giant
The famous Sibley Peninsula formation resembling a giant lying on its back is best viewed from the east-facing windows.
Thunder Bay Harbor
Views of the historic grain elevators and the industrial waterfront as the plane aligns with the runway.
Book a left-side seat for morning flights to see the sun rising over the lakes without the harsh glare of the afternoon. Keep your camera ready as you pass 5,000 feet on descent; this is when the Sleeping Giant becomes most prominent against the blue of the bay. In winter, look for the unique pressure cracks in the ice of the smaller northern lakes.
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Pashkokogan Lake
A beautiful, island-dotted lake located south of Pickle Lake, offering pristine wilderness views.
Remote Infrastructure
Occasional sightings of the remote logging roads and power lines that represent the only human footprint in this vast region.
Dog Lake
A sprawling, irregular lake just north of Thunder Bay that serves as a popular recreational spot for locals.
Kaministiquia River
The winding 'Kam' River snaking through the landscape as you approach the city from the west.
Thunder Bay Suburbs
Bird's-eye views of the residential neighborhoods and the sprawl of the city during the final approach.
Choose the right side for afternoon flights to keep the sun behind you, which provides better lighting for photos of the boreal forest. This side is also excellent for spotting the transition from wild forest to the urban grid of Thunder Bay. Watch for the 'Intercity' area and the local mall as the plane makes its final turn toward the airport.
Book Hotels in Thunder BayDistance: 348 km (216 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 35 min
Departure: YPL (51.4463996887207, -90.21420288085938)
Arrival: YQT (48.37189865112305, -89.32389831542969)
Route Type: Domestic
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