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YRA destination photo
YZF destination photo

YRAYZF

Which side of the plane to sit from Rae Lakes Airport (Gamètì) to Yellowknife Airport (Yellowknife)?

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side of the aircraft offers spectacular views of the North Arm of Great Slave Lake and the transition from the rugged Canadian Shield to the vast inland sea as you approach Yellowknife.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌅

Marian Lake

A large, shallow lake that serves as the gateway to the massive Great Slave Lake system south of Gamètì.

🏘️

Behchokǫ̀ View

The largest Tlicho community is often visible on the shores of the North Arm during the mid-flight segment.

🌊

Great Slave Lake North Arm

Experience the dramatic scale of the deepest lake in North America, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters.

🏠

Yellowknife Old Town

On final approach, spot the iconic houseboats of Yellowknife Bay and the historic rock of The Pilot's Monument.

✈️

YZF Approach

Excellent views of the city's unique layout, carved directly into the rock surrounding the airport runways.

The right side is superior for the arrival phase. If flying in winter, watch for the 'Ice Road' tracks across the frozen Great Slave Lake. During late summer, the low sun angle over the water creates high-contrast views of the rocky islands in the North Arm.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🪨

Canadian Shield Outcrops

Ancient, glacially-scoured granite bedrock formations characteristic of the Tlicho region's unique geology.

🌊

Snare River System

A series of interconnected lakes and river segments that host the region's vital hydroelectric power infrastructure.

🌲

Subarctic Taiga

Dense clusters of black spruce and larch interspersed with muskeg and lichen-covered ground.

🛶

Ingraham Trail Lakes

As you descend, look for the chain of recreational lakes like Prelude and Prosperous Lake winding through the Shield.

Sit on the left for early morning flights to catch the sunrise reflecting off the thousands of tiny unnamed lakes. This side provides a better sense of the sheer vastness of the uninhabited northern wilderness.

Top Activities in Yellowknife
Route Information

Distance: 233 km (145 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 23 min

Departure: YRA (64.11609649658203, -117.30999755859376)

Arrival: YZF (62.46279907226562, -114.44000244140624)

Route Type: Domestic

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