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