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YRL → ZSJ
Which side of the plane to sit from Red Lake Airport (Red Lake) to Sandy Lake Airport (Sandy Lake)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior perspective of the sprawling Trout Lake and the intricate, island-studded North Spirit Lake during the northern ascent across the Canadian Shield.
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Trout Lake
One of the largest and clearest lakes in the Patricia Region, visible shortly after departure from Red Lake.
North Spirit Lake
A stunning collection of narrow channels and secluded bays located roughly halfway through the flight path.
Sandy Lake Approach
An excellent view of the Sandy Lake First Nation community as the aircraft descends towards the northern shore.
The right side is ideal for morning flights for better lighting on the terrain. This side offers the best view of the community layout upon arrival. Look for the white glint of quartz veins in the rocky ridges—a common geological feature of this gold-rich region. In winter, the frozen lakes create a stark, beautiful geometric contrast against the dark spruce forests.
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Boreal Wilderness
Vast, unbroken stretches of the northern boreal forest, appearing as a dense green carpet punctuated by granite outcrops.
Deer Lake
A massive, irregularly shaped body of water with dozens of tiny islands and deep bays visible to the west.
Berens River System
A complex network of heritage waterways that have served as vital transportation routes for the Anishinaabe for millennia.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. Keep an eye out for the distinct 'ribbon' patterns of the wetlands which indicate the region's unique drainage systems. Best views occur mid-flight when the altitude is high enough to see the horizon's curve over the shield.
Get eSIMs for Canada
Get eSIMs for CanadaDistance: 224 km (139 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 22 min
Departure: YRL (51.06689834594727, -93.79309844970705)
Arrival: ZSJ (53.06420135498047, -93.34439849853516)
Route Type: Domestic
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