Loading map...
YSM â YHY
Which side of the plane to sit from Fort Smith Airport (Fort Smith) to Hay River / Merlyn Carter Airport (Hay River)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers spectacular views of the Great Slave Lake's vast shoreline and the complex river systems feeding into it.
Great Slave Lake
The southern shoreline of the deepest lake in North America, appearing as a vast inland sea.
Slave River Meanders
Intricate oxbow lakes and winding sediment-rich channels of the Slave River as it flows north.
Slave River Delta
A complex network of wetlands and islands where the river meets the Great Slave Lake.
Hay River Mouth
The final approach provides a clear view of where the Hay River enters the Great Slave Lake near the town.
The right side is superior for water features. During late afternoon flights, the sun reflects off Great Slave Lake, providing high-contrast views of the river delta. Keep your eyes peeled for the distinct 'line' where the brown river water meets the blue lake water.
Wood Buffalo National Park
Aerial perspective of Canada's largest national park featuring sprawling boreal forests and muskeg.
The Salt Plains
Unique white geological formations created by ancient mineral springs appearing shortly after takeoff.
Wilderness Corridors
Remote tracks and paths through the brush used by the local wood bison and wolf populations.
Caribou Mountains
The distant southern horizon features the rising plateau of the Alberta-NWT borderlands.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Salt Plains shortly after departing Fort Smith. These white patches contrast sharply with the green forest during summer months and look like frozen ripples in winter.
Distance: 229 km (142 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 23 min
Departure: YSM (60.020301818847656, -111.96199798583984)
Arrival: YHY (60.8396987915, -115.782997131)
Route Type: Domestic
Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.