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YSM destination photo
YHY destination photo

YSM → YHY

Our Recommendation
8.4

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.

Right Side Highlights
8.4
🌊

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.

ðŸĶĒ

Slave River Delta

A complex network of wetlands and islands where the river meets the Great Slave Lake.

ðŸ›ķ

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.

Left Side Highlights
7.6
ðŸŒē

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.

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Wilderness Corridors

Remote tracks and paths through the brush used by the local wood bison and wolf populations.

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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.

Top Activities in Hay River
Route Information

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

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