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YSY → YEV
Which side of the plane to sit from Sachs Harbour (David Nasogaluak Jr. Saaryuaq) Airport (Sachs Harbour) to Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport (Inuvik)?
Right Side of the Plane
The Right Side offers unparalleled views of the Beaufort Sea and the world-renowned Mackenzie River Delta, including the unique pingo formations near Tuktoyaktuk during the descent.
Beaufort Sea Ice
Stunning views of the polar ice pack, lead systems, and pressure ridges extending toward the horizon.
Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula
The remote coastline of the Arctic Ocean, featuring traditional fishing and hunting grounds.
The Pingos
Look for the Pingo Canadian Landmark near Tuktoyaktuk, featuring massive ice-cored mounds rising from the flat landscape.
Mackenzie River Delta
One of the world's largest deltas, a mesmerizing maze of shifting channels, islands, and silt-laden water.
Arctic Treeline
A fascinating ecological transition where the vast tundra finally gives way to the first stunted spruce trees.
The Right Side is essential for seeing the Mackenzie Delta, which is the highlight of the approach. For the best photos of the Pingos, ensure you are looking out approximately 20 minutes before landing in Inuvik. If flying during the Midnight Sun (May-July), the lighting from the north-west creates incredible shadows over the delta channels. Keep your camera shutter speed high to capture the intricate patterns of the braided river systems.
Banks Island Tundra
Aerial views of the stark, beautiful arctic tundra on Banks Island, characterized by polygonal ground patterns.
Amundsen Gulf
Deep blue waters that often remain choked with dramatic white ice floes well into the summer months.
Cape Lambton
High, rugged cliffs at the southern tip of Banks Island, home to various arctic seabird colonies.
Mainland Kettle Lakes
Thousands of tiny, shimmering lakes scattered across the mainland tundra like silver coins.
Wildlife Corridors
Wide-angle views of the barren lands where muskox and caribou herds are occasionally visible against the moss.
On the left, focus on the land-water interface early in the flight for the best chance to spot arctic wildlife near the coast. Use binoculars to scan for the dark shapes of muskoxen. In winter, this side offers the best angle for viewing the low-hanging sun reflecting off the snow-covered Barren Lands.
Distance: 514 km (319 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 51 min
Departure: YSY (71.9938964844, -125.242996216)
Arrival: YEV (68.30419921880001, -133.483001709)
Route Type: Domestic
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