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YVQ → YEV
Which side of the plane to sit from Norman Wells Airport (Norman Wells) to Inuvik Mike Zubko Airport (Inuvik)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a front-row seat to the massive Mackenzie River and the distant, rugged peaks of the Mackenzie Mountains, providing a grander sense of scale of the Canadian North.
Mackenzie River Valley
Follow the path of Canada's longest river system, featuring massive sandbars and shifting channels.
Mackenzie Mountains
A stunning backdrop of jagged peaks lining the western horizon as you fly northwest.
Pristine Boreal Forest
Dense carpets of black spruce and tamarack that dominate the subarctic landscape.
Peel River Meanders
Intricate, loop-like river patterns visible as you approach the transition to the Mackenzie Delta.
Patterned Ground
Geometric permafrost formations and polygons visible in the soil during the summer months.
For the best experience, choose a window seat in front of the wing to avoid engine heat distortion. In summer, the late evening flights provide a stunning 'Golden Hour' that lasts for hours due to the high latitude. During winter, look for the 'ice road' tracks on the frozen river.
Franklin Mountains
Look for the sharp limestone ridges of the Franklin range shortly after takeoff from Norman Wells.
Thermokarst Lakes
Thousands of small, irregularly shaped lakes formed by thawing permafrost dotting the tundra.
The Mackenzie Delta
As you descend into Inuvik, witness the massive labyrinth of islands and channels where the river meets the Arctic.
Arctic Tundra
The landscape shifts from forest to low-lying shrubs and mosses, especially striking in autumn colors.
The right side is excellent for viewing the complex hydrology of the region, specifically the millions of tiny lakes. If flying in the morning, the light will be behind you, providing clear, high-contrast views of the Franklin Mountains. Keep an eye out for 'Pingo' mounds—ice-cored hills—as you get closer to Inuvik.
Distance: 445 km (277 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 45 min
Departure: YVQ (65.28160095214844, -126.7979965209961)
Arrival: YEV (68.30419921880001, -133.483001709)
Route Type: Domestic
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