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YVQ destination photo
YEV destination photo

YVQYEV

Our Recommendation
8.5

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.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🚣

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.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
⛰️

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.

Top Activities in Inuvik
Route Information

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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