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YWG → YRL
Which side of the plane to sit from Winnipeg / James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (Winnipeg) to Red Lake Airport (Red Lake)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the Winnipeg city skyline upon departure and a more comprehensive view of the rugged Canadian Shield and the historic gold mining infrastructure surrounding Red Lake.
Winnipeg Skyline
Excellent views of downtown, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Forks at the river confluence.
Whiteshell Wilderness
A stunning mosaic of deep blue glacial lakes and pink granite outcrops typical of the Whiteshell Provincial Park region.
Woodland Caribou Park
Aerial views of a massive, roadless wilderness area known as the 'Serengeti of the North' for its caribou herds.
Gold Mine Headframes
During the final descent, look for the industrial structures of some of the world's richest gold mines scattered around Red Lake.
The right side is ideal for photography during late afternoon flights, as the sun illuminates the granite cliffs and lakes of the Shield. Keep your camera ready during the first 5 minutes for the Winnipeg city loop and the last 10 minutes for the industrial landscape of the Red Lake mining district.
Red River Basin
Watch the muddy Red River meander north through the flat, fertile agricultural plains of the Manitoba Lowlands.
Lake Winnipeg Horizon
On clear days, look toward the northern horizon to see the vast expanse of the world's 11th largest freshwater lake.
Winnipeg River Hydro
Spot the significant hydroelectric dams and generating stations near the town of Lac du Bonnet.
Boreal Transition
Observe the stark ecological 'wall' where the flat prairie farmland abruptly turns into dense boreal forest and rock.
Choose the left side for morning flights to avoid direct sun glare. This side is better for spotting the southern basin of Lake Winnipeg in the distance. Watch for the change in water color as you move from the silt-heavy Red River valley into the clear, rock-filtered lakes of the Shield.
Distance: 276 km (171 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 28 min
Departure: YWG (49.909999847399995, -97.2398986816)
Arrival: YRL (51.06689834594727, -93.79309844970705)
Route Type: Domestic
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