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YWK → ZUM
Which side of the plane to sit from Wabush Airport (Wabush) to Churchill Falls Airport (Churchill Falls)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides the most expansive views of the Smallwood Reservoir and the massive network of lakes and dykes that define the Labrador interior's geography.
Smallwood Reservoir
View one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world, a vast expanse of water and islands created for power generation.
Labrador Taiga
Infinite stretches of black spruce and lichen woodland, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Canadian Shield.
Lobstick Lake
A major water body within the reservoir system featuring a complex, jagged shoreline and hundreds of small islands.
Glacial Eskers
Distinctive ridges of sand and gravel deposited by melting glaciers, visible as long winding lines across the landscape.
Sit on the left side during afternoon flights to avoid direct glare while seeing the sunlight reflect off the reservoir system. During winter, look for the 'ice-road' patterns and the contrast between the frozen white lakes and the dark green forest. The approach to Churchill Falls from the west often aligns perfectly for a view of the main reservoir body.
Trans-Labrador Highway
Follow the thin ribbon of Route 500 as it cuts through the absolute wilderness, the only terrestrial link in the region.
Ashuanipi River
A historic waterway that flows northwards, visible shortly after departure from the Wabush area.
Wabush Mines
Large-scale open-pit iron ore mining operations visible immediately after takeoff, showcasing the region's industrial heart.
Churchill River Basin
The deep valleys and drainage basins that eventually lead to the massive Churchill Falls downstream.
Choose the right side if you are interested in the human geography of the region, such as the mining infrastructure and the highway. Morning flights offer the best lighting for this side. As you descend into ZUM, watch for the shift from high plateau to the lower river basin terrain.
Distance: 197 km (122 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 20 min
Departure: YWK (52.92190170288086, -66.86440277099611)
Arrival: ZUM (53.5619010925293, -64.10639953613281)
Route Type: Domestic
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