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YXJ → YEG
Which side of the plane to sit from Fort St John Airport (Fort Saint John) to Edmonton International Airport (Edmonton)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Peace River's deep valleys immediately after takeoff and a more consistent view of Alberta's northern lake systems and river bends during the descent.
Peace River Valley
Stunning aerial views of the massive, winding river valley carved deep into the plateau shortly after departing YXJ.
Boreal Forest Canopy
Dense expanses of spruce and pine forests mixed with muskeg, showing the rugged nature of Northern Alberta.
Lesser Slave Lake
Distant views of the northern shoreline of one of Alberta's largest lakes, often visible on clear days to the northeast.
North Edmonton Suburbs
Aerial perspectives of St. Albert and the northern reaches of the capital city as you begin the final approach.
Choose the left side for morning flights to keep the sun behind you for better photography. Watch closely within the first 10 minutes of flight for the sharp 'S' curves of the Peace River. In winter, the frozen river patterns are particularly photogenic against the snow-covered valley walls.
Rocky Mountain Foothills
On clear days, the distant silhouette of the Canadian Rockies and their foothills are visible to the far southwest.
Peace Region Farmland
The unique geometric patchwork of fertile agricultural land that defines the region's northern farming industry.
Wabamun Lake
A large, popular recreational lake located just west of Edmonton, visible during the late stages of the flight.
Edmonton Skyline
Potential views of the downtown core and the Walterdale Bridge if the aircraft approaches YEG from the north.
Sit on the right for evening flights to catch the sunset over the distant foothills. Keep an eye out for the Swan Hills region, a high-elevation forested area that stands out from the surrounding flatter plains. Use a polarized lens if shooting through the window to cut through the haze over the mountains.
Distance: 563 km (350 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 56 min
Departure: YXJ (56.23809814453125, -120.73999786376952)
Arrival: YEG (53.3097000122, -113.580001831)
Route Type: Domestic
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