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YYQ → YRT
Which side of the plane to sit from Churchill Airport (Churchill) to Rankin Inlet Airport (Rankin Inlet)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a spectacular vantage point of the rugged Hudson Bay coastline, dramatic sea ice patterns, and the unique white quartzite formations of Marble Island.
Hudson Bay Shoreline
The complex meeting point of the Arctic sea and the rocky Keewatin coast.
Sea Ice & Floe Edge
During winter and spring, observe the shifting pack ice and open water leads where wildlife congregates.
Marble Island
A stunning, bright white island of sedimentary rock that stands out sharply against the dark sea.
Coastal Estuaries
Vibrant river mouths where beluga whales are often seen during the summer calving season.
This is the premier side for photography. Sit here to see Marble Island, located approximately 30 kilometers east of Rankin Inlet; its white quartzite cliffs are unmistakable. During winter flights, the low sun angle creates dramatic shadows across the pressure ridges of the sea ice.
The Barren Lands
Infinite stretches of Arctic tundra and the ancient Canadian Shield landscape.
Glacial Kettle Lakes
Thousands of small, crystal-clear lakes formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago.
Caribou Trails
Visible migratory paths etched into the moss and lichen by massive herds over centuries.
Look for the transition from the 'Land of Little Sticks' near Churchill to the true treeless tundra. In late August and September, the ground turns vibrant shades of crimson and gold. Use a high shutter speed to capture the intricate patterns of the eskers and moraines without blur.
Distance: 465 km (289 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 47 min
Departure: YYQ (58.73920059204102, -94.06500244140624)
Arrival: YRT (62.811401367200006, -92.1157989502)
Route Type: Domestic
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