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YZF destination photo
YRA destination photo

YZFYRA

Which side of the plane to sit from Yellowknife Airport (Yellowknife) to Rae Lakes Airport (Gamètì)?

Our Recommendation
8.5

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers superior views of the vast North Arm of Great Slave Lake and the massive Lac La Martre, providing a more expansive look at the Tłı̨chǫ lands.

Left Side Highlights
8.5
🌊

North Arm of Great Slave

The intricate, rocky shoreline of the Great Slave Lake's northernmost reaches is visible shortly after departure.

🛶

Lac La Martre

A massive, clear lake that dominates the western horizon for a significant portion of the flight.

🌲

Great Slave Plain

Lush boreal forests transition into the scrubby taiga of the subarctic landscape.

For the best experience, book a morning flight to avoid the glare of the southern sun. In winter, this side is ideal for spotting the Aurora Borealis if the flight occurs during the long subarctic nights. Watch for the dramatic change in ice textures on the large lakes during the spring melt in late May.

Right Side Highlights
7.8
🏘️

Yellowknife Skyline

Capture a bird's-eye view of Old Town, Jolliffe Island, and the iconic houseboats during the initial climb.

💎

The Shield Landscape

A mesmerizing pattern of ancient rock and thousands of small, sapphire-colored lakes unique to this Precambrian region.

🦌

Marian River Valley

The winding river corridor below often shows signs of seasonal wildlife movement through the dense muskeg.

Keep your camera ready immediately after takeoff from YZF for the best shots of the city. Use a fast shutter speed to capture the intricate patterns of the Canadian Shield. During autumn (late August to September), look for the vibrant yellow larches and birch trees that create a golden tapestry across the ground.

Top Activities in Gamètì
Route Information

Distance: 233 km (145 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 23 min

Departure: YZF (62.46279907226562, -114.44000244140624)

Arrival: YRA (64.11609649658203, -117.30999755859376)

Route Type: Domestic

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