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YZF → YSM
Which side of the plane to sit from Yellowknife Airport (Yellowknife) to Fort Smith Airport (Fort Smith)?
Left Side of the Plane
The flight from Yellowknife to Fort Smith is most visually striking from the left side, which offers a superior view of the Slave River Delta and the complex network of oxbow lakes and river meanders as you travel south.
Search flights from YZF to YSM
Slave River Delta
The intricate silt-laden islands and channels where the Slave River empties into the southern arm of Great Slave Lake.
River Meanders
Dramatic horseshoe bends and ancient oxbow lakes that create a serpentine pattern across the landscape.
Canadian Shield Edge
The transition between the rugged, rock-laden Canadian Shield and the fertile river valleys of the Northwest Territories.
Northern Boreal Forest
Dense stretches of subarctic spruce and pine that provide a lush green backdrop during the summer months.
Sit on the left to capture the most geographically interesting water features. During the winter, the frozen delta creates stunning white-on-grey geometric patterns. Early morning flights on this side offer beautiful lighting as the sun reflects off the river's winding path.
Get eSIMs for Canada
Get eSIMs for CanadaGreat Slave Lake
The massive expanse of the deepest lake in North America, appearing like an inland sea from the aircraft.
The Salt Plains
Unique white mineral deposits found near Fort Smith within Wood Buffalo National Park, visible as you descend.
Pine Point Site
The remnants of the historic Pine Point mining operation, visible near the southern shore of the lake.
Wood Buffalo NP
Views into the northern boundary of Canada's largest national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The right side is best for witnessing the sheer scale of Great Slave Lake. On the final approach into Fort Smith, look specifically for the Salt Plains, which appear as bright white patches against the green forest floor. Late afternoon flights are better on this side to minimize harsh sun glare.
Book Hotels in Fort SmithDistance: 302 km (188 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 30 min
Departure: YZF (62.46279907226562, -114.44000244140624)
Arrival: YSM (60.020301818847656, -111.96199798583984)
Route Type: Domestic
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