Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Rainier and the Cascades during departure are visually striking and iconic. While the landing approach over Great Slave Lake favors the left, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding for most passengers.
Flown SEA to YZF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Seattle to Yellowknife is 1,082 miles (1,741 km), a flight of about 2 hours 45 minutes.
The flight path crosses northern British Columbia and the southern Northwest Territories. Notable features include the Liard River valley, the Mackenzie Mountains (visible to the east on right-side seats during cruise), and extensive boreal forest and muskeg terrain. The landscape becomes progressively more remote and sparsely populated north of Fort Nelson, BC. At cruise altitude, you may glimpse Hay River (a small settlement on the Hay River) approximately 90 minutes before landing. The terrain transitions from forested valleys to the flatter, lake-dotted landscape characteristic of the Canadian Shield as you approach Yellowknife.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from SEA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during northbound climb-out. The aircraft departs Seattle-Tacoma heading north-northeast, placing these iconic peaks on the right side of the fuselage as you gain altitude over Puget Sound.
Landing at YZF
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of Great Slave Lake and the Yellowknife area during descent. The aircraft approaches from the south-southwest, and Yellowknife sits on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, making left-side windows ideal for viewing the lake's massive expanse and the city's location relative to the water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Yellowknife (YZF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Seattle to Yellowknife. Right-side seats capture the most dramatic scenery: Mount Rainier and the Cascades during departure are visually striking and iconic. While the landing approach over Great Slave Lake favors the left, the takeoff experience is more visually rewarding for most passengers.
What can I see during takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International in Seattle?
During takeoff from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier during northbound climb-out. The aircraft departs Seattle-Tacoma heading north-northeast, placing these iconic peaks on the right side of the fuselage as you gain altitude over Puget Sound. Notable sights include: Mount Rainier (14,411 ft), Cascade Range, Puget Sound, Lake Union.
What can I see when landing at Yellowknife in Yellowknife?
When landing at Yellowknife (YZF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Great Slave Lake and the Yellowknife area during descent. The aircraft approaches from the south-southwest, and Yellowknife sits on the northern shore of Great Slave Lake, making left-side windows ideal for viewing the lake's massive expanse and the city's location relative to the water. Notable sights include: Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife city, Hay River delta, boreal forest.
How long is the flight from Seattle to Yellowknife?
The flight from Seattle Tacoma International (SEA) to Yellowknife (YZF) takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,082 miles (1,741 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Seattle to Yellowknife flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses northern British Columbia and the southern Northwest Territories. Notable features include the Liard River valley, the Mackenzie Mountains (visible to the east on right-side seats during cruise), and extensive boreal forest and muskeg terrain. The landscape becomes progressively more remote and sparsely populated north of Fort Nelson, BC. At cruise altitude, you may glimpse Hay River (a small settlement on the Hay River) approximately 90 minutes before landing. The terrain transitions from forested valleys to the flatter, lake-dotted landscape characteristic of the Canadian Shield as you approach Yellowknife.