While takeoff offers right-side views of the Yukon River departure, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with the St. Elias Mountains, Whitehorse city, and the river valley all visible together. The landing experience is more visually rewarding overall.
Flown YDA to YXY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Dawson to Whitehorse is 264 miles (426 km), a flight of about 1 hour.
The flight path follows the Yukon River valley southwestward for most of the journey. Notable features include the river's meandering course through boreal forest, scattered lakes and muskeg terrain visible from altitude, and the gradual approach to higher terrain as the aircraft nears Whitehorse. The landscape remains predominantly forested throughout, with the St. Elias Mountains becoming increasingly prominent on the southern horizon as the aircraft descends toward Whitehorse.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YDA
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Yukon River valley as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Dawson. The river's distinctive meandering course and the surrounding boreal forest provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb.
Landing at YXY
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Whitehorse, with clear sightlines to the Yukon River valley, the city itself nestled along the river, and the St. Elias Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop to the south and southeast.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Dawson (YDA) to Whitehorse International (YXY)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Dawson to Whitehorse. While takeoff offers right-side views of the Yukon River departure, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic scenery with the St. Elias Mountains, Whitehorse city, and the river valley all visible together. The landing experience is more visually rewarding overall.
What can I see during takeoff from Dawson in Dawson?
During takeoff from Dawson (YDA), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Yukon River valley as the aircraft climbs southwestward from Dawson. The river's distinctive meandering course and the surrounding boreal forest provide immediate visual interest during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Yukon River (northbound meanders visible below), Dawson City grid layout, Midnight Dome to the east, boreal forest canopy.
What can I see when landing at Whitehorse International in Whitehorse?
When landing at Whitehorse International (YXY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Whitehorse, with clear sightlines to the Yukon River valley, the city itself nestled along the river, and the St. Elias Mountains forming a dramatic backdrop to the south and southeast. Notable sights include: Yukon River (wide valley section), Whitehorse city and airport, St. Elias Mountains (southern horizon), boreal forest and muskeg terrain.
How long is the flight from Dawson to Whitehorse?
The flight from Dawson (YDA) to Whitehorse International (YXY) takes about 1 hour. The shortest flight path between them is 264 miles (426 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Dawson to Whitehorse flight path pass over?
The flight path follows the Yukon River valley southwestward for most of the journey. Notable features include the river's meandering course through boreal forest, scattered lakes and muskeg terrain visible from altitude, and the gradual approach to higher terrain as the aircraft nears Whitehorse. The landscape remains predominantly forested throughout, with the St. Elias Mountains becoming increasingly prominent on the southern horizon as the aircraft descends toward Whitehorse.