YHY

Best window seat at Hay River

Which side of the plane?

Pick the window seat with the view. 13,500 routes answered — landmarks, coastlines and cities, wing by wing.

Taking offLEFT

Mackenzie River, Great Slave Lake northern shoreline, Hay River settlement

LandingLEFT

Hay River, Hay River proper, Mackenzie River system to the south

🛫 Taking Off from Hay River (YHY)

Best sideLeft
WhyRunway 32 (NW departure) climbs toward the Mackenzie River valley and Great Slave Lake shoreline to the northwest. The left side offers views of the river's braided channels and the lake's northern arm as you climb out, while the right side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive features.
Look forMackenzie River (braided channels visible below), Great Slave Lake northern shoreline, Hay River settlement (receding behind), boreal forest canopy

🛬 Landing at Hay River (YHY)

Best sideLeft
WhyLanding on runway 14 (southeast heading) puts the left side facing southwest toward the Hay River valley and the broader Mackenzie River system. You'll see the river's meandering course and the landscape that defines this region's geography during final approach.
Look forHay River (town), Hay River proper (waterway), Mackenzie River system to the south, boreal forest terrain

Hay River Airport is a small regional facility with a single paved runway and a shorter secondary gravel/composite strip, typical of northern Canadian airports serving limited scheduled traffic and charter flights.

⛰️ Elevation545 ft
🛫 Runways2 (14/32, 05/23)

Connecting at YHY?

Find out if your layover is long enough at Hay River.

Check layover times →

About This Airport

Which side of the plane has the best views at Hay River (YHY)?

At Hay River in Hay River: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Mackenzie River (braided channels visible below), Great Slave Lake northern shoreline, Hay River settlement (receding behind), boreal forest canopy.

What can I see during takeoff from Hay River in Hay River?

When taking off from Hay River (YHY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Runway 32 (NW departure) climbs toward the Mackenzie River valley and Great Slave Lake shoreline to the northwest. The left side offers views of the river's braided channels and the lake's northern arm as you climb out, while the right side faces inland terrain with fewer distinctive features. Notable sights include: Mackenzie River (braided channels visible below), Great Slave Lake northern shoreline, Hay River settlement (receding behind), boreal forest canopy.

What can I see when landing at Hay River in Hay River?

When landing at Hay River (YHY), sit on the Left side for the best views. Landing on runway 14 (southeast heading) puts the left side facing southwest toward the Hay River valley and the broader Mackenzie River system. You'll see the river's meandering course and the landscape that defines this region's geography during final approach. Notable sights include: Hay River (town), Hay River proper (waterway), Mackenzie River system to the south, boreal forest terrain.

What factors affect the best window seat at Hay River?

The best window seat at Hay River (YHY) depends on several factors: the typical runway used for your departure or arrival, the geographic features around Hay River (mountains, coastlines, city skylines), weather conditions, and time of day. Morning and evening flights often offer the best lighting for scenic views.