At Fort Smith in Fort Smith: for takeoff, sit on the Left side; for landing, sit on the Left side. Notable views include: Slave River winding through the valley, boreal forest canopy, Fort Smith townsite, Hay River visible in distance to the northwest.

When taking off from Fort Smith (YSM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Fort Smith sits on the Slave River, and departing aircraft typically climb northwestward. The left side offers views of the river valley and the boreal forest landscape stretching toward Yellowknife, while the right side faces less distinctive terrain initially. Notable sights include: Slave River winding through the valley, boreal forest canopy, Fort Smith townsite, Hay River visible in distance to the northwest.

When landing at Fort Smith (YSM), sit on the Left side for the best views. Fort Smith Regional Airport's primary runway (09/27) typically handles approaches from the east, meaning left-side windows face north toward the Slave River valley and the town of Fort Smith itself. You'll see the river's distinctive meanders and the settlement spread along its banks as you descend. Notable sights include: Slave River with its characteristic oxbow bends, Fort Smith townsite along the river, boreal forest canopy, and the relatively flat terrain of the Mackenzie River lowlands.

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