While takeoff favors the right for mountain views, the landing approach on the North Saskatchewan River valley is the flight's most distinctive visual feature. Left-side seats capture this dramatic river approach and Edmonton's skyline, making it the stronger overall choice for this route.
Flown YXY to YEG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Whitehorse to Edmonton is 950 miles (1,528 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Mackenzie Mountains (visible to the east/right around 1 hour into flight), then transitions over the boreal forest plateau of central Yukon and northern British Columbia. The landscape is predominantly unbroken forest with scattered lakes and river valleys. No major cities are visible along the route. The terrain gradually becomes flatter as the aircraft approaches Alberta, with the Rocky Mountains visible to the west (left) but at significant distance from the flight path.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YXY
RIGHTWhitehorse typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats capture the Yukon River valley and the St. Elias Mountains to the southeast, which dominate the initial climb-out. Left side faces the flatter terrain north of the airport.
Landing at YEG
LEFTEdmonton typically lands from the north on runways 29L/29R or occasionally from the east. Left-side seats on approach from the north offer views of the North Saskatchewan River valley, the river's dramatic meanders, and downtown Edmonton's skyline. This is the most visually distinctive feature of the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Whitehorse International (YXY) to Edmonton International (YEG)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Whitehorse to Edmonton. While takeoff favors the right for mountain views, the landing approach on the North Saskatchewan River valley is the flight's most distinctive visual feature. Left-side seats capture this dramatic river approach and Edmonton's skyline, making it the stronger overall choice for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Whitehorse International in Whitehorse?
During takeoff from Whitehorse International (YXY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Whitehorse typically departs to the south or southeast. Right-side seats capture the Yukon River valley and the St. Elias Mountains to the southeast, which dominate the initial climb-out. Left side faces the flatter terrain north of the airport. Notable sights include: Yukon River (visible as a braided watercourse below), St. Elias Mountains (southeastern horizon), Whitehorse city grid (directly below during initial climb), boreal forest canopy (surrounding terrain).
What can I see when landing at Edmonton International in Edmonton?
When landing at Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Edmonton typically lands from the north on runways 29L/29R or occasionally from the east. Left-side seats on approach from the north offer views of the North Saskatchewan River valley, the river's dramatic meanders, and downtown Edmonton's skyline. This is the most visually distinctive feature of the approach. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River (prominent meanders and valley), Edmonton downtown core (high-rise cluster), Whyte Avenue district (visible grid pattern south of river), boreal forest transition zone (surrounding terrain).
How long is the flight from Whitehorse to Edmonton?
The flight from Whitehorse International (YXY) to Edmonton International (YEG) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 950 miles (1,528 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Whitehorse to Edmonton flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Mackenzie Mountains (visible to the east/right around 1 hour into flight), then transitions over the boreal forest plateau of central Yukon and northern British Columbia. The landscape is predominantly unbroken forest with scattered lakes and river valleys. No major cities are visible along the route. The terrain gradually becomes flatter as the aircraft approaches Alberta, with the Rocky Mountains visible to the west (left) but at significant distance from the flight path.