The right side scores higher due to superior landing scenery: the Yukon River's dramatic meanders and the city's valley setting provide more visual interest and recognizable landmarks than Yellowknife's departure. While left-side takeoff from Yellowknife offers decent bay views, the landing approach to Whitehorse on the right side is more scenic and distinctive. The flight path crosses relatively uniform boreal forest for most of the cruise, so the endpoints dominate the experience.
Flown YZF to YXY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Yellowknife to Whitehorse is 686 miles (1,104 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Mackenzie Mountains' western foothills and the Peel Plateau, transitioning from the Yellowknife region's relatively flat terrain to the more rugged topography approaching Whitehorse. The Peel River valley and scattered lakes dot the landscape. Most of the cruise occurs over dense boreal forest with occasional river valleys and small settlements. The terrain gradually becomes more mountainous as the aircraft approaches the Yukon Territory's interior.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YZF
LEFTYellowknife sits on the north shore of Yellowknife Bay, an arm of the Great Slave Lake. Left-side departure offers immediate views of the bay's irregular shoreline and the boreal forest transition zone around the city.
Landing at YXY
RIGHTWhitehorse approach from the southeast brings views of the Yukon River valley, the city nestled in the river bend, and the surrounding boreal landscape. Right-side descent offers the most direct views of the river's distinctive meanders and the airport's position relative to the city.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Yellowknife (YZF) to Whitehorse International (YXY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Yellowknife to Whitehorse. The right side scores higher due to superior landing scenery: the Yukon River's dramatic meanders and the city's valley setting provide more visual interest and recognizable landmarks than Yellowknife's departure. While left-side takeoff from Yellowknife offers decent bay views, the landing approach to Whitehorse on the right side is more scenic and distinctive. The flight path crosses relatively uniform boreal forest for most of the cruise, so the endpoints dominate the experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Yellowknife in Yellowknife?
During takeoff from Yellowknife (YZF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Yellowknife sits on the north shore of Yellowknife Bay, an arm of the Great Slave Lake. Left-side departure offers immediate views of the bay's irregular shoreline and the boreal forest transition zone around the city. Notable sights include: Yellowknife Bay, Great Slave Lake northern shore, boreal forest canopy, Dettah settlement across the bay.
What can I see when landing at Whitehorse International in Whitehorse?
When landing at Whitehorse International (YXY), sit on the Right side for the best views. Whitehorse approach from the southeast brings views of the Yukon River valley, the city nestled in the river bend, and the surrounding boreal landscape. Right-side descent offers the most direct views of the river's distinctive meanders and the airport's position relative to the city. Notable sights include: Yukon River and its meanders, Whitehorse city center in river valley, boreal forest surrounding the valley, Whitehorse International Airport runway alignment.
How long is the flight from Yellowknife to Whitehorse?
The flight from Yellowknife (YZF) to Whitehorse International (YXY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 686 miles (1,104 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Yellowknife to Whitehorse flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Mackenzie Mountains' western foothills and the Peel Plateau, transitioning from the Yellowknife region's relatively flat terrain to the more rugged topography approaching Whitehorse. The Peel River valley and scattered lakes dot the landscape. Most of the cruise occurs over dense boreal forest with occasional river valleys and small settlements. The terrain gradually becomes more mountainous as the aircraft approaches the Yukon Territory's interior.