Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery during takeoff and the sustained alpine views during the early cruise phase. While the right side offers Lake Ontario's scenic value during landing, the left side's Front Range mountains provide more consistent visual interest across the full flight duration. The Rockies' vertical relief and snow-capped peaks create more memorable scenery than the relatively flat approach to Toronto.
Flown BJC to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Toronto is 1,333 miles (2,145 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
Nebraska and Iowa plains (flat, minimal landmarks); Missouri River valley near Kansas City area; transition from Great Plains to Mississippi River drainage; Illinois prairie; Lake Michigan's eastern shore near Chicago (visible from altitude); Michigan's Lower Peninsula; crossing into Ontario near the Great Lakes region; approach to Lake Ontario from the west
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BJC
LEFTLeft side (north/northeast) captures the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains immediately after departure from BJC. The dramatic escarpment of the Rockies rises sharply from the Denver metro area, providing striking vertical relief and alpine terrain during climb-out. Right side faces the flat Denver basin and plains extending eastward.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTRight side (south/southwest) during approach to YYZ captures Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during descent. The massive freshwater lake dominates the view, with the Toronto skyline and harbor visible along the shoreline. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic features during the final approach.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Toronto. Left side scores higher due to the dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery during takeoff and the sustained alpine views during the early cruise phase. While the right side offers Lake Ontario's scenic value during landing, the left side's Front Range mountains provide more consistent visual interest across the full flight duration. The Rockies' vertical relief and snow-capped peaks create more memorable scenery than the relatively flat approach to Toronto.
What can I see during takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Denver?
During takeoff from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side (north/northeast) captures the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains immediately after departure from BJC. The dramatic escarpment of the Rockies rises sharply from the Denver metro area, providing striking vertical relief and alpine terrain during climb-out. Right side faces the flat Denver basin and plains extending eastward. Notable sights include: Front Range peaks (including Mount Evans and Longs Peak visible on clear days), Denver metropolitan sprawl below, South Platte River valley, foothills transition zone.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (south/southwest) during approach to YYZ captures Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during descent. The massive freshwater lake dominates the view, with the Toronto skyline and harbor visible along the shoreline. Left side faces inland terrain with less dramatic features during the final approach. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (vast blue expanse), Toronto skyline and downtown core, Toronto Islands (Toronto Island Airport visible), Scarborough Bluffs (erosional cliffs on the eastern shore).
How long is the flight from Denver to Toronto?
The flight from Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,333 miles (2,145 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Toronto flight path pass over?
Nebraska and Iowa plains (flat, minimal landmarks); Missouri River valley near Kansas City area; transition from Great Plains to Mississippi River drainage; Illinois prairie; Lake Michigan's eastern shore near Chicago (visible from altitude); Michigan's Lower Peninsula; crossing into Ontario near the Great Lakes region; approach to Lake Ontario from the west