Left side wins at both ends of this short flight. Over the lake itself there is little to differentiate sides, but the left seat captures Cleveland's lakefront on departure and Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario shoreline on approach, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
Flown CLE to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cleveland to Toronto is 193 miles (311 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight crosses directly over Lake Erie for most of its duration, with the Ontario shoreline and the Niagara Peninsula visible to the east as you approach Canadian airspace. The lake surface dominates the view from both sides at cruise altitude. On clear days the far shore of Lake Erie may be faintly visible near the midpoint. The flight then crosses the Lake Erie north shore near Port Stanley or Long Point before tracking northeast over the agricultural flatlands of southwestern Ontario toward Toronto.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLE
LEFTCleveland Hopkins runways 06/24 and 10/28 are the primary runways. Departing northeast toward Toronto, a left-side seat gives you a clear view back over downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie's southern shoreline as you climb out. The city grid and the Cuyahoga River valley are distinctly visible before the aircraft turns northeast over the lake.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTPearson typically uses runways 05/23 and 06L/24R, with approaches from the southwest or southeast. On approach from the southwest over Lake Ontario, the left side gives you the best view of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, and the city spreading east along the waterfront. Right side faces away toward suburban Mississauga.
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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 Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Toronto. Left side wins at both ends of this short flight. Over the lake itself there is little to differentiate sides, but the left seat captures Cleveland's lakefront on departure and Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario shoreline on approach, making it the clear choice for the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Cleveland Hopkins runways 06/24 and 10/28 are the primary runways. Departing northeast toward Toronto, a left-side seat gives you a clear view back over downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie's southern shoreline as you climb out. The city grid and the Cuyahoga River valley are distinctly visible before the aircraft turns northeast over the lake. Notable sights include: Downtown Cleveland skyline, Cuyahoga River valley, Lake Erie southern shoreline, Cleveland lakefront port and Burke Lakefront Airport.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Pearson typically uses runways 05/23 and 06L/24R, with approaches from the southwest or southeast. On approach from the southwest over Lake Ontario, the left side gives you the best view of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, and the city spreading east along the waterfront. Right side faces away toward suburban Mississauga. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario northern shoreline, Toronto downtown skyline with CN Tower, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Humber Bay.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Toronto?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 193 miles (311 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cleveland to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight crosses directly over Lake Erie for most of its duration, with the Ontario shoreline and the Niagara Peninsula visible to the east as you approach Canadian airspace. The lake surface dominates the view from both sides at cruise altitude. On clear days the far shore of Lake Erie may be faintly visible near the midpoint. The flight then crosses the Lake Erie north shore near Port Stanley or Long Point before tracking northeast over the agricultural flatlands of southwestern Ontario toward Toronto.