About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Charlotte to Toronto. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — Lake Norman and Charlotte on departure, and Lake Ontario with the Toronto skyline on approach. During the cruise portion heading northeast, the left side also tracks closer to the Appalachian ridgelines visible in Virginia and West Virginia before the terrain flattens into the Great Lakes lowlands.
What can I see during takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International in Charlotte?
During takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT), sit on the Left side for the best views. CLT's primary departure runway 18C/36C means northbound departures head roughly north, putting the Charlotte city skyline and uptown district off the left (west) side during initial climb. The left side also captures Lake Norman to the northwest as the aircraft gains altitude. Notable sights include: Charlotte uptown skyline, Lake Norman, Catawba River corridor, Lake Wylie to the southwest.
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 or 06L/24R. Arrivals from the south on runway 05 or 06L approach from the southwest, putting Lake Ontario and the Toronto downtown skyline off the left side as the aircraft descends over the western suburbs. The CN Tower and waterfront are clearly visible from the left window during this approach. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto downtown skyline and CN Tower, Hamilton Harbour to the west, Niagara Peninsula on the far horizon.
How long is the flight from Charlotte to Toronto?
The flight from Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
What does the Charlotte to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Virginia Piedmont, crossing the Blue Ridge and Appalachian ridges in western Virginia which are visible as parallel forested ridgelines from altitude. Over West Virginia and southern Ohio the terrain flattens. Lake Erie becomes visible on the left as the aircraft descends into Ontario, with the Niagara Peninsula and the faint line of Niagara Falls gorge potentially visible in clear conditions before the final approach into Pearson.