About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Washington to Toronto. The left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the climb out of DCA you get the full Washington DC monumental core, and on descent into YYZ you get the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario. The flight path over Pennsylvania and upstate New York offers some Appalachian ridge views on the left as well, particularly the Susquehanna River valley.
What can I see during takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National in Washington?
During takeoff from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), sit on the Left side for the best views. DCA's primary northbound departures use Runway 1/19. Departing north on Runway 1, the aircraft banks left (west then north), putting the left side over the Potomac River and giving a direct view of the National Mall, the Capitol, and the monuments. The right side faces east toward Arlington and suburban Virginia with far less to see. Notable sights include: National Mall and Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol dome, Potomac River, Georgetown waterfront.
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. YYZ arrivals from the south typically use Runway 23 or 24L/24R, approaching from the northeast over the city. On approach from the east, the left side faces south over downtown Toronto, Lake Ontario, and the Toronto Islands. The right side looks north over suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: Downtown Toronto skyline with CN Tower, Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Humber Bay.
How long is the flight from Washington to Toronto?
The flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
What does the Washington to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over Maryland, crossing the Susquehanna River near the Pennsylvania border, then over the rolling ridges of the Pennsylvania Appalachians including the Valley and Ridge province. North of that, the terrain flattens into the Allegheny Plateau and then the broad agricultural lowlands of upstate New York near the Finger Lakes region before crossing Lake Ontario into Canadian airspace for the descent into Toronto.