Left side wins both ends of the flight. The Rocky Mountain Front Range on departure is one of the most dramatic views in North American aviation, and the Toronto waterfront and CN Tower approach on arrival is equally rewarding. The right side offers flat plains and Lake Erie glimpses but nothing comparable.
Flown DEN to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Toronto is 1,312 miles (2,111 km), a flight of about 3 hours 40 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the Nebraska and Iowa plains, then across the southern tip of Lake Michigan near Chicago, followed by southern Ontario farmland. Passengers may glimpse the Chicago metro area and the southern shore of Lake Michigan from altitude, and on clear days the flat agricultural patchwork of Indiana and Ohio is visible below.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN's primary departure runways (16L/R heading south, or 35L/R heading north) mean the left side faces west toward the Front Range of the Rockies. As the aircraft climbs out and turns northeast toward Toronto, the left side gets a prolonged view of the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range including Longs Peak and the Denver metro sprawl below.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTAircraft approaching YYZ typically land on runways 05/23 or 06L/R, often coming in from the west or southwest. The left side faces south toward Lake Ontario, giving a clear view of the Toronto waterfront, the downtown skyline with the CN Tower, and the lake itself during the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) 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 wins both ends of the flight. The Rocky Mountain Front Range on departure is one of the most dramatic views in North American aviation, and the Toronto waterfront and CN Tower approach on arrival is equally rewarding. The right side offers flat plains and Lake Erie glimpses but nothing comparable.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN's primary departure runways (16L/R heading south, or 35L/R heading north) mean the left side faces west toward the Front Range of the Rockies. As the aircraft climbs out and turns northeast toward Toronto, the left side gets a prolonged view of the entire Rocky Mountain Front Range including Longs Peak and the Denver metro sprawl below. Notable sights include: Rocky Mountain Front Range (Longs Peak, Mount Evans visible to the southwest), Denver city grid and downtown skyline, Cherry Creek Reservoir southeast of downtown, the high plains stretching east.
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. Aircraft approaching YYZ typically land on runways 05/23 or 06L/R, often coming in from the west or southwest. The left side faces south toward Lake Ontario, giving a clear view of the Toronto waterfront, the downtown skyline with the CN Tower, and the lake itself during the approach. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario and Toronto waterfront, CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Mississauga suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Denver to Toronto?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 3 hours 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,312 miles (2,111 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Nebraska and Iowa plains, then across the southern tip of Lake Michigan near Chicago, followed by southern Ontario farmland. Passengers may glimpse the Chicago metro area and the southern shore of Lake Michigan from altitude, and on clear days the flat agricultural patchwork of Indiana and Ohio is visible below.