While the right side has a good show at departure with the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, the left side delivers the iconic Toronto skyline and CN Tower on approach, which is the more memorable and visually distinctive payoff of the two. On a short flight like this, the landing view tends to dominate the experience.
Flown DTW to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Toronto is 214 miles (344 km), a flight of about 50 minutes.
The flight crosses Lake St. Clair almost immediately after departure, then tracks northeast over southwestern Ontario farmland — flat, heavily agricultural terrain with a grid of rural roads. You pass near Chatham-Kent and then over the northern shore of Lake Erie briefly before crossing into the Greater Golden Horseshoe region approaching Toronto. Lake Ontario becomes visible on the left side well before descent begins.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTDTW's primary departures heading northeast toward Toronto typically use runways oriented roughly east-northeast. A right-side seat gives you a view back over the Detroit River and the Windsor, Ontario skyline across the water as you climb out. You can also catch the southern edge of Lake St. Clair as the aircraft banks toward its course.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTArrivals into YYZ from the southwest commonly use runways oriented roughly east-west or northeast-southwest, with the approach tracking over Lake Ontario. A left-side seat on approach from the west gives you a clear view of the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, the downtown waterfront, and the expanse of Lake Ontario stretching south. This is one of the more dramatic urban approach views in North America.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Toronto. While the right side has a good show at departure with the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, the left side delivers the iconic Toronto skyline and CN Tower on approach, which is the more memorable and visually distinctive payoff of the two. On a short flight like this, the landing view tends to dominate the experience.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. DTW's primary departures heading northeast toward Toronto typically use runways oriented roughly east-northeast. A right-side seat gives you a view back over the Detroit River and the Windsor, Ontario skyline across the water as you climb out. You can also catch the southern edge of Lake St. Clair as the aircraft banks toward its course. Notable sights include: Detroit River waterfront, Windsor Ontario across the river, Lake St. Clair to the northeast, suburban Detroit grid spreading 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. Arrivals into YYZ from the southwest commonly use runways oriented roughly east-west or northeast-southwest, with the approach tracking over Lake Ontario. A left-side seat on approach from the west gives you a clear view of the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, the downtown waterfront, and the expanse of Lake Ontario stretching south. This is one of the more dramatic urban approach views in North America. Notable sights include: CN Tower and Toronto downtown skyline, Lake Ontario waterfront, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Mississauga suburban sprawl.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Toronto?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 214 miles (344 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight crosses Lake St. Clair almost immediately after departure, then tracks northeast over southwestern Ontario farmland — flat, heavily agricultural terrain with a grid of rural roads. You pass near Chatham-Kent and then over the northern shore of Lake Erie briefly before crossing into the Greater Golden Horseshoe region approaching Toronto. Lake Ontario becomes visible on the left side well before descent begins.