About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Guarulhos (GRU) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sao Paulo to Toronto. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — São Paulo and the Serra da Cantareira on departure, and Lake Ontario with the Toronto skyline on arrival. The flight path also crosses the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico where left-side passengers may see island chains and coastal geography more directly.
What can I see during takeoff from Guarulhos in Sao Paulo?
During takeoff from Guarulhos (GRU), sit on the Left side for the best views. GRU typically departs on runway 09R/27L or 09L/27R. Northbound departures heading toward the Caribbean will bank left, giving left-side passengers a view back over the Serra da Cantareira and the sprawling São Paulo metro. The Tietê River valley and Guarulhos urban grid are clearly visible on the left during climb-out. Notable sights include: Serra da Cantareira (forested ridge north of São Paulo), Tietê River valley, São Paulo city center skyline to the southwest, Guarulhos urban grid directly below.
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 typically lands on runways 05/23 or 06L/24R. Approaches from the south or southwest bring aircraft over Lake Ontario's north shore, and left-side passengers get a clear view of the Toronto downtown skyline including the CN Tower, the waterfront, and the lake itself stretching to the south horizon. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (vast blue expanse to the south), Toronto downtown skyline with CN Tower, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Humber River valley.
How long is the flight from Sao Paulo to Toronto?
The flight from Guarulhos (GRU) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes Approximately 9 to 10 hours.
What does the Sao Paulo to Toronto flight path pass over?
The route tracks northwest over the Amazon basin (largely cloud-covered), crosses Venezuela and the southern Caribbean Sea, passes near the Lesser Antilles island chain, crosses Cuba or Hispaniola depending on routing, then crosses the Gulf of Mexico or Florida Straits, enters the eastern United States over Florida or Georgia, and tracks north through the Appalachians before crossing into Ontario. Lake Erie may be briefly visible before descent into Toronto.