Neither side offers dramatic terrain since this route crosses the flat interior of North America, but the left side captures slightly more landscape variety during departure and cruise, while the right side's advantage is limited to the final few minutes of approach into Toronto.
Flown IAH to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Houston to Toronto is 1,280 miles (2,060 km), a flight of about 2 hours 55 minutes.
Mississippi River valley, rolling farmland of the Ohio Valley, southern Great Lakes region
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from IAH
LEFTDeparting IAH northbound, the left side offers views over Houston's northern suburbs and the flat wooded terrain giving way to the Sabine River basin and eventually the Mississippi River valley below. It's not dramatic but has more variation than the right side's featureless plains.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTOn approach to YYZ from the south/southwest, the right side gives passengers a view of Lake Ontario's shoreline and the Toronto skyline, including the CN Tower and downtown waterfront, as the aircraft turns to line up for the runway.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Houston to Toronto. Neither side offers dramatic terrain since this route crosses the flat interior of North America, but the left side captures slightly more landscape variety during departure and cruise, while the right side's advantage is limited to the final few minutes of approach into Toronto.
What can I see during takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston in Houston?
During takeoff from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing IAH northbound, the left side offers views over Houston's northern suburbs and the flat wooded terrain giving way to the Sabine River basin and eventually the Mississippi River valley below. It's not dramatic but has more variation than the right side's featureless plains. Notable sights include: Houston suburban sprawl, Sam Houston National Forest, Mississippi River (later in cruise).
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to YYZ from the south/southwest, the right side gives passengers a view of Lake Ontario's shoreline and the Toronto skyline, including the CN Tower and downtown waterfront, as the aircraft turns to line up for the runway. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto skyline and CN Tower, Toronto Islands.
How long is the flight from Houston to Toronto?
The flight from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 2 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,280 miles (2,060 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Houston to Toronto flight path pass over?
Mississippi River valley, rolling farmland of the Ohio Valley, southern Great Lakes region