The right side wins on both ends of the flight—dramatic Bosphorus and Black Sea views on departure from Istanbul, and a Toronto skyline/Lake Ontario view on arrival—while the long mid-ocean cruise over the North Atlantic and Labrador Sea offers only occasional glimpses of southern Greenland's glaciated coast, also favoring the right side given the flight's westward heading.
Flight Path
North Atlantic open ocean, southern tip of Greenland with fjords and glaciers (weather-dependent visibility), Labrador Sea, coastal Labrador and northern Quebec tundra before descending into Ontario
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from IST
RIGHTDeparting IST toward the northwest, the right side gives passengers a clear view down the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Black Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thrace countryside and the less dramatic Sea of Marmara shoreline.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTOn approach into YYZ from the northeast, the right side typically offers a view over Lake Ontario's shoreline and the Toronto skyline, including the CN Tower, before the final turn onto the runway. The left side mostly shows suburban Ontario farmland with no strong landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Toronto. The right side wins on both ends of the flight—dramatic Bosphorus and Black Sea views on departure from Istanbul, and a Toronto skyline/Lake Ontario view on arrival—while the long mid-ocean cruise over the North Atlantic and Labrador Sea offers only occasional glimpses of southern Greenland's glaciated coast, also favoring the right side given the flight's westward heading.
What can I see during takeoff from İstanbul Airport in Istanbul?
During takeoff from İstanbul Airport (IST), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing IST toward the northwest, the right side gives passengers a clear view down the Bosphorus strait, the historic peninsula of Istanbul, and the Black Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out. The left side mostly shows the flatter Thrace countryside and the less dramatic Sea of Marmara shoreline. Notable sights include: Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul's historic peninsula (Topkapi/Hagia Sophia area), Black Sea coastline, Marmara Sea inlets.
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 into YYZ from the northeast, the right side typically offers a view over Lake Ontario's shoreline and the Toronto skyline, including the CN Tower, before the final turn onto the runway. The left side mostly shows suburban Ontario farmland with no strong landmarks. Notable sights include: Toronto skyline and CN Tower, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Humber River mouth.
How long is the flight from Istanbul to Toronto?
The flight from İstanbul Airport (IST) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes 10h 40m.
What does the Istanbul to Toronto flight path pass over?
North Atlantic open ocean, southern tip of Greenland with fjords and glaciers (weather-dependent visibility), Labrador Sea, coastal Labrador and northern Quebec tundra before descending into Ontario