Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Vancouver. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. Over the Pacific the views are largely featureless ocean regardless of side, but the left seat delivers Manila Bay on departure and the full Vancouver-North Shore panorama on arrival, making it the clear choice for the bookend scenery that defines this route.

During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA typically departs northward on runway 06/24 or 13/31. A northbound or northwestbound departure puts Manila Bay on the left side, with the city skyline of Makati and the historic walled city of Intramuros visible before the aircraft turns toward the South China Sea. The left seat captures the full sweep of the bay and the Cavite peninsula. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Makati CBD skyline, Cavite peninsula, Laguna de Bay (visible to the southeast on left during initial climb).

When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR's primary arrival from the east or southeast on runway 26L/26R brings the aircraft over the Fraser River delta and then across the Strait of Georgia. Left-side seats get a clear view of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore mountains including the Garibaldi massif, and the Gulf Islands scattered across the strait. The right side faces south toward the flat farmland of the Fraser delta with less visual drama. Notable sights include: Downtown Vancouver skyline, North Shore mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress), Fraser River delta, Gulf Islands in the Strait of Georgia.

The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes Approximately 12 to 13 hours.

The great circle route from Manila to Vancouver arcs northward over the Philippine Sea, then crosses the western Pacific passing east of Japan and the Kuril Islands, over the Aleutian Island chain of Alaska (occasionally visible on clear days as dark volcanic peaks emerging from the North Pacific), then across the Gulf of Alaska and the rugged British Columbia coast ranges before descending into the Fraser Valley. The Aleutians are the most distinctive mid-flight geographic feature, appearing as a chain of dark treeless volcanic islands strung across the ocean below.