The right side offers the only real scenic payoff on this short flight: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at departure, and Toronto's skyline with Lake Ontario at arrival. The left side faces inland farmland and suburbs for the entire flight with no comparable landmarks.
Flight Path
Southern Michigan farmland and small lakes, with the flight path passing north of Lake Erie's western basin before descending into southern Ontario's flat agricultural countryside.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from ORD
RIGHTEastbound departures from ORD typically track south of the field before turning onto course toward Toronto, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the southern tip of Lake Michigan on the right side. The left side only shows flat Chicago suburbs and farmland with no distinguishing features.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTArrivals into YYZ from the southwest typically curve toward the southern runways, revealing Lake Ontario's shoreline and downtown Toronto's skyline off the right side during the final turn. The left side shows only Ontario farmland and highway interchanges with no major landmarks.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Chicago to Toronto. The right side offers the only real scenic payoff on this short flight: Chicago's skyline and Lake Michigan at departure, and Toronto's skyline with Lake Ontario at arrival. The left side faces inland farmland and suburbs for the entire flight with no comparable landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Chicago Ohare International in Chicago?
During takeoff from Chicago Ohare International (ORD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Eastbound departures from ORD typically track south of the field before turning onto course toward Toronto, putting downtown Chicago's skyline and the southern tip of Lake Michigan on the right side. The left side only shows flat Chicago suburbs and farmland with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Chicago skyline (Willis Tower, Loop high-rises), Lake Michigan shoreline, Midway Airport area, southern Chicago suburbs.
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. Arrivals into YYZ from the southwest typically curve toward the southern runways, revealing Lake Ontario's shoreline and downtown Toronto's skyline off the right side during the final turn. The left side shows only Ontario farmland and highway interchanges with no major landmarks. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, downtown Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, Toronto Islands, Mississauga high-rise clusters near the airport.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Toronto?
The flight from Chicago Ohare International (ORD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes 1h 35m.
What does the Chicago to Toronto flight path pass over?
Southern Michigan farmland and small lakes, with the flight path passing north of Lake Erie's western basin before descending into southern Ontario's flat agricultural countryside.