Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise northward, the left side also tracks closer to the Susquehanna River valley and the southern Finger Lakes region of New York, offering more geographic variety than the right side's view over central Pennsylvania and Lake Erie's southern shore.
Flown PHL to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Philadelphia to Toronto is 347 miles (558 km), a flight of about 1 hour 25 minutes.
The route crosses the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, then passes over the rolling hills of the Southern Tier of New York State. The northern Appalachian ridges flatten into the Finger Lakes region — Seneca and Cayuga Lakes may be visible as long narrow blue strips on the left side at cruise altitude. The route then crosses Lake Ontario's eastern basin before descending into Toronto.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PHL
LEFTPHL's primary departure runways (27L/27R) head west, then aircraft typically turn north. A left/south-facing seat captures the Philadelphia skyline, the Delaware River, and the broad sweep of South Jersey flatlands. Right seats face northwest into suburban sprawl with less visual interest.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTYYZ's primary landing runways (05/06L/06R) bring aircraft in from the southwest over Lake Ontario. A left seat faces south toward the lake and gives a prolonged view of Toronto's downtown skyline, the CN Tower, and the Lake Ontario shoreline on approach. Right seats face north into suburban Mississauga and Brampton with little of interest.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Philadelphia to Toronto. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. During the cruise northward, the left side also tracks closer to the Susquehanna River valley and the southern Finger Lakes region of New York, offering more geographic variety than the right side's view over central Pennsylvania and Lake Erie's southern shore.
What can I see during takeoff from Philadelphia International in Philadelphia?
During takeoff from Philadelphia International (PHL), sit on the Left side for the best views. PHL's primary departure runways (27L/27R) head west, then aircraft typically turn north. A left/south-facing seat captures the Philadelphia skyline, the Delaware River, and the broad sweep of South Jersey flatlands. Right seats face northwest into suburban sprawl with less visual interest. Notable sights include: Philadelphia city skyline and Center City towers, Delaware River curving south toward Wilmington, Delaware Memorial Bridge twin spans visible to the southwest, Philadelphia Sports Complex stadiums clustered at the south end of the city.
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's primary landing runways (05/06L/06R) bring aircraft in from the southwest over Lake Ontario. A left seat faces south toward the lake and gives a prolonged view of Toronto's downtown skyline, the CN Tower, and the Lake Ontario shoreline on approach. Right seats face north into suburban Mississauga and Brampton with little of interest. Notable sights include: CN Tower and Toronto downtown skyline rising above the lake plain, Lake Ontario's vast blue-grey expanse stretching to the southern horizon, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport sitting just offshore in the lake, Humber Bay and the curved western Toronto waterfront.
How long is the flight from Philadelphia to Toronto?
The flight from Philadelphia International (PHL) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 347 miles (558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Philadelphia to Toronto flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, then passes over the rolling hills of the Southern Tier of New York State. The northern Appalachian ridges flatten into the Finger Lakes region — Seneca and Cayuga Lakes may be visible as long narrow blue strips on the left side at cruise altitude. The route then crosses Lake Ontario's eastern basin before descending into Toronto.