Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery—Pittsburgh's river confluence and Appalachian terrain—is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing offers Lake Ontario and Toronto's skyline, the Pittsburgh departure provides more varied and dramatic geography.
Flown PIT to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Pittsburgh to Toronto is 222 miles (358 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau, passing over the rolling forested terrain of western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable features include the Allegheny Plateau's dissected topography, scattered reservoirs (including Pymatuning Lake near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border), and the transition from Appalachian highlands to the flatter terrain approaching Lake Ontario. The route generally follows a north-northeast bearing, with no major mountain ranges or dramatic landmarks in the midpoint—mostly continuous forest and agricultural land with occasional small towns and lakes visible below.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from PIT
RIGHTRight-side seats offer the best views during Pittsburgh's northbound climb-out. You'll see the Allegheny River winding through the city and the confluence with the Monongahela River, plus the rolling Appalachian terrain spreading northeast toward the flight path.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide superior views during the final approach into Toronto. You'll see Lake Ontario's shoreline, the Toronto waterfront, and the city skyline as you descend over the lake before turning inland for runway alignment.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Pittsburgh to Toronto. Right-side seats win overall because the takeoff scenery—Pittsburgh's river confluence and Appalachian terrain—is more visually distinctive than the landing approach. While the landing offers Lake Ontario and Toronto's skyline, the Pittsburgh departure provides more varied and dramatic geography.
What can I see during takeoff from Pittsburgh International in Pittsburgh?
During takeoff from Pittsburgh International (PIT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer the best views during Pittsburgh's northbound climb-out. You'll see the Allegheny River winding through the city and the confluence with the Monongahela River, plus the rolling Appalachian terrain spreading northeast toward the flight path. Notable sights include: Allegheny River, Monongahela River, Downtown Pittsburgh skyline, Appalachian foothills.
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. Left-side seats provide superior views during the final approach into Toronto. You'll see Lake Ontario's shoreline, the Toronto waterfront, and the city skyline as you descend over the lake before turning inland for runway alignment. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and harbor, Toronto skyline, Scarborough Bluffs.
How long is the flight from Pittsburgh to Toronto?
The flight from Pittsburgh International (PIT) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 222 miles (358 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Pittsburgh to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian plateau, passing over the rolling forested terrain of western Pennsylvania and Ohio. Notable features include the Allegheny Plateau's dissected topography, scattered reservoirs (including Pymatuning Lake near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border), and the transition from Appalachian highlands to the flatter terrain approaching Lake Ontario. The route generally follows a north-northeast bearing, with no major mountain ranges or dramatic landmarks in the midpoint—mostly continuous forest and agricultural land with occasional small towns and lakes visible below.