The left side captures the most visually distinct urban and coastal scenery at both ends of the flight—Shanghai's delta cityscape on departure and Toronto's lakeside skyline on arrival—while the long overland Siberian and Arctic cruise segment offers similar terrain regardless of side.
Flight Path
Siberian taiga and river systems, the frozen Arctic Ocean pack ice near the pole, and the tundra and lake-dotted terrain of northern Canada including Hudson Bay's southern shore
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from PVG
LEFTDeparting PVG on a north-northwest heading, the initial left turn toward the Siberia-bound track puts Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the sprawling Yangtze River delta on the left side, while the right side only shows open water of Hangzhou Bay briefly before the coastline recedes.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTArriving from the north over the Ontario countryside, the turn onto final approach for Toronto's runways typically banks left, giving passengers a view of Lake Ontario's shoreline and the downtown Toronto skyline including the CN Tower before touchdown.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Shanghai to Toronto. The left side captures the most visually distinct urban and coastal scenery at both ends of the flight—Shanghai's delta cityscape on departure and Toronto's lakeside skyline on arrival—while the long overland Siberian and Arctic cruise segment offers similar terrain regardless of side.
What can I see during takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International in Shanghai?
During takeoff from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing PVG on a north-northwest heading, the initial left turn toward the Siberia-bound track puts Shanghai's Pudong skyline and the sprawling Yangtze River delta on the left side, while the right side only shows open water of Hangzhou Bay briefly before the coastline recedes. Notable sights include: Pudong skyline, Yangtze River mouth, Chongming Island, Hangzhou Bay coastline.
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. Arriving from the north over the Ontario countryside, the turn onto final approach for Toronto's runways typically banks left, giving passengers a view of Lake Ontario's shoreline and the downtown Toronto skyline including the CN Tower before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto downtown skyline, CN Tower, Toronto Islands.
How long is the flight from Shanghai to Toronto?
The flight from Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes 13h 30m.
What does the Shanghai to Toronto flight path pass over?
Siberian taiga and river systems, the frozen Arctic Ocean pack ice near the pole, and the tundra and lake-dotted terrain of northern Canada including Hudson Bay's southern shore