Right-side seats capture the dramatic Icelandic departure scenery (lava fields, coastal features, and bay geography) which is more visually distinctive than the approach. While the Toronto landing offers urban interest, the Reykjavik takeoff provides more geologically striking views.
Flown RKV to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Toronto is 2,612 miles (4,204 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). At midpoint, the aircraft is over open ocean with no visible landmarks—only water and sky. The route passes south of Greenland's coast (not visible at cruise altitude due to distance and haze). Notable waypoints include the Davis Strait region and approach to the Canadian Arctic archipelago's southern edge, though these remain distant and largely invisible at cruise altitude. The most dramatic scenery occurs during the first 90 minutes (Icelandic departure) and final 60 minutes (Great Lakes and Toronto approach).
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the coastal geography immediately after departure. The standard departure route heads northwest over Faxaflói Bay, making right-side seats optimal for viewing the immediate landscape.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views during the descent approach into Toronto. The standard approach from the northeast brings aircraft over Lake Ontario, and left-side seats face the lake, the Toronto waterfront, and the city skyline during final descent.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Toronto. Right-side seats capture the dramatic Icelandic departure scenery (lava fields, coastal features, and bay geography) which is more visually distinctive than the approach. While the Toronto landing offers urban interest, the Reykjavik takeoff provides more geologically striking views.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Reykjavik's harbor, the surrounding lava fields, and the coastal geography immediately after departure. The standard departure route heads northwest over Faxaflói Bay, making right-side seats optimal for viewing the immediate landscape. Notable sights include: Reykjavik city center and Old Harbor, Faxaflói Bay coastline, dark basalt lava fields (Eldhraun region visible further out), Mount Esja across the bay to the northeast.
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 views during the descent approach into Toronto. The standard approach from the northeast brings aircraft over Lake Ontario, and left-side seats face the lake, the Toronto waterfront, and the city skyline during final descent. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (vast freshwater body), Toronto waterfront and CN Tower, the Greater Toronto Area urban sprawl extending inland, Scarborough Bluffs (erosional cliffs on the eastern lakeshore).
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Toronto?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,612 miles (4,204 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet). At midpoint, the aircraft is over open ocean with no visible landmarks—only water and sky. The route passes south of Greenland's coast (not visible at cruise altitude due to distance and haze). Notable waypoints include the Davis Strait region and approach to the Canadian Arctic archipelago's southern edge, though these remain distant and largely invisible at cruise altitude. The most dramatic scenery occurs during the first 90 minutes (Icelandic departure) and final 60 minutes (Great Lakes and Toronto approach).