While takeoff offers dramatic mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained scenic interest with Lake Ontario and Toronto's skyline. For a 16-17 hour flight, the landing experience carries more weight in seat selection.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean (no landmarks visible for 8-10 hours), then passes over western North America. Notable features include the Rocky Mountains (visible from altitude around 10-12 hours into flight, appearing as a north-south ridge system across the western horizon), the Great Plains (vast, featureless terrain), and the Great Lakes region (Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Ontario visible as massive water bodies in the final 2-3 hours of approach). The flight path typically crosses the continental divide in British Columbia, then descends over the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTLeft side seats face northwest during Sydney's typical departure routing, offering immediate views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea coastline. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTRight side seats offer views during Toronto's typical approach from the east, with Lake Ontario dominating the view and the city skyline visible ahead. Left side faces less scenic inland terrain.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Toronto. While takeoff offers dramatic mountain views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more sustained scenic interest with Lake Ontario and Toronto's skyline. For a 16-17 hour flight, the landing experience carries more weight in seat selection.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side seats face northwest during Sydney's typical departure routing, offering immediate views of the Blue Mountains and the Tasman Sea coastline. Right side faces inland toward less dramatic terrain. Notable sights include: Blue Mountains (visible as a ridgeline 50+ km west), Tasman Sea coastline, Sydney Harbour and city sprawl, Nepean River valley.
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. Right side seats offer views during Toronto's typical approach from the east, with Lake Ontario dominating the view and the city skyline visible ahead. Left side faces less scenic inland terrain. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (massive freshwater expanse), Toronto skyline and downtown core, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline cliffs), Niagara Escarpment (distant ridge to the northwest).
How long is the flight from Sydney to Toronto?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes Approximately 16-17 hours (including typical routing via Pacific and North American airspace).
What does the Sydney to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Pacific Ocean (no landmarks visible for 8-10 hours), then passes over western North America. Notable features include the Rocky Mountains (visible from altitude around 10-12 hours into flight, appearing as a north-south ridge system across the western horizon), the Great Plains (vast, featureless terrain), and the Great Lakes region (Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Ontario visible as massive water bodies in the final 2-3 hours of approach). The flight path typically crosses the continental divide in British Columbia, then descends over the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes.