While takeoff offers river scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto metropolitan area. Left-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features of the destination region.
Flown YAM to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sault Sainte Marie to Toronto is 307 miles (494 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern shore of Lake Huron and passes over the transition zone between the Canadian Shield's boreal forest and the agricultural and settled regions south of Georgian Bay. Visible landmarks during cruise include the northern Lake Huron shoreline, Manitoulin Island (if on a slightly southern routing), and the forested landscape of central Ontario. The flight generally tracks southeast across Ontario's interior before descending toward the Greater Toronto Area.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YAM
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the St. Marys River and the transition from the Sault Ste. Marie urban area into the forested landscape east of the airport. The river is a defining geographic feature at departure and provides immediate visual interest.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent approach into Toronto. You'll see Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Greater Toronto Area's urban sprawl, and the approach path over the lake itself, which offers unobstructed views of the water and coastal development.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Sault Ste Marie (YAM) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sault Sainte Marie to Toronto. While takeoff offers river scenery, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto metropolitan area. Left-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features of the destination region.
What can I see during takeoff from Sault Ste Marie in Sault Sainte Marie?
During takeoff from Sault Ste Marie (YAM), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the St. Marys River and the transition from the Sault Ste. Marie urban area into the forested landscape east of the airport. The river is a defining geographic feature at departure and provides immediate visual interest. Notable sights include: St. Marys River, Sault Ste. Marie city grid, Lake Superior shoreline to the north, boreal forest canopy.
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 excellent views during the descent approach into Toronto. You'll see Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Greater Toronto Area's urban sprawl, and the approach path over the lake itself, which offers unobstructed views of the water and coastal development. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto waterfront and downtown skyline, Scarborough Bluffs, Greater Toronto Area suburban grid.
How long is the flight from Sault Sainte Marie to Toronto?
The flight from Sault Ste Marie (YAM) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 307 miles (494 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sault Sainte Marie to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern shore of Lake Huron and passes over the transition zone between the Canadian Shield's boreal forest and the agricultural and settled regions south of Georgian Bay. Visible landmarks during cruise include the northern Lake Huron shoreline, Manitoulin Island (if on a slightly southern routing), and the forested landscape of central Ontario. The flight generally tracks southeast across Ontario's interior before descending toward the Greater Toronto Area.