Windsor to Toronto is 194 miles (312 km), a flight of about 40 minutes.
The left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — the Detroit River and Ambassador Bridge on departure, and the CN Tower and Lake Ontario on approach. The flight is too brief for meaningful en-route scenery, so the takeoff and landing views are what matter, and left wins both.
Flight Path
The flight tracks northeast over flat southwestern Ontario farmland — the Chatham-Kent agricultural plain, with a patchwork of rectangular farm fields, small towns, and the Thames River valley visible below. At cruising altitude the terrain is uniformly flat with little dramatic geography. Lake Erie's northern shore may be briefly visible to the south on the left side early in the flight.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from YQG
LEFTWindsor Airport typically departs northeast on runway 25/07. Departing on runway 07 heading northeast, the left side gives you a clear view over the Detroit River and downtown Windsor, with Detroit's skyline directly across the water. You'll also see Lake St. Clair opening up to the north as you climb out.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTPearson typically lands from the west on runways 23/24L/24R, meaning the approach track comes in from the southwest. On a left-side seat during final approach, you get a clear view of downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower, Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, and the city's dense urban core. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Windsor (YQG) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Windsor to Toronto. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — the Detroit River and Ambassador Bridge on departure, and the CN Tower and Lake Ontario on approach. The flight is too brief for meaningful en-route scenery, so the takeoff and landing views are what matter, and left wins both.
What can I see during takeoff from Windsor in Windsor?
During takeoff from Windsor (YQG), sit on the Left side for the best views. Windsor Airport typically departs northeast on runway 25/07. Departing on runway 07 heading northeast, the left side gives you a clear view over the Detroit River and downtown Windsor, with Detroit's skyline directly across the water. You'll also see Lake St. Clair opening up to the north as you climb out. Notable sights include: Detroit River and Ambassador Bridge, Downtown Detroit skyline across the river, Lake St. Clair to the north, Windsor urban grid below.
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. Pearson typically lands from the west on runways 23/24L/24R, meaning the approach track comes in from the southwest. On a left-side seat during final approach, you get a clear view of downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower, Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, and the city's dense urban core. The right side faces north toward suburban sprawl with far less visual interest. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Mississauga urban area on approach.
How long is the flight from Windsor to Toronto?
The flight from Windsor (YQG) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 40 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 194 miles (312 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Windsor to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over flat southwestern Ontario farmland — the Chatham-Kent agricultural plain, with a patchwork of rectangular farm fields, small towns, and the Thames River valley visible below. At cruising altitude the terrain is uniformly flat with little dramatic geography. Lake Erie's northern shore may be briefly visible to the south on the left side early in the flight.