While takeoff slightly favors the right side due to coastal views, the landing experience on the left side—featuring Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline—provides significantly more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery. The landing views outweigh the modest takeoff advantage, making left the better overall choice for this short flight.
Flown YQX to YTZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Gander to Toronto is 1,235 miles (1,987 km), a flight of about 3 hours 5 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Newfoundland's boreal forest and lakes, then transitions over the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region. Notable midpoint features include the interior Newfoundland plateau with scattered lakes, the transition zone between Newfoundland and the mainland (crossing the Gulf of Saint Lawrence or skirting its southern edge depending on routing), and the approach to the Great Lakes basin with Lake Ontario becoming visible approximately 30 minutes before landing.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YQX
RIGHTRight side offers slightly better initial views of Gander's coastal setting and the transition from the Atlantic shoreline inland, whereas left side departs over open ocean immediately.
Landing at YTZ
LEFTLeft side provides superior views during the Toronto approach, including Lake Ontario's expanse, the Toronto waterfront, and the city skyline as the aircraft descends toward City Centre Airport on the Toronto Islands.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gander International (YQX) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Gander to Toronto. While takeoff slightly favors the right side due to coastal views, the landing experience on the left side—featuring Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline—provides significantly more dramatic and recognizable urban scenery. The landing views outweigh the modest takeoff advantage, making left the better overall choice for this short flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Gander International in Gander?
During takeoff from Gander International (YQX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers slightly better initial views of Gander's coastal setting and the transition from the Atlantic shoreline inland, whereas left side departs over open ocean immediately. Notable sights include: Gander Bay to the southeast, the transition from Atlantic coastline to inland boreal forest, initial climb over Newfoundland's rocky terrain.
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides superior views during the Toronto approach, including Lake Ontario's expanse, the Toronto waterfront, and the city skyline as the aircraft descends toward City Centre Airport on the Toronto Islands. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (dominant water feature), Toronto Islands and the Toronto waterfront, downtown Toronto skyline, the Scarborough Bluffs to the east.
How long is the flight from Gander to Toronto?
The flight from Gander International (YQX) to City Centre (YTZ) takes about 3 hours 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,235 miles (1,987 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Gander to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Newfoundland's boreal forest and lakes, then transitions over the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region. Notable midpoint features include the interior Newfoundland plateau with scattered lakes, the transition zone between Newfoundland and the mainland (crossing the Gulf of Saint Lawrence or skirting its southern edge depending on routing), and the approach to the Great Lakes basin with Lake Ontario becoming visible approximately 30 minutes before landing.