While the Toronto skyline gives the left side a strong opening act, the right side carries a slightly more consistent payoff — Lake Ontario's open water during climb is offset by a genuinely spectacular Manhattan skyline view on final approach into LGA, which outweighs the brief Toronto harbor scene.
Flown YTZ to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to New York is 344 miles (554 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Lake Ontario crossing, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, and the Catskill Mountains before descending into the Hudson Valley approach corridor toward New York City
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
LEFTDeparting YTZ on runway 08, the climb-out arcs over Toronto's inner harbor, giving the left side a clear view of the downtown skyline and CN Tower before the city recedes into Lake Ontario haze. The right side mostly faces open lake water during this phase.
Landing at LGA
RIGHTOn the approach into LGA from the northeast onto runway 04, the descent path crosses over the western end of Long Island Sound and the Bronx, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River squarely on the right side of the cabin. The left side instead faces the flatter residential sprawl of Queens and Nassau County.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to New York. While the Toronto skyline gives the left side a strong opening act, the right side carries a slightly more consistent payoff — Lake Ontario's open water during climb is offset by a genuinely spectacular Manhattan skyline view on final approach into LGA, which outweighs the brief Toronto harbor scene.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing YTZ on runway 08, the climb-out arcs over Toronto's inner harbor, giving the left side a clear view of the downtown skyline and CN Tower before the city recedes into Lake Ontario haze. The right side mostly faces open lake water during this phase. Notable sights include: CN Tower, downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario shoreline.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the approach into LGA from the northeast onto runway 04, the descent path crosses over the western end of Long Island Sound and the Bronx, putting the Manhattan skyline and the East River squarely on the right side of the cabin. The left side instead faces the flatter residential sprawl of Queens and Nassau County. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline, East River, Hudson River mouth, Long Island Sound.
How long is the flight from Toronto to New York?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 344 miles (554 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to New York flight path pass over?
Lake Ontario crossing, the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, and the Catskill Mountains before descending into the Hudson Valley approach corridor toward New York City