While takeoff offers good Lake Ontario views from the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. The Wasatch Range is one of the most visually striking features on this route, and left-side seating captures it best during descent. The westbound flight path means the Wasatch views dominate the final 30 minutes of flight.
Flown YTZ to SLC? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Salt Lake City is 1,668 miles (2,685 km), a flight of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region initially, then transitions over the American Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois). The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the flat Great Plains into the Rocky Mountain foothills as the aircraft approaches Wyoming and Utah. The Uinta Mountains become visible roughly 90 minutes before landing. No major lakes or dramatic terrain features are visible during the middle 2 hours of the flight over the plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure, with the Toronto waterfront and downtown skyline visible during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs eastbound or northeastbound from YTZ, positioning right-side passengers for the clearest view of the lake and urban landscape.
Landing at SLC
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Salt Lake City. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers will see the Wasatch Range directly, with the Great Salt Lake visible to the west. The Oquirrh Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley's urban grid also appear clearly on the left side during final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Salt Lake City. While takeoff offers good Lake Ontario views from the right, the landing approach provides more dramatic and sustained scenery. The Wasatch Range is one of the most visually striking features on this route, and left-side seating captures it best during descent. The westbound flight path means the Wasatch views dominate the final 30 minutes of flight.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure, with the Toronto waterfront and downtown skyline visible during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs eastbound or northeastbound from YTZ, positioning right-side passengers for the clearest view of the lake and urban landscape. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto downtown core and CN Tower, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs.
What can I see when landing at Salt Lake City International in Salt Lake City?
When landing at Salt Lake City International (SLC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views during the descent into Salt Lake City. The aircraft approaches from the northwest, and left-side passengers will see the Wasatch Range directly, with the Great Salt Lake visible to the west. The Oquirrh Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley's urban grid also appear clearly on the left side during final approach. Notable sights include: Wasatch Range, Great Salt Lake, Oquirrh Mountains, Salt Lake City grid and downtown.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Salt Lake City?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Salt Lake City International (SLC) takes about 4 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,668 miles (2,685 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Salt Lake City flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region initially, then transitions over the American Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois). The most notable midpoint feature is the transition from the flat Great Plains into the Rocky Mountain foothills as the aircraft approaches Wyoming and Utah. The Uinta Mountains become visible roughly 90 minutes before landing. No major lakes or dramatic terrain features are visible during the middle 2 hours of the flight over the plains.