While takeoff offers Lake Ontario views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the North Saskatchewan River's striking meanders and Edmonton's river valley geography. The landing experience is more visually rewarding for the majority of the flight.
Flown YTZ to YEG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Edmonton is 1,682 miles (2,708 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Ontario-Manitoba border near the Great Lakes region, then transitions over the boreal forest and Canadian Shield. Notable features include the transition from the Great Lakes basin to the Canadian Shield's rocky terrain with numerous lakes, then westward over the boreal forest of Manitoba and Saskatchewan with scattered lakes and rivers. The landscape gradually becomes flatter and more open as the flight approaches the Alberta prairie. The North American Great Plains become visible in the final hour, with the Rocky Mountains appearing on the western horizon during descent into Edmonton.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
LEFTLeft side offers views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure, with the Toronto waterfront and downtown skyline visible during climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound initially before turning northwest, so the left wing captures the lake and urban shoreline.
Landing at YEG
RIGHTRight side provides views of the North Saskatchewan River valley and Edmonton's urban layout during descent. The aircraft approaches from the southeast, making the right wing the optimal side to see the river's distinctive meandering path through the city and the surrounding landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Edmonton International (YEG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Edmonton. While takeoff offers Lake Ontario views on the left, the landing approach on the right provides more dramatic and distinctive scenery with the North Saskatchewan River's striking meanders and Edmonton's river valley geography. The landing experience is more visually rewarding for the majority of the flight.
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. Left side offers views of Lake Ontario immediately after departure, with the Toronto waterfront and downtown skyline visible during climb-out. The aircraft departs eastbound initially before turning northwest, so the left wing captures the lake and urban shoreline. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto downtown core and CN Tower area, Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto Islands.
What can I see when landing at Edmonton International in Edmonton?
When landing at Edmonton International (YEG), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side provides views of the North Saskatchewan River valley and Edmonton's urban layout during descent. The aircraft approaches from the southeast, making the right wing the optimal side to see the river's distinctive meandering path through the city and the surrounding landscape. Notable sights include: North Saskatchewan River valley, Edmonton downtown and river valley parks, Whyte Avenue district, surrounding prairie and boreal forest transition.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Edmonton?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Edmonton International (YEG) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,682 miles (2,708 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Edmonton flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Ontario-Manitoba border near the Great Lakes region, then transitions over the boreal forest and Canadian Shield. Notable features include the transition from the Great Lakes basin to the Canadian Shield's rocky terrain with numerous lakes, then westward over the boreal forest of Manitoba and Saskatchewan with scattered lakes and rivers. The landscape gradually becomes flatter and more open as the flight approaches the Alberta prairie. The North American Great Plains become visible in the final hour, with the Rocky Mountains appearing on the western horizon during descent into Edmonton.