The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a striking view of the Toronto skyline and lakefront during takeoff, and a glimpse of Halifax's harbour and Bedford Basin during the final approach — while the right side offers mostly open lake water and unbroken forest with little visual variety.
Flown YTZ to YHZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Halifax is 790 miles (1,271 km), a flight of about 1 hour 50 minutes.
The route crosses the Ottawa Valley and St. Lawrence lowlands, skirts the forested Appalachian foothills of Quebec's Eastern Townships and northern Maine, then passes over the wooded interior of New Brunswick before descending toward Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
LEFTDeparting YTZ on runway 08 heading east, the aircraft climbs directly over Lake Ontario with downtown Toronto's skyline sitting just to the north — left-side passengers get a close, dramatic look at the CN Tower and financial district towers rising right off the waterfront. The right side only shows open lake water stretching south.
Landing at YHZ
LEFTOn approach into YHZ for runway 23, the aircraft turns southwest over the Halifax area, and left-side passengers catch a glimpse of Bedford Basin and the Halifax Harbour inlet with Dartmouth's waterfront across the water. The right side mostly shows unbroken forest and small lakes typical of rural Nova Scotia.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Halifax International (YHZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Halifax. The left side wins on both ends of the flight — a striking view of the Toronto skyline and lakefront during takeoff, and a glimpse of Halifax's harbour and Bedford Basin during the final approach — while the right side offers mostly open lake water and unbroken forest with little visual variety.
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 heading east, the aircraft climbs directly over Lake Ontario with downtown Toronto's skyline sitting just to the north — left-side passengers get a close, dramatic look at the CN Tower and financial district towers rising right off the waterfront. The right side only shows open lake water stretching south. Notable sights include: CN Tower, Toronto Financial District skyline, Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Halifax International in Halifax?
When landing at Halifax International (YHZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach into YHZ for runway 23, the aircraft turns southwest over the Halifax area, and left-side passengers catch a glimpse of Bedford Basin and the Halifax Harbour inlet with Dartmouth's waterfront across the water. The right side mostly shows unbroken forest and small lakes typical of rural Nova Scotia. Notable sights include: Bedford Basin, Halifax Harbour, Dartmouth waterfront, Nova Scotia coastal forest.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Halifax?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Halifax International (YHZ) takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 790 miles (1,271 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Halifax flight path pass over?
The route crosses the Ottawa Valley and St. Lawrence lowlands, skirts the forested Appalachian foothills of Quebec's Eastern Townships and northern Maine, then passes over the wooded interior of New Brunswick before descending toward Nova Scotia's Atlantic coast.