About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Thunder Bay (YQT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Thunder Bay. Right-side seats offer superior scenery on both legs: Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront during departure, and continuous views of the Canadian Shield, lakes, and forests during the westbound cruise. Left-side seats excel only on final approach to Thunder Bay.
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 and the Toronto waterfront during the initial climb-out. The aircraft typically departs eastbound or northbound from YTZ, and right-side windows capture the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the broader lake expanse as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto downtown skyline.
What can I see when landing at Thunder Bay in Thunder Bay?
When landing at Thunder Bay (YQT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Lake Superior and the Thunder Bay waterfront during descent. The aircraft approaches YTZ from the south or southeast, and left-side windows capture the massive expanse of Lake Superior, the Sleeping Giant peninsula, and the city's position on the bay. Notable sights include: Lake Superior, Sleeping Giant (Sibley Peninsula), Thunder Bay waterfront, Kaministiquia River.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Thunder Bay?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Thunder Bay (YQT) takes Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Toronto to Thunder Bay flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield between the two cities. Notable features visible during cruise include: Georgian Bay (if the aircraft tracks northwest), the transition from the Great Lakes basin to the boreal forest landscape, numerous smaller lakes dotting the Shield, and the Nipissing region. The terrain becomes increasingly forested and lake-studded as you move northwest toward Thunder Bay. Lake Nipissing and the French River system may be visible depending on the exact flight path. The landscape is predominantly dark green forest interspersed with blue lakes and rivers, with minimal urban development until approaching Thunder Bay.