Both sides score equally low due to the extremely short flight distance (approximately 15 minutes) over flat terrain with minimal elevation change. However, the left side edges ahead because takeoff from City Centre Airport offers a genuine urban skyline view of downtown Toronto and the Islands—a brief but recognizable landmark—whereas the landing approach is equally unremarkable on both sides. Neither side qualifies for a score above 1.5 given the flight's brevity and the flat, developed landscape of the Greater Toronto Area.
Flown YTZ to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
City Centre to Lester B Pearson International is 12 miles (20 km), a flight of about 15 minutes.
Lake Ontario (immediate south of flight path), suburban development of Etobicoke and Mississauga (north of flight path), Highway 401 corridor
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
LEFTLeft side offers a brief view of downtown Toronto's skyline and the Toronto Islands during initial climb-out before the aircraft turns toward Pearson. Right side faces open Lake Ontario with no distinctive landmarks during departure.
Landing at YYZ
RIGHTRight side (north) provides views of the Greater Toronto Area's suburban sprawl, highways, and industrial areas approaching Pearson. Left side (south) faces Lake Ontario with minimal ground features until the final approach over the airport itself.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Toronto. Both sides score equally low due to the extremely short flight distance (approximately 15 minutes) over flat terrain with minimal elevation change. However, the left side edges ahead because takeoff from City Centre Airport offers a genuine urban skyline view of downtown Toronto and the Islands—a brief but recognizable landmark—whereas the landing approach is equally unremarkable on both sides. Neither side qualifies for a score above 1.5 given the flight's brevity and the flat, developed landscape of the Greater Toronto Area.
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 a brief view of downtown Toronto's skyline and the Toronto Islands during initial climb-out before the aircraft turns toward Pearson. Right side faces open Lake Ontario with no distinctive landmarks during departure. Notable sights include: Downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands (Centre Island, Ward's Island), Lake Ontario shoreline.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side (north) provides views of the Greater Toronto Area's suburban sprawl, highways, and industrial areas approaching Pearson. Left side (south) faces Lake Ontario with minimal ground features until the final approach over the airport itself. Notable sights include: Highway 401 corridor, suburban residential development (Mississauga, Etobicoke), Pearson International Airport runways and taxiways.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Toronto?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 12 miles (20 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Toronto flight path pass over?
Lake Ontario (immediate south of flight path), suburban development of Etobicoke and Mississauga (north of flight path), Highway 401 corridor