The takeoff view from the left is exceptional—the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet provide dramatic scenery during the most visually engaging phase of flight. The landing view from the right is good but more urban-focused. Left seats capture the most geographically distinctive feature of the entire route.
Flown YVR to YTZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Toronto is 2,091 miles (3,365 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region. Notable features include: the Rocky Mountains visible to the south during westbound cruise (if flying at altitude 30,000+ feet on clear days); the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan as flat, patchwork farmland; the transition into the Canadian Shield's boreal forest with visible lakes and rivers; Lake Superior's massive expanse on the southern horizon during the eastern portion of cruise; and the gradual emergence of the Great Lakes system as the aircraft descends toward Ontario.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Westbound departures are more common. Left seats face north during climb-out, giving direct views of the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet. Right seats see suburban sprawl and the Fraser River delta.
Landing at YTZ
RIGHTYTZ (Toronto City Centre) sits on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario. Approaches typically use runways 06/24. Right seats during descent offer views of Lake Ontario's eastern shoreline, the Toronto Islands themselves, and the downtown core. Left seats see the lake's open water and distant western suburbs.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Toronto. The takeoff view from the left is exceptional—the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet provide dramatic scenery during the most visually engaging phase of flight. The landing view from the right is good but more urban-focused. Left seats capture the most geographically distinctive feature of the entire route.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Westbound departures are more common. Left seats face north during climb-out, giving direct views of the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet. Right seats see suburban sprawl and the Fraser River delta. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Coast Range), Burrard Inlet, Cypress Mountain ski area, Vancouver Island distant horizon.
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. YTZ (Toronto City Centre) sits on the Toronto Islands in Lake Ontario. Approaches typically use runways 06/24. Right seats during descent offer views of Lake Ontario's eastern shoreline, the Toronto Islands themselves, and the downtown core. Left seats see the lake's open water and distant western suburbs. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands (Centre Island, Ward's Island), Toronto downtown skyline, Scarborough Bluffs.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Toronto?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to City Centre (YTZ) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,091 miles (3,365 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield and Great Lakes region. Notable features include: the Rocky Mountains visible to the south during westbound cruise (if flying at altitude 30,000+ feet on clear days); the prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan as flat, patchwork farmland; the transition into the Canadian Shield's boreal forest with visible lakes and rivers; Lake Superior's massive expanse on the southern horizon during the eastern portion of cruise; and the gradual emergence of the Great Lakes system as the aircraft descends toward Ontario.