About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Toronto. Left side delivers the best views at both ends of the flight — the Coast Mountains and Vancouver Harbour on departure, and Lake Ontario with the Toronto skyline on arrival. During cruise over the Rockies, left side also faces south toward the main Rocky Mountain peaks.
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's primary departure runway 26L sends aircraft westward over the Fraser River estuary before turning east. Left side passengers get a sweeping view back over Vancouver city, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains as the aircraft banks. The Coast Mountains fill the left window during the climb-out turn. Notable sights include: North Shore mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress), Burrard Inlet and Vancouver Harbour, Fraser River delta and estuary, Downtown Vancouver skyline.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Toronto Pearson typically uses runways 05/23 or 06L/24R. On approaches from the west, left side passengers look south over Lake Ontario's northern shoreline and get a clear view of downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower. The lake stretches to the horizon on the left while the city grid fills the window. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Mississauga urban grid.
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Toronto?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes Approximately 4 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Vancouver to Toronto flight path pass over?
The Canadian Rockies (including the Columbia Icefield area) are crossed roughly 45-60 minutes after departure and are visible from both sides. The flight then crosses the Alberta prairies — flat, geometric farmland around Calgary and Regina — followed by the Canadian Shield over northern Ontario, characterized by thousands of lakes, boreal forest, and exposed Precambrian rock. Lake Superior's eastern end may be visible depending on the exact routing.