While the takeoff offers Arctic scenery on the right, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive and recognizable landmarks. The San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, and peninsula skyline are far more dramatic and memorable than the tundra departure. Left seats capture the most scenic portion of the flight.
Flown YYH to SFO? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Spence Bay to San Francisco is 2,450 miles (3,943 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Canadian interior, passing over the Northwest Territories and northern British Columbia. Notable features include the Mackenzie River valley (visible around the 3-4 hour mark), the Rocky Mountains in northern British Columbia (around 5-6 hours), and the transition from boreal forest to temperate coastal regions as the aircraft approaches California. The flight generally follows a southwesterly route, crossing from Arctic tundra through subarctic forest to temperate zones.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYH
RIGHTTaloyoak sits on the Boothia Peninsula's northern coast. Right-side seats face north and east toward the Arctic Ocean and the complex coastline of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, including visible fjords and islands. Left seats face inland over the barren tundra plateau with minimal visual interest.
Landing at SFO
LEFTApproach to SFO from the north typically descends over the San Francisco Bay area. Left-side seats face east and south toward the bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and the San Francisco Peninsula. Right seats face west over the Pacific Ocean with minimal landmarks until final approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Taloyoak (YYH) to San Francisco International (SFO)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Spence Bay to San Francisco. While the takeoff offers Arctic scenery on the right, the landing approach provides more visually distinctive and recognizable landmarks. The San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, and peninsula skyline are far more dramatic and memorable than the tundra departure. Left seats capture the most scenic portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Taloyoak in Spence Bay?
During takeoff from Taloyoak (YYH), sit on the Right side for the best views. Taloyoak sits on the Boothia Peninsula's northern coast. Right-side seats face north and east toward the Arctic Ocean and the complex coastline of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, including visible fjords and islands. Left seats face inland over the barren tundra plateau with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: Arctic Ocean coastline, Boothia Peninsula fjords, Victoria Island to the east, scattered ice floes (seasonal).
What can I see when landing at San Francisco International in San Francisco?
When landing at San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approach to SFO from the north typically descends over the San Francisco Bay area. Left-side seats face east and south toward the bay, the Golden Gate Strait, and the San Francisco Peninsula. Right seats face west over the Pacific Ocean with minimal landmarks until final approach. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Strait, San Francisco Peninsula and downtown skyline, Marin Headlands.
How long is the flight from Spence Bay to San Francisco?
The flight from Taloyoak (YYH) to San Francisco International (SFO) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,450 miles (3,943 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Spence Bay to San Francisco flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian interior, passing over the Northwest Territories and northern British Columbia. Notable features include the Mackenzie River valley (visible around the 3-4 hour mark), the Rocky Mountains in northern British Columbia (around 5-6 hours), and the transition from boreal forest to temperate coastal regions as the aircraft approaches California. The flight generally follows a southwesterly route, crossing from Arctic tundra through subarctic forest to temperate zones.