About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Detroit. The left side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — Toronto's skyline and Lake Ontario on departure, and the Detroit River and downtown Detroit on arrival. The flight tracks southwest directly over the northern shore of Lake Erie, and the left side also keeps Lake Erie in view during the cruise portion.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. YYZ typically departs westbound on runways 23/24, meaning a left-side seat faces south toward Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. You get a clear view of the Toronto skyline including the CN Tower, and the lake stretching to the horizon. The city grid and waterfront are easily readable from climb-out altitude. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline and Toronto Islands, Port Credit and Mississauga waterfront, Hamilton Harbour visible to the southwest.
What can I see when landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
When landing at Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Left side for the best views. DTW approaches from the east on runway 21L/21R or from the northeast, and a left-side seat faces east and south toward the Detroit River and downtown Detroit. You can see the Detroit River separating Michigan from Ontario, Windsor on the Canadian side, and the compact Detroit downtown grid just before touchdown. Notable sights include: Detroit River separating Detroit and Windsor, Downtown Detroit skyline, Lake Erie visible to the southeast on approach, Ford River Rouge Complex industrial waterfront.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Detroit?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) takes Approximately 45-55 minutes.
What does the Toronto to Detroit flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southwest from Toronto, crossing over the western end of Lake Ontario near Hamilton, then over the Niagara Peninsula and into the airspace above northern Lake Erie. Lake Erie is the dominant geographic feature of the mid-flight, visible as a broad expanse of open water below. The Canadian shore near Port Stanley and the Ohio shore near Cleveland are faintly visible on clear days. The flight is short enough that cruise altitude rarely exceeds 20,000-24,000 feet.