While the Toronto departure gives a nice but brief skyline view, the right side benefits from mountainous Siberian terrain and Gobi Desert stretches during cruise, plus a genuinely dramatic Lantau Island and Pearl River Delta arrival into Hong Kong, making it the more visually varied side overall.
Flown YYZ to HKG? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Hong Kong is 7,797 miles (12,548 km), a flight of about 15 hours 35 minutes.
Hudson Bay coastline and Baffin Island's rugged peaks, Arctic sea ice near the pole, the Verkhoyansk mountain ranges of eastern Siberia, the Mongolian Gobi Desert, and the river valleys of central and southern China leading into the Pearl River Delta.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTDeparting YYZ toward the north, the initial climb and left-hand turn puts downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario's shoreline on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but clear skyline view before the route heads into rural Ontario.
Landing at HKG
RIGHTOn approach into HKG from the north, the final turn over the Pearl River estuary brings Lantau Island's steep green peaks and the South China Sea into view on the right side, along with glimpses of Hong Kong's outlying islands before touchdown.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Hong Kong International (HKG)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Hong Kong. While the Toronto departure gives a nice but brief skyline view, the right side benefits from mountainous Siberian terrain and Gobi Desert stretches during cruise, plus a genuinely dramatic Lantau Island and Pearl River Delta arrival into Hong Kong, making it the more visually varied side overall.
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. Departing YYZ toward the north, the initial climb and left-hand turn puts downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario's shoreline on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but clear skyline view before the route heads into rural Ontario. Notable sights include: Downtown Toronto skyline (CN Tower), Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Ontario farmland grid.
What can I see when landing at Hong Kong International in Hong Kong?
When landing at Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach into HKG from the north, the final turn over the Pearl River estuary brings Lantau Island's steep green peaks and the South China Sea into view on the right side, along with glimpses of Hong Kong's outlying islands before touchdown. Notable sights include: Lantau Peak and Lantau Island ridgeline, South China Sea and outlying islands, Pearl River Delta waters, distant Hong Kong Island skyline.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Hong Kong?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Hong Kong International (HKG) takes about 15 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 7,797 miles (12,548 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Hong Kong flight path pass over?
Hudson Bay coastline and Baffin Island's rugged peaks, Arctic sea ice near the pole, the Verkhoyansk mountain ranges of eastern Siberia, the Mongolian Gobi Desert, and the river valleys of central and southern China leading into the Pearl River Delta.