While the right side wins at takeoff for the Toronto skyline view, the left side's Manhattan approach at LGA is one of the most iconic urban landing views in North America and tips the balance. During the cruise portion heading southeast, the left side also picks up views of Lake Ontario's eastern end near Kingston and the St. Lawrence River valley.
Flown YYZ to LGA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to New York is 356 miles (573 km), a flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The flight tracks southeast from Toronto across the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario, passing near Kingston and the Thousand Islands region where the St. Lawrence River begins. It then crosses into upstate New York over the Adirondack foothills before descending over the Hudson Valley and into the New York metro area. The Catskill Mountains are visible to the west on descent, and the broad Hudson River is a clear geographic marker on the approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTDeparting YYZ on runways 05/06 heading northeast, the right side gives you a clear view south over downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower, with Lake Ontario stretching out behind it. The left side faces north toward suburban sprawl with little of interest.
Landing at LGA
LEFTLGA's most common approach is from the northeast on runway 22, meaning the aircraft tracks southwest over Long Island Sound and then the East River. The left side gives you a direct broadside view of the Manhattan skyline as you descend, one of the most dramatic urban approaches in aviation.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to La Guardia (LGA)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to New York. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Toronto skyline view, the left side's Manhattan approach at LGA is one of the most iconic urban landing views in North America and tips the balance. During the cruise portion heading southeast, the left side also picks up views of Lake Ontario's eastern end near Kingston and the St. Lawrence River valley.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing YYZ on runways 05/06 heading northeast, the right side gives you a clear view south over downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower, with Lake Ontario stretching out behind it. The left side faces north toward suburban sprawl with little of interest. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Lake Ontario shoreline, Toronto Islands, Port Credit waterfront.
What can I see when landing at La Guardia in New York?
When landing at La Guardia (LGA), sit on the Left side for the best views. LGA's most common approach is from the northeast on runway 22, meaning the aircraft tracks southwest over Long Island Sound and then the East River. The left side gives you a direct broadside view of the Manhattan skyline as you descend, one of the most dramatic urban approaches in aviation. Notable sights include: Manhattan skyline including Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, East River, Rikers Island, Flushing Bay.
How long is the flight from Toronto to New York?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to La Guardia (LGA) takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 356 miles (573 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to New York flight path pass over?
The flight tracks southeast from Toronto across the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario, passing near Kingston and the Thousand Islands region where the St. Lawrence River begins. It then crosses into upstate New York over the Adirondack foothills before descending over the Hudson Valley and into the New York metro area. The Catskill Mountains are visible to the west on descent, and the broad Hudson River is a clear geographic marker on the approach.