While takeoff favors the right for Toronto views, the landing approach to Thunder Bay from the south makes left-side seats the overall winner. Lake Superior and the dramatic arrival into Thunder Bay Bay provide more visually compelling scenery than the departure from Toronto.
Flown YYZ to YQT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Thunder Bay is 566 miles (912 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield north of Toronto, passing over numerous lakes, rivers, and boreal forest. Notable features include the Kawartha Lakes region (southeast of Peterborough), the transition zone where the Great Lakes drainage system gives way to Hudson Bay drainage, and extensive wetlands and muskeg terrain. The landscape becomes increasingly remote and forested as you move northwest. Lake Nipissing and the French River system may be visible depending on exact routing. The terrain is characterized by low relief with countless small lakes, rocky outcrops, and dense coniferous forest—classic Canadian Shield geography with minimal urban development.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the transition from urban to rural landscape heading toward Thunder Bay.
Landing at YQT
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Thunder Bay's geography during descent. You'll see Lake Superior's massive expanse, the Sleeping Giant peninsula, and the city nestled between the lake and surrounding terrain as you approach from the south.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Thunder Bay (YQT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Thunder Bay. While takeoff favors the right for Toronto views, the landing approach to Thunder Bay from the south makes left-side seats the overall winner. Lake Superior and the dramatic arrival into Thunder Bay Bay provide more visually compelling scenery than the departure from Toronto.
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. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area's urban sprawl as the aircraft climbs northwestward. You'll see the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the transition from urban to rural landscape heading toward Thunder Bay. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (south), Toronto Islands (southeast), Scarborough Bluffs (east), Greater Toronto Area urban grid (immediate vicinity).
What can I see when landing at Thunder Bay in Thunder Bay?
When landing at Thunder Bay (YQT), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Thunder Bay's geography during descent. You'll see Lake Superior's massive expanse, the Sleeping Giant peninsula, and the city nestled between the lake and surrounding terrain as you approach from the south. Notable sights include: Lake Superior (north and west), Sleeping Giant Peninsula (northeast), Thunder Bay city and harbor (central), Kaministiquia River valley (south).
How long is the flight from Toronto to Thunder Bay?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Thunder Bay (YQT) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 566 miles (912 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Thunder Bay flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield north of Toronto, passing over numerous lakes, rivers, and boreal forest. Notable features include the Kawartha Lakes region (southeast of Peterborough), the transition zone where the Great Lakes drainage system gives way to Hudson Bay drainage, and extensive wetlands and muskeg terrain. The landscape becomes increasingly remote and forested as you move northwest. Lake Nipissing and the French River system may be visible depending on exact routing. The terrain is characterized by low relief with countless small lakes, rocky outcrops, and dense coniferous forest—classic Canadian Shield geography with minimal urban development.