The right side captures Toronto's iconic skyline and Lake Ontario on departure, and during the flight tracks closer to the St. Lawrence River valley and Gulf of St. Lawrence. The landing view on the left is excellent, but the departure spectacle of Toronto from the right is the highlight of this route.
Flown YYZ to YQY? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Sydney is 971 miles (1,562 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over Lake Ontario's eastern end near Kingston, then over the St. Lawrence River valley, crossing into Quebec briefly before entering New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Notable features include the Thousand Islands region near Kingston, the broad St. Lawrence River widening toward the Gulf, the Appalachian ridges of New Brunswick, the Northumberland Strait between PEI and Nova Scotia, and the Strait of Canso on final approach to Cape Breton.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
RIGHTYYZ's most common departure is eastbound on runway 05/23 or northeastbound on 06L/24R. A right-side seat gives you views over downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower, Lake Ontario stretching to the south, and the Toronto Islands. Left side faces northwest toward suburban sprawl.
Landing at YQY
LEFTYQY sits on Cape Breton Island's southern coast. Approaches typically come from the southwest or west over the Strait of Canso and Bras d'Or Lake. A left-side seat gives you the best view of the Bras d'Or Lake system, Cape Breton Highlands in the distance, and Sydney Harbour as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Sydney (YQY)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Sydney. The right side captures Toronto's iconic skyline and Lake Ontario on departure, and during the flight tracks closer to the St. Lawrence River valley and Gulf of St. Lawrence. The landing view on the left is excellent, but the departure spectacle of Toronto from the right is the highlight of this route.
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. YYZ's most common departure is eastbound on runway 05/23 or northeastbound on 06L/24R. A right-side seat gives you views over downtown Toronto's skyline including the CN Tower, Lake Ontario stretching to the south, and the Toronto Islands. Left side faces northwest toward suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto core, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Lake Ontario shoreline, Scarborough Bluffs visible to the east.
What can I see when landing at Sydney in Sydney?
When landing at Sydney (YQY), sit on the Left side for the best views. YQY sits on Cape Breton Island's southern coast. Approaches typically come from the southwest or west over the Strait of Canso and Bras d'Or Lake. A left-side seat gives you the best view of the Bras d'Or Lake system, Cape Breton Highlands in the distance, and Sydney Harbour as you descend. Notable sights include: Bras d'Or Lake (inland sea), Sydney Harbour and the city of Sydney, Cape Breton Highlands on the northern horizon, Strait of Canso separating Cape Breton from mainland Nova Scotia.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Sydney?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Sydney (YQY) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 971 miles (1,562 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Sydney flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over Lake Ontario's eastern end near Kingston, then over the St. Lawrence River valley, crossing into Quebec briefly before entering New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Notable features include the Thousand Islands region near Kingston, the broad St. Lawrence River widening toward the Gulf, the Appalachian ridges of New Brunswick, the Northumberland Strait between PEI and Nova Scotia, and the Strait of Canso on final approach to Cape Breton.