While the left side wins the brief Toronto departure, the right side delivers the flight's true highlights: passing views of the Canadian Rockies during the western cruise segment and a dramatic final approach past the North Shore Mountains and Vancouver's skyline, giving it more sustained scenic value overall.
Flight Path
Canadian Shield lakes and boreal forest of northern Ontario, the north shore of Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, the flat prairie farmland of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia before descending toward the Fraser Valley.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTDeparting YYZ on runway 23/24L, the initial climb path puts Lake Ontario and the Toronto shoreline on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but clear look at the CN Tower and downtown skyline before the turn onto the westbound track. The right side mostly shows the flat suburban grid north of the airport.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTLanding at YVR typically uses the westward 26L/26R runways, so the final approach tracks in from the east over the Fraser Valley, putting the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver's skyline on the right side of the cabin. The left side instead overlooks the flatter Richmond and Delta farmland toward the Strait of Georgia.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Vancouver. While the left side wins the brief Toronto departure, the right side delivers the flight's true highlights: passing views of the Canadian Rockies during the western cruise segment and a dramatic final approach past the North Shore Mountains and Vancouver's skyline, giving it more sustained scenic value 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 on runway 23/24L, the initial climb path puts Lake Ontario and the Toronto shoreline on the left side of the aircraft, giving a brief but clear look at the CN Tower and downtown skyline before the turn onto the westbound track. The right side mostly shows the flat suburban grid north of the airport. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline, CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands, Port Lands.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. Landing at YVR typically uses the westward 26L/26R runways, so the final approach tracks in from the east over the Fraser Valley, putting the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver's skyline on the right side of the cabin. The left side instead overlooks the flatter Richmond and Delta farmland toward the Strait of Georgia. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour), Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver skyline, Coast Mountains.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Vancouver?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes 4h 55m.
What does the Toronto to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Canadian Shield lakes and boreal forest of northern Ontario, the north shore of Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, the flat prairie farmland of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and British Columbia before descending toward the Fraser Valley.