The right side delivers the more dramatic scenery overall. While the left side wins at takeoff with the Toronto skyline, the right side captures the Canadian Rockies during the cruise over Alberta and BC, and then the stunning Gulf Islands and coastal inlets on descent into Victoria. The Rockies alone — visible as a massive serrated white ridge from cruising altitude — make the right side the stronger choice for the full journey.
Flown YYZ to YYJ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Victoria is 2,094 miles (3,371 km), a flight of about 4 hours 45 minutes.
The flight tracks northwest over Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, then across the Canadian Shield of northern Ontario and Manitoba. Over Saskatchewan the terrain flattens into the Prairies. The most dramatic section is the crossing of the Canadian Rockies over Alberta and BC — the Rockies appear as a continuous jagged snow-capped wall from cruising altitude, followed by the Columbia Mountains and Coast Ranges before descending toward the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTYYZ departures heading west on runway 23 or 24L/24R give the left side a clear view over downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. You'll see the CN Tower, the Toronto Islands, and the lake stretching south before the aircraft turns northwest toward Georgian Bay.
Landing at YYJ
RIGHTYYJ approaches from the east or southeast, typically landing on runway 09 or 27. On the common runway 27 approach heading west, the right side faces north toward the Gulf Islands, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Olympic Mountains visible across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The left side faces south over open water.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Victoria International (YYJ)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Victoria. The right side delivers the more dramatic scenery overall. While the left side wins at takeoff with the Toronto skyline, the right side captures the Canadian Rockies during the cruise over Alberta and BC, and then the stunning Gulf Islands and coastal inlets on descent into Victoria. The Rockies alone — visible as a massive serrated white ridge from cruising altitude — make the right side the stronger choice for the full journey.
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. YYZ departures heading west on runway 23 or 24L/24R give the left side a clear view over downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario. You'll see the CN Tower, the Toronto Islands, and the lake stretching south before the aircraft turns northwest toward Georgian Bay. Notable sights include: CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Lake Ontario shoreline, Humber Bay and Etobicoke waterfront.
What can I see when landing at Victoria International in Victoria?
When landing at Victoria International (YYJ), sit on the Right side for the best views. YYJ approaches from the east or southeast, typically landing on runway 09 or 27. On the common runway 27 approach heading west, the right side faces north toward the Gulf Islands, the Saanich Peninsula, and the Olympic Mountains visible across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The left side faces south over open water. Notable sights include: Gulf Islands (Salt Spring, Galiano, Mayne), Saanich Inlet and Peninsula, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Olympic Mountains on the distant horizon.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Victoria?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Victoria International (YYJ) takes about 4 hours 45 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,094 miles (3,371 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Victoria flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northwest over Georgian Bay and Lake Huron, then across the Canadian Shield of northern Ontario and Manitoba. Over Saskatchewan the terrain flattens into the Prairies. The most dramatic section is the crossing of the Canadian Rockies over Alberta and BC — the Rockies appear as a continuous jagged snow-capped wall from cruising altitude, followed by the Columbia Mountains and Coast Ranges before descending toward the Strait of Georgia and Vancouver Island.