While left offers excellent takeoff views of Toronto and Lake Ontario, right-side seats capture more of the journey's most dramatic scenery: the transition from the Canadian Shield through the boreal forest, and the final approach to Yellowknife with Great Slave Lake and the Arctic landscape.
Flown YYZ to YZF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Yellowknife is 1,901 miles (3,060 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight path travels northwest from Toronto across the Canadian Shield, passing over or near the Ottawa River valley, then continues through increasingly sparse boreal forest with scattered lakes and wetlands. Notable features include the transition from deciduous/mixed forest near Ontario to pure boreal forest, numerous small lakes and muskeg terrain visible throughout northern Ontario and Manitoba, and the gradual thinning of vegetation as you approach the Arctic. The landscape becomes progressively more open and water-dominated, with fewer trees and more exposed rock and tundra visible in the final approach to Yellowknife.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTLeft-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area sprawl during the initial climb northwestward. You'll see the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the urban grid receding below before heading inland toward the Canadian Shield.
Landing at YZF
RIGHTRight-side seats provide views of the Yellowknife area and Great Slave Lake during descent. You'll see the irregular shoreline of the lake, the city's position on the northern shore, and the boreal forest landscape that dominates the region.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Yellowknife (YZF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Yellowknife. While left offers excellent takeoff views of Toronto and Lake Ontario, right-side seats capture more of the journey's most dramatic scenery: the transition from the Canadian Shield through the boreal forest, and the final approach to Yellowknife with Great Slave Lake and the Arctic landscape.
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. Left-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area sprawl during the initial climb northwestward. You'll see the shoreline, Toronto Islands, and the urban grid receding below before heading inland toward the Canadian Shield. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Scarborough Bluffs, Greater Toronto Area urban grid.
What can I see when landing at Yellowknife in Yellowknife?
When landing at Yellowknife (YZF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats provide views of the Yellowknife area and Great Slave Lake during descent. You'll see the irregular shoreline of the lake, the city's position on the northern shore, and the boreal forest landscape that dominates the region. Notable sights include: Great Slave Lake, Yellowknife city lights and waterfront, Dettah settlement, boreal forest.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Yellowknife?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Yellowknife (YZF) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,901 miles (3,060 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Yellowknife flight path pass over?
The flight path travels northwest from Toronto across the Canadian Shield, passing over or near the Ottawa River valley, then continues through increasingly sparse boreal forest with scattered lakes and wetlands. Notable features include the transition from deciduous/mixed forest near Ontario to pure boreal forest, numerous small lakes and muskeg terrain visible throughout northern Ontario and Manitoba, and the gradual thinning of vegetation as you approach the Arctic. The landscape becomes progressively more open and water-dominated, with fewer trees and more exposed rock and tundra visible in the final approach to Yellowknife.