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LAX → YYZ
Which side of the plane to sit from Los Angeles International Airport (Los Angeles) to Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a more consistent view of iconic landmarks, including the best perspective of the Grand Canyon and the Chicago skyline against Lake Michigan.
San Gabriel Mountains
Rising sharply after takeoff from LAX, these rugged peaks provide a dramatic exit from the Los Angeles basin.
Grand Canyon North Rim
Depending on the specific flight path, the left side typically looks north into the deepest and most scenic sections of the canyon.
Rocky Mountains
Aerial views of the snow-capped Colorado Rockies offer some of the most spectacular high-altitude scenery in North America.
Chicago Skyline
On clear days, you can often see the distinct Sears (Willis) Tower and the dense urban grid of the Windy City.
Lake Michigan
The flight path often skirts the northern edge of the lake, offering endless blue horizons and beautiful shoreline transitions.
Choose a window seat forward of the wing to avoid engine heat haze. On the left, you'll avoid the direct southern sun glare during the middle of the flight, making it easier to spot the Grand Canyon roughly 45-60 minutes after departure. This side is also prime for seeing the sprawl of Southern Ontario upon descent.
Mojave Desert
View the vast, arid landscapes and unique geological formations of the High Desert shortly after reaching cruising altitude.
Lake Mead and Hoover Dam
Look for the bright blue waters of Lake Mead and the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam nestled in the Black Canyon.
The Great Plains
Witness the mesmerizing 'patchwork quilt' pattern of circular irrigation fields across Kansas and Missouri.
Detroit and Windsor
As you approach the border, you can often see the Ambassador Bridge connecting the United States and Canada.
Niagara Falls
If the aircraft approaches YYZ from the south, the right side offers a spectacular, albeit distant, view of the falls and the Niagara River.
The right side is superior for viewing the sun setting over the horizon on late afternoon flights. Keep an eye out for Niagara Falls during the final 15 minutes of the flight; it is most visible if the plane is directed to land on the northern runways. Be prepared for direct sunlight during midday flights, which may require closing the shade.
Distance: 3,494 km (2,171 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 7 min
Departure: LAX (33.94250107, -118.4079971)
Arrival: YYZ (43.6772003174, -79.63059997559999)
Route Type: International
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