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YYZ destination photo
SFO destination photo

YYZSFO

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

The right side is the definitive choice for this route, offering the highest probability of seeing the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the turquoise waters of the Great Salt Lake.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🌊

Lake Michigan Crossing

A long stretch of deep blue water following the departure from the Canadian border and Michigan's upper peninsula.

🏔️

The Badlands

The rugged, striped geological spires and canyons of South Dakota and Wyoming's high plains.

🧂

Great Salt Lake

The striking contrast between the white salt flats and the vibrant, multi-colored algae in the northern arms of the lake.

🌲

Lake Tahoe

The brilliant alpine blue of Tahoe nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, often passed just 15-20 minutes before landing.

🏙️

San Francisco Skyline

A panoramic view of the Transamerica Pyramid, Salesforce Tower, and the dense hills of the city during descent.

🌉

Golden Gate Bridge

On clear days, the iconic international orange bridge and Alcatraz Island are visible if the flight performs a northern visual approach.

The right side is superior for the SFO arrival. Most flights approach from the north or east; the right side offers the iconic 'Bridge Visual' if weather permits. During mid-flight, the Great Salt Lake is a must-see landmark. In the afternoon, this side is in the shade, providing cooler cabin temperatures and better photography conditions without window glare.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏙️

Chicago Skyline

Aerial views of the Sears Tower and the dense urban grid of the Windy City along the curve of Lake Michigan.

🌊

Mississippi River

The massive, winding artery of the American Midwest, marking the transition from the eastern forests to the plains.

🌾

Nebraska Sandhills

Unique rolling dunes covered in grass that create a mesmerizing, undulating pattern across the central United States.

🏔️

Southern Rockies

Distance views of the high Colorado peaks, often snow-capped well into the summer months.

🏜️

Utah Canyons

The vibrant red rock formations and deep carved plateaus of southern Utah and the Moab region.

💻

Silicon Valley

The tech hubs of Palo Alto and Mountain View, including the 'Spaceship' Apple Park campus, visible during the southern approach.

The left side provides a better perspective of the vast agricultural 'patchwork quilt' of the Midwest and the red desert geography of the Southwest. For the best experience, choose a seat behind the wing to capture the scale of the Rockies. Be aware that on afternoon flights, this side will face the sun, which may cause glare.

Top Activities in San Francisco
Route Information

Distance: 3,627 km (2,254 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 16 min

Departure: YYZ (43.6772003174, -79.63059997559999)

Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)

Route Type: International

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