The left side wins both ends of the flight: a mountain-backed departure from Barcelona and a river-and-skyline arrival into Montreal, while the right side offers only open water on both legs and flat farmland near YUL.
Flown BCN to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Barcelona to Montreal is 3,673 miles (5,912 km), a flight of about 8 hours 55 minutes.
The route crosses France and the English Channel or Irish coast before a long stretch of open North Atlantic, passing well south of Greenland with no land visible for several hours until the Labrador or Newfoundland coastline comes into view before the descent into Quebec.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from BCN
LEFTDeparting BCN toward the northwest, the initial right-hand turn puts the Catalan interior and the distant Pyrenees foothills on the left side, while the right side mostly shows open Mediterranean water. The left offers a brief but genuine mountain backdrop as the city recedes.
Landing at YUL
LEFTOn approach to YUL's runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over the St. Lawrence River, and the final turn brings Montreal's skyline, Mount Royal, and the river's islands into view on the left side. The right side during this leg shows mostly flat farmland north of the airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Barcelona (BCN) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Barcelona to Montreal. The left side wins both ends of the flight: a mountain-backed departure from Barcelona and a river-and-skyline arrival into Montreal, while the right side offers only open water on both legs and flat farmland near YUL.
What can I see during takeoff from Barcelona in Barcelona?
During takeoff from Barcelona (BCN), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing BCN toward the northwest, the initial right-hand turn puts the Catalan interior and the distant Pyrenees foothills on the left side, while the right side mostly shows open Mediterranean water. The left offers a brief but genuine mountain backdrop as the city recedes. Notable sights include: Collserola ridge, Montserrat's distinctive massif in the distance, Catalan pre-Pyrenees foothills, Llobregat river delta.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. On approach to YUL's runway 24, the aircraft descends from the northeast over the St. Lawrence River, and the final turn brings Montreal's skyline, Mount Royal, and the river's islands into view on the left side. The right side during this leg shows mostly flat farmland north of the airport. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal park, Montreal downtown skyline, Ile Sainte-Helene/Ile Notre-Dame.
How long is the flight from Barcelona to Montreal?
The flight from Barcelona (BCN) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 8 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,673 miles (5,912 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Barcelona to Montreal flight path pass over?
The route crosses France and the English Channel or Irish coast before a long stretch of open North Atlantic, passing well south of Greenland with no land visible for several hours until the Labrador or Newfoundland coastline comes into view before the descent into Quebec.