While takeoff offers Lake Erie views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and Montreal's urban landscape. The left side captures the most visually interesting portion of the flight.
Flown CLE to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Cleveland to Montreal is 494 miles (794 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the northern shore of Lake Ontario, passes over the Niagara Escarpment region, and continues northeast across southern Ontario farmland and the Canadian Shield. The St. Lawrence River becomes visible in the final descent phase. Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Niagara region's topography, and the transition from agricultural land to the St. Lawrence valley are the primary midpoint geographic features, though none are as visually striking as the takeoff and landing zones.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from CLE
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of Lake Erie immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeast over the lake, providing clear water views and the Cleveland shoreline receding below.
Landing at YUL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide the best approach views into Montreal. The descent path brings the St. Lawrence River into view, and the left bank shows the city of Montreal, Mount Royal, and the surrounding terrain as you descend toward Dorval Airport on the western island.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Cleveland to Montreal. While takeoff offers Lake Erie views on the right, the landing approach on the left provides more dramatic and varied scenery: the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and Montreal's urban landscape. The left side captures the most visually interesting portion of the flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International in Cleveland?
During takeoff from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of Lake Erie immediately after departure. The aircraft climbs northeast over the lake, providing clear water views and the Cleveland shoreline receding below. Notable sights include: Lake Erie, Cleveland downtown skyline, Cuyahoga River mouth, Euclid Beach Park area.
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. Left-side seats provide the best approach views into Montreal. The descent path brings the St. Lawrence River into view, and the left bank shows the city of Montreal, Mount Royal, and the surrounding terrain as you descend toward Dorval Airport on the western island. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, Montreal city grid, Île-Perrot.
How long is the flight from Cleveland to Montreal?
The flight from Cleveland Hopkins International (CLE) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 494 miles (794 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Cleveland to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the northern shore of Lake Ontario, passes over the Niagara Escarpment region, and continues northeast across southern Ontario farmland and the Canadian Shield. The St. Lawrence River becomes visible in the final descent phase. Lake Ontario's northern shoreline, the Niagara region's topography, and the transition from agricultural land to the St. Lawrence valley are the primary midpoint geographic features, though none are as visually striking as the takeoff and landing zones.