While takeoff from Casablanca favors the right (Atlantic views), the landing approach into Montreal from the southwest provides superior geography on the left side—the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and downtown skyline are iconic and consistently visible. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Atlantic northeastward, passing over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at cruise altitude). Notable waypoints include airspace near Greenland's southern tip and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago approaches. Over the Atlantic, no major landmarks are visible from cruise altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet), though the curvature of the Earth and occasional cloud formations over the open ocean dominate the view. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Canadian Shield becomes visible—a vast, relatively flat terrain with scattered lakes and boreal forest. The approach to Montreal brings views of the Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence River valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Mohammed V (CMN) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Casablanca to Montreal. While takeoff from Casablanca favors the right (Atlantic views), the landing approach into Montreal from the southwest provides superior geography on the left side—the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and downtown skyline are iconic and consistently visible. The landing experience outweighs the takeoff advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Mohammed V in Casablanca?
During takeoff from Mohammed V (CMN), sit on the Right side for the best views. CMN typically departs runways 01L/01R (northbound) or 03L/03R (eastbound). Right-side seats offer views of the Atlantic coastline and the Casablanca waterfront during initial climb. The city sprawls inland to the left, but the coastal geography is more dramatic from the right. Notable sights include: Atlantic Ocean (immediate right), Casablanca harbor and port facilities, Hassan II Mosque (visible as white structure near waterfront), Anfa district residential areas.
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. YUL (Dorval) typically lands on runways 06L/06R (eastbound) or 24L/24R (westbound). Approach vectors usually come from the southwest over the St. Lawrence River. Left-side seats provide views of the river, downtown Montreal skyline, and Mount Royal during descent. Right-side views show suburban sprawl with less geographic interest. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (Fleuve Saint-Laurent), Mount Royal (elevated terrain with visible tree coverage), downtown Montreal skyline, Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame (islands in the river).
How long is the flight from Casablanca to Montreal?
The flight from Mohammed V (CMN) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes Approximately 7.5 to 8 hours.
What does the Casablanca to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic northeastward, passing over the Mid-Atlantic Ridge region (not visible at cruise altitude). Notable waypoints include airspace near Greenland's southern tip and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago approaches. Over the Atlantic, no major landmarks are visible from cruise altitude (typically 33,000-35,000 feet), though the curvature of the Earth and occasional cloud formations over the open ocean dominate the view. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Canadian Shield becomes visible—a vast, relatively flat terrain with scattered lakes and boreal forest. The approach to Montreal brings views of the Great Lakes region and the St. Lawrence River valley.