Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Rocky Mountain Front Range view on departure is one of the most dramatic in North American aviation, and the St. Lawrence River and Montreal island approach on arrival rewards the same side. Across the cruise portion over the Great Plains and Great Lakes region, neither side holds a decisive advantage.
Flown DEN to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Denver to Montreal is 1,608 miles (2,588 km), a flight of about 4 hours.
The flight tracks northeast over the Nebraska and South Dakota plains, then across the Minnesota lake country and Lake Superior's western arm near Duluth, followed by the forested Canadian Shield of Ontario and Quebec before descending toward the St. Lawrence lowlands. Lake Superior is the most visually striking midpoint feature, appearing as an inland sea with no visible far shore.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from DEN
LEFTDEN's primary departure runway 35L/34R sends aircraft northward, and a left-side seat faces west toward the Front Range of the Rockies. You get a clear broadside view of the entire mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north as you climb out over the plains.
Landing at YUL
LEFTApproaching YUL from the west on runway 24L/24R, aircraft track from the southwest gives left-side passengers a view over the St. Lawrence River, the Montreal island, and the distinctive Mount Royal hill rising from the urban grid. Right side faces south toward flat farmland.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Denver International (DEN) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Denver to Montreal. Left side wins at both ends of the flight. The Rocky Mountain Front Range view on departure is one of the most dramatic in North American aviation, and the St. Lawrence River and Montreal island approach on arrival rewards the same side. Across the cruise portion over the Great Plains and Great Lakes region, neither side holds a decisive advantage.
What can I see during takeoff from Denver International in Denver?
During takeoff from Denver International (DEN), sit on the Left side for the best views. DEN's primary departure runway 35L/34R sends aircraft northward, and a left-side seat faces west toward the Front Range of the Rockies. You get a clear broadside view of the entire mountain wall from Pikes Peak in the south to Longs Peak in the north as you climb out over the plains. Notable sights include: Front Range of the Rocky Mountains (including Longs Peak and Pikes Peak), Denver city grid and downtown skyline, Cherry Creek Reservoir, Rocky Mountain National Park peaks on the horizon.
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. Approaching YUL from the west on runway 24L/24R, aircraft track from the southwest gives left-side passengers a view over the St. Lawrence River, the Montreal island, and the distinctive Mount Royal hill rising from the urban grid. Right side faces south toward flat farmland. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River and its broad channel, Île de Montréal urban grid, Mont Royal (the hill at the city's center), Pont Jacques-Cartier and other river bridges.
How long is the flight from Denver to Montreal?
The flight from Denver International (DEN) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 4 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 1,608 miles (2,588 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Denver to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Nebraska and South Dakota plains, then across the Minnesota lake country and Lake Superior's western arm near Duluth, followed by the forested Canadian Shield of Ontario and Quebec before descending toward the St. Lawrence lowlands. Lake Superior is the most visually striking midpoint feature, appearing as an inland sea with no visible far shore.