While takeoff offers river views, the landing approach into Montreal provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains create a more visually distinctive arrival than the Detroit departure.
Flown DET to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Montreal is 507 miles (816 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses Lake Ontario's eastern basin and passes over the Niagara region. From cruising altitude, you may glimpse Lake Ontario's broad surface and the Ontario shoreline. The terrain transitions from the flat Great Lakes basin to gradually rolling country as you approach the Canadian Shield and the foothills leading to the Laurentians. No major mountain ranges are visible at cruise altitude on this route, but the landscape becomes noticeably more forested and less urban as you move northeast toward Quebec.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DET
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs northeast from Coleman Young International Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the broader expanse of the lake as you gain altitude.
Landing at YUL
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views during descent into Montreal. You'll see the St. Lawrence River's broad expanse, the Island of Montreal's geography, and the Laurentian Mountains rising to the north—a dramatic approach into Dorval.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit City (DET) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Montreal. While takeoff offers river views, the landing approach into Montreal provides more dramatic and sustained scenery—the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains create a more visually distinctive arrival than the Detroit departure.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit City in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit City (DET), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair as the aircraft climbs northeast from Coleman Young International Airport. You'll see the river's distinctive curves and the broader expanse of the lake as you gain altitude. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Windsor Ontario shoreline, downtown Detroit skyline.
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 excellent views during descent into Montreal. You'll see the St. Lawrence River's broad expanse, the Island of Montreal's geography, and the Laurentian Mountains rising to the north—a dramatic approach into Dorval. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Island of Montreal, Laurentian Mountains, Dorval airport area.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Montreal?
The flight from Detroit City (DET) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 507 miles (816 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses Lake Ontario's eastern basin and passes over the Niagara region. From cruising altitude, you may glimpse Lake Ontario's broad surface and the Ontario shoreline. The terrain transitions from the flat Great Lakes basin to gradually rolling country as you approach the Canadian Shield and the foothills leading to the Laurentians. No major mountain ranges are visible at cruise altitude on this route, but the landscape becomes noticeably more forested and less urban as you move northeast toward Quebec.