The right side captures the two most visually distinct moments of this short flight: the Detroit River/Lake St. Clair waterfront on departure and the St. Lawrence River with Montreal's skyline and Mont Royal on arrival, while the left side offers only featureless farmland throughout.
Flown DTW to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Detroit to Montreal is 529 miles (851 km), a flight of about 1 hour 35 minutes.
Flat farmland of southwestern and south-central Ontario, with the north shore of Lake Erie briefly visible to the south and the Ottawa River valley appearing as the route nears Quebec.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from DTW
RIGHTClimbing out of DTW toward the northeast, the aircraft passes just south of downtown Detroit, giving right-side passengers a view of the Detroit River, the Windsor, Ontario waterfront, and Lake St. Clair before the route settles over flat Ontario farmland. The left side mostly shows suburban Michigan with no distinguishing features.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTOn approach to YUL's runway 24, the aircraft swings south of the city before turning onto final, putting the St. Lawrence River, the Montreal skyline, and the distinctive green hump of Mont Royal on the right side of the cabin. The left side faces open farmland north of the airport with little to see.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Detroit to Montreal. The right side captures the two most visually distinct moments of this short flight: the Detroit River/Lake St. Clair waterfront on departure and the St. Lawrence River with Montreal's skyline and Mont Royal on arrival, while the left side offers only featureless farmland throughout.
What can I see during takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co in Detroit?
During takeoff from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW), sit on the Right side for the best views. Climbing out of DTW toward the northeast, the aircraft passes just south of downtown Detroit, giving right-side passengers a view of the Detroit River, the Windsor, Ontario waterfront, and Lake St. Clair before the route settles over flat Ontario farmland. The left side mostly shows suburban Michigan with no distinguishing features. Notable sights include: Detroit River, Downtown Detroit skyline, Windsor, Ontario, Lake St. Clair.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to YUL's runway 24, the aircraft swings south of the city before turning onto final, putting the St. Lawrence River, the Montreal skyline, and the distinctive green hump of Mont Royal on the right side of the cabin. The left side faces open farmland north of the airport with little to see. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal skyline, Mont Royal, Lachine Canal area.
How long is the flight from Detroit to Montreal?
The flight from Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 1 hour 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 529 miles (851 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Detroit to Montreal flight path pass over?
Flat farmland of southwestern and south-central Ontario, with the north shore of Lake Erie briefly visible to the south and the Ottawa River valley appearing as the route nears Quebec.