Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Istanbul to Montreal. The departure from Istanbul offers more dramatic and immediately visible scenery—the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara, and Istanbul's unique transcontinental setting are striking from the window. The landing approach to Montreal is pleasant but less visually distinctive. Left side wins for the stronger scenic payoff at takeoff.

During takeoff from Ataturk (IST), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side captures the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus strait immediately after departure, with the European and Asian shores clearly visible. The city of Istanbul spreads across both continents below, and the Golden Horn inlet is distinctive from altitude. Notable sights include: Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus Strait, European Istanbul waterfront, Asian Istanbul hills.

When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal urban area during descent. The river's distinctive curves and the city's layout along both banks are clearly visible, with the Laurentian Mountains visible to the north across the river. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal city grid, Laurentian Mountains (north shore), Île de Montréal.

The flight from Ataturk (IST) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes Approximately 11-12 hours.

The flight path crosses the Black Sea (visible shortly after takeoff), then proceeds northwest over Romania and Hungary, passing near the Carpathian Mountains. The flight then crosses Poland, Germany, and the North Sea before reaching the Atlantic. Over the Atlantic, there are no major landmarks, but on clear days the Greenland coast may be visible during the westbound crossing. As the aircraft approaches North America, the Canadian Shield and the Laurentian Mountains become visible before descent into Montreal.