While the left offers good departure scenery over southern England, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually distinctive features during the final approach: the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal's urban landscape, and the Laurentian Mountains. The landing views are more rewarding than the takeoff views on the opposite side.
Flown LGW to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
London to Montreal is 3,260 miles (5,246 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
Over the Atlantic, you'll cross the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland (visible as shallow water and fishing areas if flying low enough), then pass over Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence becomes visible as you approach eastern Canada, with Newfoundland and Labrador coastlines visible to the north. The flight path typically follows a great circle route across the North Atlantic, so midpoint views are primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LGW
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Thames estuary and the Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs out westbound from Gatwick. You'll see the sprawl of Greater London receding beneath, with the North Downs visible inland.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTRight side provides excellent views during descent into Montreal. You'll see the Saint Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the urban sprawl of Montreal and surrounding areas as you approach from the east.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Gatwick (LGW) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Montreal. While the left offers good departure scenery over southern England, the right side captures the more dramatic and visually distinctive features during the final approach: the Saint Lawrence River, Montreal's urban landscape, and the Laurentian Mountains. The landing views are more rewarding than the takeoff views on the opposite side.
What can I see during takeoff from Gatwick in London?
During takeoff from Gatwick (LGW), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Thames estuary and the Kent coastline as the aircraft climbs out westbound from Gatwick. You'll see the sprawl of Greater London receding beneath, with the North Downs visible inland. Notable sights include: Thames estuary, North Downs ridge, Greater London urban sprawl, English Channel coastline.
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. Right side provides excellent views during descent into Montreal. You'll see the Saint Lawrence River, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the urban sprawl of Montreal and surrounding areas as you approach from the east. Notable sights include: Saint Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains, Montreal urban area, Lake Saint-Louis.
How long is the flight from London to Montreal?
The flight from Gatwick (LGW) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,260 miles (5,246 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the London to Montreal flight path pass over?
Over the Atlantic, you'll cross the Grand Banks region southeast of Newfoundland (visible as shallow water and fishing areas if flying low enough), then pass over Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces. The Gulf of Saint Lawrence becomes visible as you approach eastern Canada, with Newfoundland and Labrador coastlines visible to the north. The flight path typically follows a great circle route across the North Atlantic, so midpoint views are primarily open ocean with occasional cloud formations.