About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Heathrow (LHR) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from London to Montreal. The right side wins overall. While the left side has a slight edge at Heathrow departure, the right side delivers the more dramatic payoff: Greenland's ice sheet and fjords mid-flight, and the spectacular descent into Montreal with Mount Royal and the St. Lawrence. Over the North Atlantic, the right side also faces south toward Iceland and the Labrador coast as the route curves along the great circle.
What can I see during takeoff from Heathrow in London?
During takeoff from Heathrow (LHR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Heathrow's dominant departure runway is 27L/27R, heading west. A left (south-facing) seat gives you views over Windsor and the Thames Valley as you climb out westward. You'll see the Thames snaking through the landscape and the urban sprawl of southwest London behind you. Notable sights include: Windsor Castle and Windsor Great Park, the River Thames bending through Staines and Egham, the M25 motorway ring, Reading's urban area to the west.
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. Montreal's Dorval airport typically uses runway 24L/24R for arrivals from the east, meaning aircraft approach from the northeast over the island of Montreal. A right (north-facing) seat gives you the St. Lawrence River, the island of Montreal, and Mount Royal as you descend. The left side faces south toward the flat farmland of the South Shore. Notable sights include: Mount Royal and its forested summit, the St. Lawrence River and its broad channel, the island of Montreal's urban grid, the Laurentian Mountains visible to the north on the horizon.
How long is the flight from London to Montreal?
The flight from Heathrow (LHR) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes Approximately 7 to 7.5 hours.
What does the London to Montreal flight path pass over?
The great circle route takes the aircraft north over Ireland, then across the North Atlantic passing south of Iceland and over the southern tip of Greenland, where the ice sheet and coastal fjords are visible on clear days. The route then crosses the Labrador coast of Canada, with the boreal forest and countless lakes of Quebec visible during descent. The St. Lawrence River becomes visible well before landing.