While takeoff favors the right for Lisbon's estuary and coastal views, the landing experience at Montreal on left-side seats—with the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and downtown skyline—provides more dramatic and recognizable geography. Left seats also offer better views during the transatlantic crossing of Greenland's glaciers and the Canadian Arctic if flying a northern routing.
Flown LIS to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lisbon to Montreal is 3,253 miles (5,235 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 55°N latitude, passing south of Greenland and north of Iceland. At cruising altitude (35,000 feet), the mid-Atlantic ridge and deep ocean are not visible, but on clear days, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet may appear as a white mass on the horizon near the 4-hour mark. The Canadian Arctic archipelago becomes visible around 6 hours into the flight, with Baffin Island's glaciated terrain and fjords appearing on the left (north) side. The St. Lawrence River valley and Great Lakes region emerge in the final 90 minutes of descent.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from LIS
RIGHTLisbon typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure offer immediate views of the Tagus River estuary and the city's waterfront districts spreading eastward. On a southwest departure, right seats face the Atlantic and Sintra's hills to the northwest.
Landing at YUL
LEFTMontreal's Dorval typically uses runways 06L/06R (eastbound) or 24L/24R (westbound). On approach from the east, left-side seats provide views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's downtown skyline, and Mount Royal. Westbound approaches favor left seats for views of the Laurentian Mountains and the river's broader valley.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lisboa (LIS) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lisbon to Montreal. While takeoff favors the right for Lisbon's estuary and coastal views, the landing experience at Montreal on left-side seats—with the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and downtown skyline—provides more dramatic and recognizable geography. Left seats also offer better views during the transatlantic crossing of Greenland's glaciers and the Canadian Arctic if flying a northern routing.
What can I see during takeoff from Lisboa in Lisbon?
During takeoff from Lisboa (LIS), sit on the Right side for the best views. Lisbon typically departs runway 03 (northeast) or 21 (southwest). Right-side seats on a northeast departure offer immediate views of the Tagus River estuary and the city's waterfront districts spreading eastward. On a southwest departure, right seats face the Atlantic and Sintra's hills to the northwest. Notable sights include: Tagus River estuary, Sintra mountain range (northwest), Cristo Rei monument area (south bank), Atlantic coastline.
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. Montreal's Dorval typically uses runways 06L/06R (eastbound) or 24L/24R (westbound). On approach from the east, left-side seats provide views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's downtown skyline, and Mount Royal. Westbound approaches favor left seats for views of the Laurentian Mountains and the river's broader valley. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal (downtown Montreal), Laurentian Mountains (north), downtown Montreal skyline.
How long is the flight from Lisbon to Montreal?
The flight from Lisboa (LIS) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,253 miles (5,235 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lisbon to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at roughly 55°N latitude, passing south of Greenland and north of Iceland. At cruising altitude (35,000 feet), the mid-Atlantic ridge and deep ocean are not visible, but on clear days, the southern tip of Greenland's ice sheet may appear as a white mass on the horizon near the 4-hour mark. The Canadian Arctic archipelago becomes visible around 6 hours into the flight, with Baffin Island's glaciated terrain and fjords appearing on the left (north) side. The St. Lawrence River valley and Great Lakes region emerge in the final 90 minutes of descent.