While the takeoff offers Alpine views, the landing approach provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's geography are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right-side seats capture the most memorable part of this transatlantic route.
Flown LYS to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Lyon to Montreal is 3,645 miles (5,866 km), a flight of about 8 hours.
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high latitude, passing over or near the southern tip of Greenland (rarely visible due to altitude and cloud cover), then over the Canadian Maritime provinces. Notable features include the Labrador coast, the Gulf of St. Lawrence (visible during descent into Montreal), and the transition from ocean to the St. Lawrence River estuary. The Newfoundland coast may be visible on the left during the approach to eastern Canada, depending on exact routing.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LYS
LEFTLeft side offers views of the Alps as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Lyon. The western flank of Mont Blanc and the high alpine peaks are visible during the initial climb phase before the aircraft turns toward the Atlantic.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTRight side provides views of the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal urban area during descent into Dorval. The river's distinctive curves and the city's sprawl across the island of Montreal are prominent visual features on approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Saint Exupery (LYS) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Lyon to Montreal. While the takeoff offers Alpine views, the landing approach provides more sustained and dramatic scenery—the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's geography are visually striking and occupy a longer portion of the descent. Right-side seats capture the most memorable part of this transatlantic route.
What can I see during takeoff from Saint Exupery in Lyon?
During takeoff from Saint Exupery (LYS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side offers views of the Alps as the aircraft climbs northwestward out of Lyon. The western flank of Mont Blanc and the high alpine peaks are visible during the initial climb phase before the aircraft turns toward the Atlantic. Notable sights include: Mont Blanc (4,808 m, visible on the horizon to the east-southeast during climb), Rhône River valley (flowing north below), Lake Bourget (visible to the north as a long narrow water body), Jura Mountains (lower range to the northwest).
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 views of the St. Lawrence River and the Montreal urban area during descent into Dorval. The river's distinctive curves and the city's sprawl across the island of Montreal are prominent visual features on approach. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (broad waterway with visible bends, especially the sharp turn near Montreal), Montreal city proper (urban grid visible on the island), Mount Royal (small but distinctive forested hill in central Montreal), Laurentian Mountains (low, forested ridges visible to the north across the river).
How long is the flight from Lyon to Montreal?
The flight from Saint Exupery (LYS) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 8 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 3,645 miles (5,866 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Lyon to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Atlantic at high latitude, passing over or near the southern tip of Greenland (rarely visible due to altitude and cloud cover), then over the Canadian Maritime provinces. Notable features include the Labrador coast, the Gulf of St. Lawrence (visible during descent into Montreal), and the transition from ocean to the St. Lawrence River estuary. The Newfoundland coast may be visible on the left during the approach to eastern Canada, depending on exact routing.