Left seats capture the superior departure scenery from RKV (Reykjanes geothermal landscape and coastal drama), and while landing views favor the right, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and memorable on this route.
Flown RKV to YMX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Reykjavik to Montreal is 2,335 miles (3,758 km), a flight of about 6 hours.
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing over the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland (Greenland's ice sheet visible on clear days as a bright white expanse on the left/north around 3-4 hours into flight), then over the Labrador Sea. The route approaches North America over Newfoundland and Labrador, with the Canadian Shield's forested terrain becoming visible around 1 hour before landing. The St. Lawrence River valley becomes visible during final descent approach into Quebec.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from RKV
LEFTRKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Left seats face west/northwest during northbound departure, capturing the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula coastline and the geothermal landscape. Right seats see inland terrain toward the central highlands.
Landing at YMX
RIGHTYMX (Mirabel) typically lands runway 22L/22R (southwest approach) or 04L/04R (northeast approach). A southwest approach on right seats provides views of the Laurentian Mountains and the Ottawa River valley as you descend toward the airport northwest of Montreal. Left seats on this approach face the city itself but at a less dramatic angle.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Reykjavik (RKV) to Montreal International Mirabel (YMX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Reykjavik to Montreal. Left seats capture the superior departure scenery from RKV (Reykjanes geothermal landscape and coastal drama), and while landing views favor the right, the takeoff experience is more visually distinctive and memorable on this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Reykjavik in Reykjavik?
During takeoff from Reykjavik (RKV), sit on the Left side for the best views. RKV typically departs runway 01 (northbound) or 19 (southbound). Left seats face west/northwest during northbound departure, capturing the dramatic Reykjanes Peninsula coastline and the geothermal landscape. Right seats see inland terrain toward the central highlands. Notable sights include: Reykjanes Peninsula with its volcanic ridges and geothermal steam vents, Faxaflói Bay to the north, Mount Esja across the bay to the northeast, the city of Reykjavik sprawling below.
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Mirabel in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Mirabel (YMX), sit on the Right side for the best views. YMX (Mirabel) typically lands runway 22L/22R (southwest approach) or 04L/04R (northeast approach). A southwest approach on right seats provides views of the Laurentian Mountains and the Ottawa River valley as you descend toward the airport northwest of Montreal. Left seats on this approach face the city itself but at a less dramatic angle. Notable sights include: Laurentian Mountains (Chaîne de la Montagne) to the north and east, the Ottawa River valley and its confluence with tributaries, forested terrain of the Canadian Shield, the flat agricultural plains surrounding Mirabel.
How long is the flight from Reykjavik to Montreal?
The flight from Reykjavik (RKV) to Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) takes about 6 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,335 miles (3,758 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Reykjavik to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the North Atlantic at high latitude, passing over the Denmark Strait between Iceland and Greenland (Greenland's ice sheet visible on clear days as a bright white expanse on the left/north around 3-4 hours into flight), then over the Labrador Sea. The route approaches North America over Newfoundland and Labrador, with the Canadian Shield's forested terrain becoming visible around 1 hour before landing. The St. Lawrence River valley becomes visible during final descent approach into Quebec.