While left seats offer the iconic Golden Gate departure, right seats capture more varied scenery across the flight's duration, including the dramatic St. Lawrence River approach and Laurentian Mountains. The landing views are more visually distinctive than the takeoff.
Flown SFO to YHU? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
San Francisco to Montreal is 2,548 miles (4,100 km), a flight of about 5 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Great Lakes region (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie visible at altitude), the Appalachian Mountains in upstate New York and Pennsylvania (low ridgelines visible from 30,000+ feet), and the Canadian Shield's forests and lakes across Ontario and Quebec. The St. Lawrence River valley becomes visible about 30 minutes before landing.
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SFO
LEFTLeft seats face north and west during departure, giving views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands. Right seats look inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery.
Landing at YHU
RIGHTRight seats face south and west during approach to St. Hubert (Trudeau Airport), offering views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's urban sprawl, and the Laurentian Mountains to the north. Left seats see mostly inland terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from San Francisco International (SFO) to St Hubert (YHU)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Montreal. While left seats offer the iconic Golden Gate departure, right seats capture more varied scenery across the flight's duration, including the dramatic St. Lawrence River approach and Laurentian Mountains. The landing views are more visually distinctive than the takeoff.
What can I see during takeoff from San Francisco International in San Francisco?
During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats face north and west during departure, giving views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands. Right seats look inland toward the East Bay hills with less dramatic scenery. Notable sights include: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Marin Headlands, Pacific Ocean coastline.
What can I see when landing at St Hubert in Montreal?
When landing at St Hubert (YHU), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right seats face south and west during approach to St. Hubert (Trudeau Airport), offering views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's urban sprawl, and the Laurentian Mountains to the north. Left seats see mostly inland terrain. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal city center and suburbs, Laurentian Mountains, Lake St. Louis.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Montreal?
The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to St Hubert (YHU) takes about 5 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,548 miles (4,100 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the San Francisco to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Great Lakes region (Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie visible at altitude), the Appalachian Mountains in upstate New York and Pennsylvania (low ridgelines visible from 30,000+ feet), and the Canadian Shield's forests and lakes across Ontario and Quebec. The St. Lawrence River valley becomes visible about 30 minutes before landing.