Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from San Francisco to Montreal. Left side wins both departure and arrival. During the flight itself, the left side also tracks closer to the Canadian Rockies foothills, the Great Lakes shoreline, and eventually the St. Lawrence Valley on descent, making it the stronger choice throughout.

During takeoff from San Francisco International (SFO), sit on the Left side for the best views. SFO typically departs northwest on runways 28L/28R, then turns northeast. The left side gets San Francisco Bay, the city skyline, and the Bay Bridge as the aircraft climbs and banks. The right side faces the peninsula and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: San Francisco Bay, Bay Bridge, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island.

When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. YUL typically lands on runway 24L/24R from the northeast, approaching from over the St. Lawrence River. The left side looks south over the river, Montreal Island, and the city center including Mount Royal. The right side faces suburban north shore with less visual interest. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal city center, Mount Royal, Montreal Island.

The flight from San Francisco International (SFO) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes.

After departing the Bay Area, the route crosses the Sierra Nevada, then tracks northeast over the Great Basin and Rocky Mountain foothills. Over the central Canadian prairies, the terrain flattens dramatically. The Great Lakes region appears roughly two-thirds through the flight, with Lake Huron and Lake Ontario potentially visible depending on exact routing. The St. Lawrence River Valley becomes visible on descent into Montreal.