While takeoff from St. Louis favors the right side, the landing approach into Montreal on the left side offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and downtown Montreal are far more visually striking than anything on the right during descent.
Flown STL to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
St. Louis to Montreal is 968 miles (1,558 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York, passing east of the Adirondack Mountains. The Hudson River valley and Mohawk River valley are visible from altitude in upstate New York. Lake Ontario appears as a large blue expanse on the left (north) side during the final hour of flight as the aircraft approaches Canadian airspace. The terrain transitions from Midwest plains to increasingly forested and hilly topography as the flight progresses northeast.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from STL
RIGHTRight side offers views of the Mississippi River as it flows north from St. Louis, plus the urban sprawl of the metro area. Left side faces southwest toward less distinctive terrain.
Landing at YUL
LEFTLeft side provides views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's geography as the aircraft descends on final approach. The river, city islands, and surrounding terrain are more visually distinctive than the right side's suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from St. Louis to Montreal. While takeoff from St. Louis favors the right side, the landing approach into Montreal on the left side offers more dramatic and distinctive scenery—the St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal, and downtown Montreal are far more visually striking than anything on the right during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Lambert St Louis International in St. Louis?
During takeoff from Lambert St Louis International (STL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side offers views of the Mississippi River as it flows north from St. Louis, plus the urban sprawl of the metro area. Left side faces southwest toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: Mississippi River (northbound from downtown), Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis skyline, Illinois bluffs across the river, suburban development extending northeast.
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. Left side provides views of the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's geography as the aircraft descends on final approach. The river, city islands, and surrounding terrain are more visually distinctive than the right side's suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (wide and prominent), Montreal city center and downtown towers, Mount Royal (elevated park in city center), Île Jésus and the islands of the St. Lawrence.
How long is the flight from St. Louis to Montreal?
The flight from Lambert St Louis International (STL) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 968 miles (1,558 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the St. Louis to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania and New York, passing east of the Adirondack Mountains. The Hudson River valley and Mohawk River valley are visible from altitude in upstate New York. Lake Ontario appears as a large blue expanse on the left (north) side during the final hour of flight as the aircraft approaches Canadian airspace. The terrain transitions from Midwest plains to increasingly forested and hilly topography as the flight progresses northeast.