The westbound departure from Sydney offers the most dramatic scenery with Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains. While the Montreal approach provides river and urban views, the Sydney takeoff features more visually distinctive natural landmarks.
Flown SYD to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Sydney to Montreal is 9,956 miles (16,023 km), a flight of about 16 hours.
This route crosses the Pacific Ocean for 8,000+ miles with minimal visible landmarks. Typical routing passes north of New Zealand, crosses the central Pacific with no islands in view for extended periods, may pass near Hawaii (Honolulu area) if that's the stopover point, then continues northeast toward North America. The approach to North America brings views of the Canadian Shield, Great Lakes region, and eventually the St. Lawrence River valley. Most of the flight over open ocean offers only cloud formations and water; the most scenic portions are the Sydney departure and Montreal arrival phases.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from SYD
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the Tasman Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out on a westerly initial heading before turning north toward the Pacific routing.
Landing at YUL
RIGHTRight seats provide views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's downtown core and Mount Royal during the descent and approach to Dorval from the northwest. The aircraft typically descends over the Laurentian Shield terrain before crossing the river.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Montreal. The westbound departure from Sydney offers the most dramatic scenery with Sydney Harbour and the Blue Mountains. While the Montreal approach provides river and urban views, the Sydney takeoff features more visually distinctive natural landmarks.
What can I see during takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport in Sydney?
During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains to the west, and the Tasman Sea coastline as the aircraft climbs out on a westerly initial heading before turning north toward the Pacific routing. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour and Opera House, Blue Mountains (western escarpment), Tasman Sea coastline, Hawkesbury River valley.
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 seats provide views of the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's downtown core and Mount Royal during the descent and approach to Dorval from the northwest. The aircraft typically descends over the Laurentian Shield terrain before crossing the river. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Mount Royal (Montreal), downtown Montreal skyline, Laurentian Shield forests.
How long is the flight from Sydney to Montreal?
The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 16 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 9,956 miles (16,023 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Sydney to Montreal flight path pass over?
This route crosses the Pacific Ocean for 8,000+ miles with minimal visible landmarks. Typical routing passes north of New Zealand, crosses the central Pacific with no islands in view for extended periods, may pass near Hawaii (Honolulu area) if that's the stopover point, then continues northeast toward North America. The approach to North America brings views of the Canadian Shield, Great Lakes region, and eventually the St. Lawrence River valley. Most of the flight over open ocean offers only cloud formations and water; the most scenic portions are the Sydney departure and Montreal arrival phases.