While takeoff from Deer Lake favors the right, the landing approach into Montreal strongly favors the left for views of the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. The landing experience is more visually rewarding and the left side captures the most distinctive geographic features of the entire flight.
Flown YDF to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Deer Lake to Montreal is 806 miles (1,297 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses central Newfoundland's interior plateau (boreal forest and lakes), then transitions over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Approaching Quebec, the landscape shifts to the St. Lawrence River valley with the Laurentian Mountains visible to the north. The river itself becomes the dominant feature during the final descent into Montreal.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YDF
RIGHTDeer Lake sits on the eastern shore of Newfoundland. Climbing out to the south and west, the right side offers views of the lake itself and the surrounding boreal forest and coastal terrain. The left side faces inland forest with less visual distinction.
Landing at YUL
LEFTDescending into Montreal from the northeast, the left side provides views of the St. Lawrence River valley, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the approach over the river itself. The right side faces south toward less distinctive terrain.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Deer Lake (YDF) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Deer Lake to Montreal. While takeoff from Deer Lake favors the right, the landing approach into Montreal strongly favors the left for views of the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains. The landing experience is more visually rewarding and the left side captures the most distinctive geographic features of the entire flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Deer Lake in Deer Lake?
During takeoff from Deer Lake (YDF), sit on the Right side for the best views. Deer Lake sits on the eastern shore of Newfoundland. Climbing out to the south and west, the right side offers views of the lake itself and the surrounding boreal forest and coastal terrain. The left side faces inland forest with less visual distinction. Notable sights include: Deer Lake (the lake itself, visible directly below during initial climb), Newfoundland's rugged interior forest, Atlantic coastline to the east.
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. Descending into Montreal from the northeast, the left side provides views of the St. Lawrence River valley, the Laurentian Mountains to the north, and the approach over the river itself. The right side faces south toward less distinctive terrain. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (the primary visual landmark on approach), Laurentian Mountains to the north, Montreal urban sprawl and downtown core, Île-de-Montréal.
How long is the flight from Deer Lake to Montreal?
The flight from Deer Lake (YDF) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 806 miles (1,297 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Deer Lake to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses central Newfoundland's interior plateau (boreal forest and lakes), then transitions over the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Approaching Quebec, the landscape shifts to the St. Lawrence River valley with the Laurentian Mountains visible to the north. The river itself becomes the dominant feature during the final descent into Montreal.