Montreal to Toronto is 331 miles (533 km), a flight of about 1 hour 5 minutes.
While the right side wins at takeoff for the St. Lawrence and Montreal views, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff on approach into Toronto with Lake Ontario and the city skyline. For the cruise portion heading southwest, the left side also tracks closer to the north shore of Lake Ontario as you cross into Ontario, offering glimpses of the lake edge near Kingston and Oshawa.
Flight Path
The flight crosses the St. Lawrence River shortly after departure, then tracks southwest over the flat agricultural lowlands of the Eastern Ontario plain. Kingston and the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence are visible to the south around the midpoint. The north shore of Lake Ontario comes into view approaching the Ontario-Quebec border area, with the lake itself becoming prominent in the final 30 minutes as the aircraft descends toward Toronto.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YHU
RIGHTYHU's primary runway 24L/R sends departures heading southwest, putting the right side facing northwest toward the St. Lawrence River and Montreal Island. You get a clear view of the broad St. Lawrence, the South Shore suburbs, and the city of Montreal receding to the northwest as you climb out.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTYYZ's most common arrival from the east uses runways 05/06L/06R, meaning aircraft approach from the northeast over the city. The left side faces south toward Lake Ontario, giving you the clearest view of the lake shoreline, the Toronto waterfront, and the downtown skyline as you descend.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from St Hubert (YHU) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Toronto. While the right side wins at takeoff for the St. Lawrence and Montreal views, the left side delivers the more dramatic payoff on approach into Toronto with Lake Ontario and the city skyline. For the cruise portion heading southwest, the left side also tracks closer to the north shore of Lake Ontario as you cross into Ontario, offering glimpses of the lake edge near Kingston and Oshawa.
What can I see during takeoff from St Hubert in Montreal?
During takeoff from St Hubert (YHU), sit on the Right side for the best views. YHU's primary runway 24L/R sends departures heading southwest, putting the right side facing northwest toward the St. Lawrence River and Montreal Island. You get a clear view of the broad St. Lawrence, the South Shore suburbs, and the city of Montreal receding to the northwest as you climb out. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (wide braided channel visible immediately below), Montreal Island and downtown skyline to the northwest, Longueuil waterfront, Jacques Cartier Bridge spanning the river.
What can I see when landing at Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
When landing at Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. YYZ's most common arrival from the east uses runways 05/06L/06R, meaning aircraft approach from the northeast over the city. The left side faces south toward Lake Ontario, giving you the clearest view of the lake shoreline, the Toronto waterfront, and the downtown skyline as you descend. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario shoreline and Toronto waterfront, CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline, Toronto Islands and Billy Bishop Airport, Mississauga suburban sprawl to the west.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Toronto?
The flight from St Hubert (YHU) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 331 miles (533 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the St. Lawrence River shortly after departure, then tracks southwest over the flat agricultural lowlands of the Eastern Ontario plain. Kingston and the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence are visible to the south around the midpoint. The north shore of Lake Ontario comes into view approaching the Ontario-Quebec border area, with the lake itself becoming prominent in the final 30 minutes as the aircraft descends toward Toronto.