While takeoff offers good mountain and river views on the right, the landing approach provides superior scenic value with Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline all visible together on the left side. The lake views are more visually striking than the forested mountains during departure.
Flown YHU to YTZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Toronto is 322 miles (518 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Golden Horseshoe region. Notable features include the Niagara Escarpment (visible as a subtle ridge line running northeast-southwest in the midpoint of the route), Lake Ontario's northern shore with its industrial and urban development around Hamilton and the western Greater Toronto Area, and the transition from the Laurentian foothills to the flatter Ontario plains.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YHU
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains to the north as the aircraft climbs out on a westerly heading. The river's broad expanse and forested ridgelines are prominent during the initial climb phase.
Landing at YTZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide clear views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during the descent approach from the northeast. The lake's expanse, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline are all visible on the left side as the aircraft descends toward City Centre Airport.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from St Hubert (YHU) to City Centre (YTZ)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Toronto. While takeoff offers good mountain and river views on the right, the landing approach provides superior scenic value with Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline all visible together on the left side. The lake views are more visually striking than the forested mountains during departure.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains to the north as the aircraft climbs out on a westerly heading. The river's broad expanse and forested ridgelines are prominent during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains (north), Montreal urban sprawl (south), Île Perrot (west).
What can I see when landing at City Centre in Toronto?
When landing at City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide clear views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto waterfront during the descent approach from the northeast. The lake's expanse, the Toronto Islands, and the downtown skyline are all visible on the left side as the aircraft descends toward City Centre Airport. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario, Toronto Islands, Toronto downtown core, Scarborough Bluffs (east).
How long is the flight from Montreal to Toronto?
The flight from St Hubert (YHU) to City Centre (YTZ) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 322 miles (518 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Toronto flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Golden Horseshoe region. Notable features include the Niagara Escarpment (visible as a subtle ridge line running northeast-southwest in the midpoint of the route), Lake Ontario's northern shore with its industrial and urban development around Hamilton and the western Greater Toronto Area, and the transition from the Laurentian foothills to the flatter Ontario plains.