The landing approach offers superior scenery with the dramatic North Shore Mountains and Strait of Georgia views. While takeoff from St-Hubert is pleasant, the westbound approach into Vancouver provides more visually distinctive and memorable geography.
Flight Path
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield and boreal forest of Ontario and Manitoba, with the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan) visible during the eastern portion. The Rocky Mountains become visible around the Alberta-British Columbia border, with the Canadian Rockies (Banff/Lake Louise region) appearing as a dramatic north-south trending range approximately 2 hours before landing. The Columbia Mountains and interior British Columbia plateau occupy the final approach segment.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from St Hubert (YHU) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Vancouver. The landing approach offers superior scenery with the dramatic North Shore Mountains and Strait of Georgia views. While takeoff from St-Hubert is pleasant, the westbound approach into Vancouver provides more visually distinctive and memorable geography.
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. St-Hubert typically departs eastbound (Runway 06/24 operations favor easterly departures). Right-side seats capture the St. Lawrence River valley and the Monteregian Hills as you climb out, with clear views of the Montreal urban area receding beneath. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (immediate foreground), Monteregian Hills (Mount Royal, Mount St-Bruno visible as distinct peaks), Montreal downtown skyline (receding to the west), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Vancouver approaches typically use westerly runways (Runway 26L/R). Left-side seats during descent offer views of the North Shore Mountains and the approach path over the Strait of Georgia, with clear sightlines to the Cascade Range and local terrain features. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour peaks), Strait of Georgia (water body), Cascade Range (distant eastern horizon), Vancouver urban area and False Creek.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Vancouver?
The flight from St Hubert (YHU) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.
What does the Montreal to Vancouver flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield and boreal forest of Ontario and Manitoba, with the Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan) visible during the eastern portion. The Rocky Mountains become visible around the Alberta-British Columbia border, with the Canadian Rockies (Banff/Lake Louise region) appearing as a dramatic north-south trending range approximately 2 hours before landing. The Columbia Mountains and interior British Columbia plateau occupy the final approach segment.