Montreal to St. John's is 989 miles (1,592 km), a flight of about 2 hours 35 minutes.
The right side scores higher (3.0 vs 2.5) due to superior landing scenery. While both sides offer modest takeoff views over the Montreal area, the right-side approach to St. John's provides genuine coastal drama—the Avalon Peninsula's rocky shoreline, visible harbor infrastructure, and Atlantic headlands create visual interest that the left side cannot match. The flight is relatively short with limited cruise-phase variety, making the approach/landing sequence disproportionately important to the overall experience.
Flight Path
Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gaspé Peninsula (distant, far left), Newfoundland interior forests and lakes, transition from continental to maritime climate visible in vegetation change
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YHU
RIGHTRight-side departures from YHU typically use runway 24R/24L heading southwest, which immediately turns the aircraft eastward over the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains. This provides immediate terrain drama and recognizable urban landmarks. Left-side departures would see the flat suburban sprawl west of Montreal with minimal visual interest.
Landing at YYT
RIGHTRight-side approaches to YYT typically descend over the Atlantic coastline and Avalon Peninsula, offering dramatic coastal scenery. The approach path crosses the rugged, rocky shoreline with visible coves and headlands before landing. Left-side approaches would see inland terrain and open ocean with less distinctive features.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from St Hubert (YHU) to St Johns International (YYT)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to St. John's. The right side scores higher (3.0 vs 2.5) due to superior landing scenery. While both sides offer modest takeoff views over the Montreal area, the right-side approach to St. John's provides genuine coastal drama—the Avalon Peninsula's rocky shoreline, visible harbor infrastructure, and Atlantic headlands create visual interest that the left side cannot match. The flight is relatively short with limited cruise-phase variety, making the approach/landing sequence disproportionately important to the overall experience.
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 departures from YHU typically use runway 24R/24L heading southwest, which immediately turns the aircraft eastward over the St. Lawrence River valley and the Laurentian Mountains. This provides immediate terrain drama and recognizable urban landmarks. Left-side departures would see the flat suburban sprawl west of Montreal with minimal visual interest. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains foothills, Montreal urban area and harbor, Île Perrot.
What can I see when landing at St Johns International in St. John's?
When landing at St Johns International (YYT), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side approaches to YYT typically descend over the Atlantic coastline and Avalon Peninsula, offering dramatic coastal scenery. The approach path crosses the rugged, rocky shoreline with visible coves and headlands before landing. Left-side approaches would see inland terrain and open ocean with less distinctive features. Notable sights include: Avalon Peninsula rocky coastline, St. John's Harbor and city, Cape Spear headland, Atlantic Ocean.
How long is the flight from Montreal to St. John's?
The flight from St Hubert (YHU) to St Johns International (YYT) takes about 2 hours 35 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 989 miles (1,592 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to St. John's flight path pass over?
Gulf of St. Lawrence, Gaspé Peninsula (distant, far left), Newfoundland interior forests and lakes, transition from continental to maritime climate visible in vegetation change