While the right side wins at takeoff for the Laurentians, the left side captures the most dramatic and sustained views across the flight: the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland coastline during cruise, the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap on the horizon at high latitude, and the spectacular Dutch coastal approach on landing. The left side delivers more variety and geographic drama across the full journey.
Flown YMX to AMS? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Amsterdam is 3,422 miles (5,507 km), a flight of about 7 hours 15 minutes.
The flight tracks northeast over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, then over southern Newfoundland and the Labrador Sea. At cruise altitude the southern edge of Greenland may be visible on the left horizon. The route then crosses Iceland's airspace vicinity before descending over the North Sea toward the Netherlands. The transition from North Atlantic open ocean to the European coastline is the most dramatic visual shift of the flight.
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from YMX
RIGHTMirabel typically departs northeast on runway 24L/06R or similar orientations. A right-side seat during a northeastward climb gives views over the Laurentian Mountains to the north and the broader St. Lawrence lowlands. The Laurentians are a visually distinctive ancient rounded range that fills the window during initial climb.
Landing at AMS
LEFTSchiphol typically lands from the east or northeast on runways like 18R/36L or 06/24. Approaching from the west over the North Sea, a left-side seat captures the Dutch coastline, the IJsselmeer, and the flat polder landscape of North Holland as the aircraft descends. The contrast between the open water and the geometric polder grid is highly distinctive.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) to Schiphol (AMS)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Amsterdam. While the right side wins at takeoff for the Laurentians, the left side captures the most dramatic and sustained views across the flight: the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Newfoundland coastline during cruise, the southern tip of Greenland's ice cap on the horizon at high latitude, and the spectacular Dutch coastal approach on landing. The left side delivers more variety and geographic drama across the full journey.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Mirabel in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Mirabel (YMX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Mirabel typically departs northeast on runway 24L/06R or similar orientations. A right-side seat during a northeastward climb gives views over the Laurentian Mountains to the north and the broader St. Lawrence lowlands. The Laurentians are a visually distinctive ancient rounded range that fills the window during initial climb. Notable sights include: Laurentian Mountains to the north, Rivière des Mille Îles, agricultural patchwork of the St. Lawrence Lowlands, distant Montreal island skyline to the southeast.
What can I see when landing at Schiphol in Amsterdam?
When landing at Schiphol (AMS), sit on the Left side for the best views. Schiphol typically lands from the east or northeast on runways like 18R/36L or 06/24. Approaching from the west over the North Sea, a left-side seat captures the Dutch coastline, the IJsselmeer, and the flat polder landscape of North Holland as the aircraft descends. The contrast between the open water and the geometric polder grid is highly distinctive. Notable sights include: North Sea coastline and beach barrier, IJsselmeer inland sea, Amsterdam city center canal ring, Haarlem and the flat North Holland polder grid.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Amsterdam?
The flight from Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) to Schiphol (AMS) takes about 7 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 3,422 miles (5,507 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Amsterdam flight path pass over?
The flight tracks northeast over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, then over southern Newfoundland and the Labrador Sea. At cruise altitude the southern edge of Greenland may be visible on the left horizon. The route then crosses Iceland's airspace vicinity before descending over the North Sea toward the Netherlands. The transition from North Atlantic open ocean to the European coastline is the most dramatic visual shift of the flight.