While the right side offers better views during takeoff (Laurentian Mountains and Ottawa River), the left side dominates the landing sequence with Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront—the most visually distinctive features of this route. The landing views are more dramatic and memorable.
Flown YMX to YYZ? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Toronto is 307 miles (495 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Oak Ridges Moraine (a glacial landform running east-west), passes over the Greater Toronto Area's northern suburbs, and follows a descent corridor aligned with Lake Ontario's northern shore. The Kawartha Lakes region lies to the northeast of the direct flight path but may be visible from higher altitudes during cruise. The landscape transitions from the Canadian Shield's rolling terrain near Montreal to the flatter, more developed Greater Toronto Area as the flight progresses southwest.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YMX
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the Ottawa River valley and the Laurentian Mountains to the north and northeast as the aircraft climbs out. The left side faces toward the St. Lawrence River lowlands with fewer dramatic features during initial climb.
Landing at YYZ
LEFTLeft-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline and the Toronto waterfront as the aircraft descends on final approach. The right side faces inland toward the Greater Toronto Area sprawl with less distinctive water features.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) 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 offers better views during takeoff (Laurentian Mountains and Ottawa River), the left side dominates the landing sequence with Lake Ontario and Toronto's waterfront—the most visually distinctive features of this route. The landing views are more dramatic and memorable.
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. Right-side seats offer views of the Ottawa River valley and the Laurentian Mountains to the north and northeast as the aircraft climbs out. The left side faces toward the St. Lawrence River lowlands with fewer dramatic features during initial climb. Notable sights include: Ottawa River (flowing southeast below), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon), Mirabel urban area (receding beneath), St. Lawrence River valley (distant left).
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. Left-side seats provide excellent views of Lake Ontario's northern shoreline and the Toronto waterfront as the aircraft descends on final approach. The right side faces inland toward the Greater Toronto Area sprawl with less distinctive water features. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (dominant water body), Toronto waterfront and harbor (urban edge), Scarborough Bluffs (eastern shoreline feature), Toronto Islands (if visible on approach corridor).
How long is the flight from Montreal to Toronto?
The flight from Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) to Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 307 miles (495 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 Oak Ridges Moraine (a glacial landform running east-west), passes over the Greater Toronto Area's northern suburbs, and follows a descent corridor aligned with Lake Ontario's northern shore. The Kawartha Lakes region lies to the northeast of the direct flight path but may be visible from higher altitudes during cruise. The landscape transitions from the Canadian Shield's rolling terrain near Montreal to the flatter, more developed Greater Toronto Area as the flight progresses southwest.