While takeoff favors the right for Lake Ontario views, the landing approach over the St. Lawrence River and Mount Royal is more visually distinctive and memorable. Left-side seats capture the most iconic Montreal geography during descent.
Flown YTZ to YUL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Montreal is 306 miles (492 km), a flight of about 1 hour 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Oak Ridges Moraine (low, forested ridge north of Toronto), then transitions into agricultural farmland of southern Ontario. Around the midpoint near Peterborough, you'll pass over the Canadian Shield's southern edge with lakes and mixed forest. The Kawartha Lakes region (chain of interconnected lakes) is visible from altitude. As you approach Montreal, the landscape flattens into the St. Lawrence Lowlands with the Laurentian Mountains rising to the north.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YTZ
RIGHTYTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario's north shore, the Toronto Islands, and the city skyline receding westward. Left side faces inland toward the Greater Toronto Area sprawl.
Landing at YUL
LEFTApproaching YUL typically uses Runway 06L/24R or 06R/24L; westbound arrivals descend over the St. Lawrence River valley. Left-side seats frame the river, Montreal's downtown core, and Mount Royal as you descend toward Dorval on the western island. Right side shows the Laurentian foothills but less dramatic urban geography.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from City Centre (YTZ) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Montreal. While takeoff favors the right for Lake Ontario views, the landing approach over the St. Lawrence River and Mount Royal is more visually distinctive and memorable. Left-side seats capture the most iconic Montreal geography during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from City Centre in Toronto?
During takeoff from City Centre (YTZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. YTZ typically departs eastbound (Runway 09/27 favors 09 for eastbound traffic). Right-side seats offer views of Lake Ontario's north shore, the Toronto Islands, and the city skyline receding westward. Left side faces inland toward the Greater Toronto Area sprawl. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (immediate south), Toronto Islands (southeast of runway), CN Tower and downtown Toronto skyline (west/southwest), Scarborough Bluffs (east along shoreline).
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Approaching YUL typically uses Runway 06L/24R or 06R/24L; westbound arrivals descend over the St. Lawrence River valley. Left-side seats frame the river, Montreal's downtown core, and Mount Royal as you descend toward Dorval on the western island. Right side shows the Laurentian foothills but less dramatic urban geography. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (primary reference, running east-west), Mount Royal (distinctive dome-shaped peak in Montreal center), Montreal downtown skyline and Old Montreal (north of river), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon).
How long is the flight from Toronto to Montreal?
The flight from City Centre (YTZ) to Montreal International Dorval (YUL) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 306 miles (492 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Oak Ridges Moraine (low, forested ridge north of Toronto), then transitions into agricultural farmland of southern Ontario. Around the midpoint near Peterborough, you'll pass over the Canadian Shield's southern edge with lakes and mixed forest. The Kawartha Lakes region (chain of interconnected lakes) is visible from altitude. As you approach Montreal, the landscape flattens into the St. Lawrence Lowlands with the Laurentian Mountains rising to the north.