Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains during takeoff are more dramatic than the landing approach. While the landing offers boreal forest and lakes, the takeoff scenery is more varied and striking.
Flown YUL to YDF? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Deer Lake is 806 miles (1,297 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Laurentian Plateau and enters the boreal forest zone of Quebec and Labrador. Notable features include the transition from the St. Lawrence lowlands to the Canadian Shield, the Manicouagan River valley (visible as a linear feature if flying over it), and extensive coniferous forest with scattered lakes and rivers. The terrain becomes progressively more remote and less developed as the aircraft moves northeast toward Newfoundland.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTRight-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast out of Montreal. The river's distinctive meanders and the forested ridge line of the Laurentians are clearly visible during the initial climb phase.
Landing at YDF
LEFTLeft-side seats provide views of Gander Lake and the boreal forest landscape as the aircraft descends toward Deer Lake. The lake's irregular shoreline and the transition from dense forest to the airport area are visible on approach from the west.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Deer Lake (YDF)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Deer Lake. Right-side seats capture the most visually distinctive features: the St. Lawrence River and Laurentian Mountains during takeoff are more dramatic than the landing approach. While the landing offers boreal forest and lakes, the takeoff scenery is more varied and striking.
What can I see during takeoff from Montreal International Dorval in Montreal?
During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats offer views of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northeast out of Montreal. The river's distinctive meanders and the forested ridge line of the Laurentians are clearly visible during the initial climb phase. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian Mountains, Montreal urban sprawl, Île-Jésus (Laval).
What can I see when landing at Deer Lake in Deer Lake?
When landing at Deer Lake (YDF), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats provide views of Gander Lake and the boreal forest landscape as the aircraft descends toward Deer Lake. The lake's irregular shoreline and the transition from dense forest to the airport area are visible on approach from the west. Notable sights include: Gander Lake, boreal forest canopy, Deer Lake, coastal Newfoundland terrain.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Deer Lake?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Deer Lake (YDF) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 806 miles (1,297 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Deer Lake flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Laurentian Plateau and enters the boreal forest zone of Quebec and Labrador. Notable features include the transition from the St. Lawrence lowlands to the Canadian Shield, the Manicouagan River valley (visible as a linear feature if flying over it), and extensive coniferous forest with scattered lakes and rivers. The terrain becomes progressively more remote and less developed as the aircraft moves northeast toward Newfoundland.