The right side offers the Laurentian foothills near Montreal on departure and the dramatic Coast Mountains on arrival into Vancouver, both genuinely scenic terrain features. The left side sees comparatively flat farmland and delta terrain for most of the flight.
Flown YUL to YVR? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to Vancouver is 2,288 miles (3,682 km), a flight of about 4 hours 55 minutes.
Northern Ontario boreal forest and lake country, followed by the Canadian prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, then the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta before the Coast Mountains near Vancouver.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTDeparting YUL on runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest over the South Shore before turning onto its westward routing, giving right-side passengers a view north toward the Laurentian foothills and the Ottawa River valley. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter suburban sprawl south of the St. Lawrence.
Landing at YVR
RIGHTYVR approaches typically come in from the east over the Fraser Valley before landing west on runway 26, putting the Coast Mountains squarely on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Left-side passengers instead see the flatter Fraser Delta and Strait of Georgia, which is scenic but less dramatic.
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Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Vancouver International (YVR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Vancouver. The right side offers the Laurentian foothills near Montreal on departure and the dramatic Coast Mountains on arrival into Vancouver, both genuinely scenic terrain features. The left side sees comparatively flat farmland and delta terrain for most of the flight.
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. Departing YUL on runway 24, the aircraft climbs southwest over the South Shore before turning onto its westward routing, giving right-side passengers a view north toward the Laurentian foothills and the Ottawa River valley. Left-side passengers mostly see the flatter suburban sprawl south of the St. Lawrence. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Laurentian foothills, Montreal's South Shore suburbs, Ottawa River valley.
What can I see when landing at Vancouver International in Vancouver?
When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Right side for the best views. YVR approaches typically come in from the east over the Fraser Valley before landing west on runway 26, putting the Coast Mountains squarely on the right side of the aircraft during descent. Left-side passengers instead see the flatter Fraser Delta and Strait of Georgia, which is scenic but less dramatic. Notable sights include: Coast Mountains, Fraser River delta, Golden Ears peaks, Georgia Strait in the distance.
How long is the flight from Montreal to Vancouver?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes about 4 hours 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 2,288 miles (3,682 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to Vancouver flight path pass over?
Northern Ontario boreal forest and lake country, followed by the Canadian prairies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, then the foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta before the Coast Mountains near Vancouver.