Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Vancouver. While takeoff favors the right, the landing view from the left is significantly more dramatic and geographically distinctive. The North Shore Mountains and Strait of Georgia approach are far more visually rewarding than the Montreal departure, making left the better overall choice for this route.

During takeoff from Montreal International Dorval (YUL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the St. Lawrence River and Montreal's urban sprawl as you climb westbound. You'll see the river's distinctive curve and the city grid spreading north and south from the water. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River, Montreal downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods, Laurentian Mountains to the north (distant), Ottawa River valley to the northwest.

When landing at Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into YVR. You'll see the North Shore Mountains and the approach over the Strait of Georgia, with Vancouver's urban landscape and the Fraser River delta coming into view as you descend toward the runways. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress peaks), Strait of Georgia, Fraser River delta and estuary, Vancouver downtown and harbor.

The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Vancouver International (YVR) takes Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes.

The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield and boreal forest for roughly 2,000 miles. Notable features include the Ottawa River valley (visible shortly after takeoff), the Great Lakes region (Lake Superior visible from altitude on clear days, roughly 2 hours into flight), the transition from eastern deciduous forest to boreal forest around northern Ontario, and the Rocky Mountain front appearing on the horizon approximately 1 hour before landing at YVR. The prairies of Saskatchewan and Alberta dominate the mid-flight segment but offer limited distinctive landmarks from cruising altitude. The Canadian Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise region) become visible roughly 90 minutes before YVR descent.