Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to Calgary. While takeoff offers good river views on the right, the landing approach provides superior scenery with the dramatic Rocky Mountain front clearly visible on the left. The westbound flight path means the mountains are the highlight, making left-side seats the better choice for the overall journey.

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 the Laurentian Mountains as the aircraft climbs northwest from Runway 06L/24R. The river's distinctive curves and the forested ridgelines are visible for the first 10-15 minutes of climb. Notable sights include: St. Lawrence River (immediate right, flowing northeast), Laurentian Mountains (north, tree-covered ridges), Montreal urban sprawl (left and below), Île Perrot (right, in river).

When landing at Calgary International (YYC), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Calgary. The Rocky Mountains become prominent on the left as you approach from the east, and the Canadian prairies stretch across the right. The mountains' eastern front is dramatic and clearly visible during final approach. Notable sights include: Canadian Rocky Mountains (left, eastern front), Bow River valley (left-center, threading through foothills), Calgary urban area (right-center, grid pattern), Foothills transition zone (center, rolling terrain between plains and mountains).

The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to Calgary International (YYC) takes Approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes.

The flight crosses the Canadian Shield and boreal forest for the first 90 minutes, then transitions over the prairie provinces (Saskatchewan and Alberta) with scattered lakes and rivers visible. Around the midpoint (near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border), the terrain flattens significantly. The North Saskatchewan River and various prairie lakes are visible but subtle from altitude. As you approach Alberta's foothills (roughly 45 minutes before landing), the landscape begins to show gentle rolling terrain, and the Rocky Mountain front becomes visible on the western horizon, growing more prominent with each passing minute.