While takeoff favors the right for Laurentian views, the landing experience on the left—seeing the dramatic rocky Avalon Peninsula coastline and Conception Bay—is more visually distinctive. The approach descent offers better geography rewards than the departure climb.
Flown YUL to YYT? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Montreal to St. John's is 1,005 miles (1,618 km), a flight of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
The flight crosses the St. Lawrence River valley, then transitions over the Appalachian plateau of Quebec and Labrador. The Gaspé Peninsula appears to the northeast around midpoint. The flight path crosses over forested interior terrain with few visible landmarks until approaching the Newfoundland coast. Conception Bay and the Avalon Peninsula's rocky terrain become prominent in the final descent phase.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YUL
RIGHTDorval typically departs eastbound (Runways 06L/06R). Right-side seats face north across the Ottawa River valley and Laurentian foothills, offering views of the river's northern escarpment and forested terrain. Left seats see the flat St. Lawrence lowlands extending south toward the US border.
Landing at YYT
LEFTSt. John's approaches from the west (typically Runway 11 or 29 depending on wind). Left-side seats on descent see the Avalon Peninsula's rocky coastline, Conception Bay, and the Atlantic approach. Right seats face inland over the barren, featureless interior plateau.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to St Johns International (YYT)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Montreal to St. John's. While takeoff favors the right for Laurentian views, the landing experience on the left—seeing the dramatic rocky Avalon Peninsula coastline and Conception Bay—is more visually distinctive. The approach descent offers better geography rewards than the departure climb.
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. Dorval typically departs eastbound (Runways 06L/06R). Right-side seats face north across the Ottawa River valley and Laurentian foothills, offering views of the river's northern escarpment and forested terrain. Left seats see the flat St. Lawrence lowlands extending south toward the US border. Notable sights include: Ottawa River (immediate north), Laurentian Mountains (northern horizon, low relief), Lake of Two Mountains (northwest, visible as water body), Montreal urban sprawl (receding south and west).
What can I see when landing at St Johns International in St. John's?
When landing at St Johns International (YYT), sit on the Left side for the best views. St. John's approaches from the west (typically Runway 11 or 29 depending on wind). Left-side seats on descent see the Avalon Peninsula's rocky coastline, Conception Bay, and the Atlantic approach. Right seats face inland over the barren, featureless interior plateau. Notable sights include: Conception Bay (large water body, west of airport), Avalon Peninsula rocky coast (jagged shoreline), Atlantic Ocean (eastern horizon), Signal Hill area (distinctive elevated terrain near St. John's).
How long is the flight from Montreal to St. John's?
The flight from Montreal International Dorval (YUL) to St Johns International (YYT) takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,005 miles (1,618 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Montreal to St. John's flight path pass over?
The flight crosses the St. Lawrence River valley, then transitions over the Appalachian plateau of Quebec and Labrador. The Gaspé Peninsula appears to the northeast around midpoint. The flight path crosses over forested interior terrain with few visible landmarks until approaching the Newfoundland coast. Conception Bay and the Avalon Peninsula's rocky terrain become prominent in the final descent phase.