Left seats provide superior views on departure (North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet are iconic and dramatic), while the landing view from the right is less visually distinctive. The takeoff experience outweighs the landing advantage for this route.
Flown YVR to YMX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Vancouver to Montreal is 2,269 miles (3,651 km), a flight of about 5 hours.
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield, passing over northern Ontario and Quebec. Notable features include the Great Lakes (Superior and Huron visible on northerly routing), the Canadian Shield's rocky, forested terrain with countless lakes and rivers, and the transition from boreal forest to mixed forest as the aircraft approaches Quebec. The Ottawa River valley becomes visible in the final descent phase. Weather systems moving east across the continent are frequently visible as cloud formations along this corridor.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YVR
LEFTYVR typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Westbound departures favor left seats for views of the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet. Eastbound departures favor left seats for views of the Fraser River delta and the Cascade Range to the east.
Landing at YMX
RIGHTYMX (Mirabel) is located northwest of Montreal. Approach vectors typically bring aircraft from the southwest or west. Right-side seats capture views of the Laurentian Mountains to the north and the Ottawa River valley as the aircraft descends into the approach corridor.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Vancouver International (YVR) to Montreal International Mirabel (YMX)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Vancouver to Montreal. Left seats provide superior views on departure (North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet are iconic and dramatic), while the landing view from the right is less visually distinctive. The takeoff experience outweighs the landing advantage for this route.
What can I see during takeoff from Vancouver International in Vancouver?
During takeoff from Vancouver International (YVR), sit on the Left side for the best views. YVR typically departs runways 26L/26R (westbound) or 08L/08R (eastbound). Westbound departures favor left seats for views of the North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet. Eastbound departures favor left seats for views of the Fraser River delta and the Cascade Range to the east. Notable sights include: North Shore Mountains (immediately north), Burrard Inlet (water body directly below during initial climb), Fraser River delta (southeast), Cascade Range foothills (distant eastern horizon).
What can I see when landing at Montreal International Mirabel in Montreal?
When landing at Montreal International Mirabel (YMX), sit on the Right side for the best views. YMX (Mirabel) is located northwest of Montreal. Approach vectors typically bring aircraft from the southwest or west. Right-side seats capture views of the Laurentian Mountains to the north and the Ottawa River valley as the aircraft descends into the approach corridor. Notable sights include: Laurentian Mountains (north, forested ridges), Ottawa River (visible as a major water feature to the west and north), St. Lawrence River valley (to the south and east), Mirabel airfield and surrounding farmland (final approach).
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Montreal?
The flight from Vancouver International (YVR) to Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) takes about 5 hours. The shortest flight path between them is 2,269 miles (3,651 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Vancouver to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Canadian Shield, passing over northern Ontario and Quebec. Notable features include the Great Lakes (Superior and Huron visible on northerly routing), the Canadian Shield's rocky, forested terrain with countless lakes and rivers, and the transition from boreal forest to mixed forest as the aircraft approaches Quebec. The Ottawa River valley becomes visible in the final descent phase. Weather systems moving east across the continent are frequently visible as cloud formations along this corridor.