While takeoff favors the left for Lake Ontario views, the landing descent on the right provides more dramatic scenery of the Laurentian Mountains and Ottawa River valley. Since the landing phase offers more sustained, visually distinctive geography, right seats win overall for this short regional flight.
Flown YYZ to YMX? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Toronto to Montreal is 307 miles (495 km), a flight of about 1 hour 10 minutes.
The flight path crosses the Golden Horseshoe region, then transitions over the Oak Ridges Moraine (a subtle elevation feature), continues across agricultural land in southern Ontario, and enters the Canadian Shield terrain as it approaches the Ottawa River valley. The Kawartha Lakes region may be visible to the north of the direct route. The landscape gradually transitions from flat urban/agricultural terrain to the rolling, forested topography of the Laurentian plateau.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from YYZ
LEFTLeft seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area's urban sprawl during climb-out. You'll see the shoreline and Toronto's downtown core receding beneath you as you gain altitude heading northeast toward Montreal.
Landing at YMX
RIGHTRight seats provide excellent views of the Laurentian Mountains and the Ottawa River valley during descent into Mirabel. The terrain becomes noticeably more rugged and forested as you approach Montreal from the southwest, with the river visible snaking through the landscape.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Montreal International Mirabel (YMX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Toronto to Montreal. While takeoff favors the left for Lake Ontario views, the landing descent on the right provides more dramatic scenery of the Laurentian Mountains and Ottawa River valley. Since the landing phase offers more sustained, visually distinctive geography, right seats win overall for this short regional flight.
What can I see during takeoff from Lester B Pearson International in Toronto?
During takeoff from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left seats offer views of Lake Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area's urban sprawl during climb-out. You'll see the shoreline and Toronto's downtown core receding beneath you as you gain altitude heading northeast toward Montreal. Notable sights include: Lake Ontario (southern shore), Toronto downtown skyline, Scarborough Bluffs (eastern lakeshore), Greater Toronto Area urban grid.
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. Right seats provide excellent views of the Laurentian Mountains and the Ottawa River valley during descent into Mirabel. The terrain becomes noticeably more rugged and forested as you approach Montreal from the southwest, with the river visible snaking through the landscape. Notable sights include: Laurentian Mountains (Canadian Shield foothills), Ottawa River, Gatineau Hills, Mirabel airport approach corridor.
How long is the flight from Toronto to Montreal?
The flight from Lester B Pearson International (YYZ) to Montreal International Mirabel (YMX) takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 307 miles (495 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Toronto to Montreal flight path pass over?
The flight path crosses the Golden Horseshoe region, then transitions over the Oak Ridges Moraine (a subtle elevation feature), continues across agricultural land in southern Ontario, and enters the Canadian Shield terrain as it approaches the Ottawa River valley. The Kawartha Lakes region may be visible to the north of the direct route. The landscape gradually transitions from flat urban/agricultural terrain to the rolling, forested topography of the Laurentian plateau.