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YUL → DTW
Which side of the plane to sit from Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Montreal) to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for urban landmarks and unique geography, including the Montreal skyline, the Thousand Islands archipelago, and a prime view of the Toronto skyline across Lake Ontario.
Montreal Downtown
Exceptional views of Mount Royal and the downtown skyscraper core immediately after departure.
Thousand Islands
A stunning aerial view of the 1,800+ islands dotting the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque.
Toronto Skyline
Unrivaled views of the CN Tower and the massive urban sprawl of the Greater Toronto Area along Lake Ontario.
Lake St. Clair
The circular lake that sits between the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, often filled with pleasure craft.
Detroit Skyline
A dramatic view of the Renaissance Center and the Ambassador Bridge when approaching DTW from the east.
The right side is the 'photographer's side' for this route. It remains in the shade during midday flights, preventing glare. For the best view of the Thousand Islands, look out about 20-25 minutes after takeoff. Ensure you are awake for the approach over Lake St. Clair to see the Detroit-Windsor border clearly.
St. Lawrence Seaway
Expansive views of the major shipping lane and the transition from river to Lake Ontario.
Adirondack Mountains
On clear days, the high peaks of New York State are visible to the south.
Niagara Peninsula
Views of the fruit-growing region between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie; Niagara Falls may be visible in the distance.
Lake Erie Shoreline
The industrial and natural contours of Ontario's southern coast near Port Colborne.
Windsor Shoreline
A close-up view of the Canadian side of the Detroit River border during the final descent.
Sit on the left for softer morning light if flying early, as the sun will be on this side. Keep an eye out for the mist rising from Niagara Falls in the distance when crossing the Niagara Peninsula. This side is also excellent for viewing the specialized shipping traffic entering the Welland Canal.
Distance: 851 km (529 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 25 min
Departure: YUL (45.4706001282, -73.7407989502)
Arrival: DTW (42.212398529052734, -83.35340118408203)
Route Type: International
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