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YUL → SFO
Which side of the plane to sit from Montreal / Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (Montreal) to San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers superior views of the northern Great Lakes, the dramatic peaks of the Tetons in Wyoming, and the stunning deep blue of Lake Tahoe, often concluding with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge on the approach into SFO.
Laurentian Mountains
The ancient, forested hills of the Canadian Shield visible shortly after departure from Montreal.
Lake Superior
The vast, deep blue expanse of the largest Great Lake, often visible along its rugged northern coastline.
Badlands National Park
The striking, eroded geological formations and striped buttes of South Dakota's unique desert landscape.
Grand Teton National Park
The iconic, jagged granite spires of the Teton Range are often visible to the north while crossing Wyoming.
Lake Tahoe
A highlight of the descent; the unmistakable sapphire blue of this alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada.
San Francisco Bay
Potential views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline if the flight follows the northern arrival path.
Sit on the right side to avoid the harsh southern sun and enjoy clearer photography conditions. Keep a sharp eye out approximately 45 minutes before landing for Lake Tahoe. If the aircraft approaches SFO from the north (BDEGA arrival), you will have a front-row seat to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.
Montreal Skyline
Aerial views of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River immediately after takeoff from YUL.
Great Lakes Shoreline
Glances of the southern shores of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie as the flight heads west toward the Midwest.
Mississippi River
The winding 'Mighty Mississippi' visible as you cross the border between the Midwest and the Great Plains.
Front Range Rockies
The dramatic rise of the Rocky Mountains as the flight leaves the flat plains of Nebraska and enters Colorado/Wyoming.
Great Salt Lake
The southern portion of the massive hypersaline lake and the surrounding white salt flats of Utah.
Yosemite Perimeter
Views of the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains, often including the jagged wilderness of the Yosemite region.
On afternoon flights, the left side will face south, meaning significant sun glare for most of the journey; keep window shades partially closed to stay cool. This side is ideal for spotting the unique color patterns of the Great Salt Lake and the dense forests of the southern Sierras.
Distance: 4,076 km (2,533 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 4 hrs 48 min
Departure: YUL (45.4706001282, -73.7407989502)
Arrival: SFO (37.61899948120117, -122.375)
Route Type: International
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