Canadian Colonial Airways, Montreal to New York
In 1933, Canadian Colonial Airways promoted a Montreal - Albany - New York service of roughly four hours, sold as a fast, clean and spectacular trip over the St Lawrence, Lake Champlain, the Hudson and West Point.
The plan is short but elegant: it crosses the border, follows major natural references and ends at Newark, New York's aerial gateway.
A Canadian-American link in the trimotor era.
Replace train dust with panoramic air travel.
A trimotor matches the brochure and the pace.
Visual overflights, beacons and intermediate towns.
Understanding the flight
The brochure sells scenery as much as time saved. The flight should remain readable: river, lake, mountains, Hudson and final skyline.
The St Albans, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Saratoga and West Point overflights give the route its touring dimension.
Before departure
- Choose an old trimotor or a slow touring aircraft.
- Prepare manual overflight points before departure.
- Keep clear weather to enjoy Lake Champlain and the Hudson.
- Respect the Albany stop if you play the 1933 airline schedule.
Suggested route
Montreal and border
Saint-Hubert, St Albans and Lake Champlain open the descent into the United States.
KGFL → KSCH
Adirondacks, Lake George and Albany
Lake George, Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs and Albany shape the first major section.
KSCH → KPOU → KSWF → KTEB → KEWR
Hudson and New York
Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, West Point, Teterboro and Newark close the Hudson Valley.
Experience tips
The plan is short: polish the rhythm, overflights and descents rather than speed.
The Hudson arrival makes a beautiful ending when visibility is good.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2014