Canadian Grand Prix Travel Guide

The Canadian Grand Prix is a Formula 1 fan favourite and draws a capacity crowd. From all over North America and the rest of the world, some 300,000 F1 fans flood into Montreal over the 3 days.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — named in honour of the local hero who won its first race — is an old-school venue that oozes character and history. Built on the 1967 Expo venue, an island park in the Saint Lawrence River, the circuit is just minutes away from the heart of throbbing downtown Montreal.

The circuit is host to edge-of-the-seat-exciting races with ever-present potential for the unexpected. It has characteristics much like Melbourne’s Albert Park, that go beyond just the park setting. The narrow track and close, unforgiving barriers demand utmost concentration from drivers. It’s a formula that produces unlikely results and memorable moments.

Despite not having a local World Champion since 1997 the enthusiasm of the crowd is tangible and the atmosphere in the stands is electric.

This doesn’t end when you leave the circuit — vibrant, lively Montreal really embraces F1 and the place comes alive on race weekend. The party overflows the circuit, into downtown Montreal where revellers fill Crescent Street’s bars.

Add to all this the fact that the event is well organized and the circuit super accessible on the Montreal metro and you have yourself a winning F1 venue.

Canadian Grand Prix Spectator Tips

You’ve come to watch other people drive. Leave the car at the hotel for this one and take the metro instead.
If you’ve come all this way for a glimpse of a Formula 1 car between heads in the crowd snap up those general admission tickets. Otherwise give them a miss this time.
Remember FM radio? You can use one to listen to commentary at the track by tuning into 99.1 FM and 104.5 FM.
Montreal can be a pain in the ass. Bring a cushion for the hard metal bleachers.
Soak up the festival atmosphere and a few beers with the rest of the F1 fraternity in Crescent Street

Take your time when leaving and miss the worst of the crowds

As at any Grand Prix, if you can time your commute to and from the circuit in such a way that avoids the peak traffic you can enjoy a more relaxed journey and spend less time waiting in line.

After a long day track side, instead of jostling for space in the metro why not relax in the sophisticated surroundings of the Casino de Montreal.

Try your hand at Grand Prix Poker or just get a bite to eat at one of the venues many restaurants. The casino is open 24 hours though most of the restaurants close earlier.

The casino is over 18’s only so if you have the kids in tow or it doesn’t sound like your thing then just meandering around the park is a pleasant enough way to while away some time.

Essentials

Language

French & English

Currency

Canadian Dollar $ (CAD)

Time Zone

UTC -5/-4

Electicity

120V/60Hz (North American plug)

Weather & Climate

Montréal Weather

Though icy cold in winter, Quebec’s short summers are warm and quite humid, though rarely really hot. The Grand Prix is usually dry and clear with the last wet race there in 2011.

About Me

I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.