Big Wins, Close Walls and That Montreal Buzz
If you’re building out your F1 travel wishlist, don’t overlook Montreal. The Canadian Grand Prix delivers a perfect mix of fast racing, a fun city vibe, and passionate fans. Whether you’re in the grandstands or strolling through the Old Port, there’s something about this race weekend that sticks with you.
Why the Canadian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listMontreal isn’t just another stop on the calendar. Teams and drivers love the atmosphere as much as the racing itself. During race week, downtown Montreal buzzes with excitement, drawing huge crowds of passionate fans, rain or shine.
The annual teams’ raft race on the Olympic rowing basin adjacent to the circuit.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, set in Parc Jean-Drapeau on Notre Dame Island with the city skyline behind it, is unique. This semi-street circuit mixes long straights, sharp chicanes, and tight hairpins. Drivers balance high speeds with heavy braking, making every lap intense. 
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve set against the Montreal skyline
The walls are close, especially at the infamous "Wall of Champions," where the margin for error is tiny. Max Verstappen likes the track’s old-school kerbs and the regular chances to pass. Carlos Sainz points to the challenge of Turns 4 and 5, plus 6 and 7, where accuracy matters most. Speed, risk, and tight corners keep the pressure high from start to finish. 
The walls are close and the margin for error is tiny
Three-time winner Fernando Alonso calls it "a fantastic event." Lewis Hamilton thrives on this track, Lando Norris looks forward to its challenges, and local driver Lance Stroll draws energy from home fans. It’s where Lewis Hamilton took his first F1 win, and where Red Bull earned their 100th victory. Big moments tend to happen in Montreal. The day Jenson Button won a four-hour F1 race after six pitstops stands out-his 2011 win for McLaren is still one of the most memorable Formula 1 drives. 
Jenson Button won a four-hour Canadian Grand Prix in 2011
Simply put, the Canadian Grand Prix pairs thrilling racing with Montreal’s vibrant culture and friendly atmosphere. It’s truly one of Formula 1’s best weekends. Where's the circuit?The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a semi-permanent track located on Île Notre-Dame, a man-made island in the Saint Lawrence River, directly adjacent to downtown Montrea. It's exceptionally close to Montreal’s city center, only a few minutes by metro or by bridge from downtown, making it one of the most accessible circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame in the Saint Lawrence River
Traveling to Canada & Montreal: What you need to knowGetting to Montreal is easy. The city has direct flights from major cities around the world, and its airport is just a short drive or taxi ride from downtown.
Most international flights land at Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL), with direct connections from cities across Europe, North America, and within Canada. While most race goers don’t need a visa to enter Canada, you may need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). It's quick to apply online and usually approved within minutes. You should always check specific requirements based on your individual circumstances. How many days should you spend at the Canadian Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Canadian Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of support races including Ferrari Challenge and Porsche Carrera Cup North America, making it a weekend packed with non-stop action.
Canadian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere's a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Canadian Grand Prix:
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with practice and qualifying sessions for the support series, including Ferrari Challenge and Porsche Carrera Cup North America. Saturday begins with Ferrari Challenge qualifying, followed by Formula 1 practice, support series races, and culminating with the Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Canadian Grand Prix. 
Lance Stroll on the drivers parade
Best places to stay for the Canadian Grand PrixHotels fill up fast around race week, so it’s a good idea to book early. Staying downtown puts you close to restaurants, bars, and public transport. You’ll also be within a few blocks of a Metro station, which makes getting to the circuit quick and easy. Downtown also puts you near the Old Port, a lively area full of bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
Rooms in downtown Montreal can get expensive during the Grand Prix. But looking just outside downtown can help you find better value. Plateau Mont-Royal is right next to downtown. Prices are often lower, but you're still in a central spot with easy access to the circuit and plenty of great places to eat, drink, and wander. For hotel options in Montreal and to compare prices, Click Here Best grandstands for key moments at the Canadian Grand PrixMontreal’s layout naturally encourages overtaking and multi-stop strategies. Long DRS zones on the three straights provide plenty of chances to slipstream and pass. The best spots for passing are the Turn 10 hairpin, the final chicane, and the Senna Curve (first corner).
The Main Grandstand sits along the start/finish straight facing the pit building. If you want a vantage point that lets you see into the team garages and pit lane, the Main Grandstand is perfect. 
Grandstands 11 & 12, located on the outside of the Senna Curve, have some of the circuit's best views. There's always lots of action here, especially at the race start. From these grandstands, you'll clearly see drivers tackle Turns 1 and 2, and watch cars rejoin from the pit lane. 
Back Straight Grandstands Grandstand 32, located on the inside of the track, gives you an impressive view of Turns 6 and 7. Grandstand 31, on the outside, offers clear sightlines of the right-left combination of Turns 8 and 9, with Montreal's skyline as a backdrop. Both Grandstands 32 and 31 put you close to the drivers as they brake hard and accelerate through these exciting turns. 
Turn 10 Hairpin Grandstands
Turn 10, known as the "Hairpin," is one of the best spots for overtaking. Drivers dramatically slow down to about 35 mph while navigating a tight, 6G turn before speeding up onto Casino Straight. Grandstand 15, situated on the outside of the track, faces the hairpin at the end of a 190 mph straight. From here, you’ll have an excellent view of both entry and exit, guaranteeing plenty of excitement. 
Grandstand 34 sits on the narrow infield strip between the entry and exit of the hairpin, directly facing Grandstand 15. Grandstands 24 & 46 are positioned at the hairpin exit, right before the cars accelerate onto Casino Straight. Seats in these grandstands are very close to the activities zone and the metro station. 
Where next?There's more to Montréal and Québec than just the Canadian Grand Prix. After race weekend, stay a few extra days and see the highlights.
Montréal mixes history and modern life. Walk through Old Port’s cobbled streets, try local cafes, or visit the Biodome at Olympic Park. The Montréal Tower Observatory has stunning city views. Québec City’s Old Town, Vieux-Québec, has historical charm beside the St Lawrence River. For something special, travel through the Canadian Rockies on the Rocky Mountaineer. The Journey through the Clouds Explorer from Vancouver to Calgary includes stops in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. 
Rocky Mountaineer
Toronto and Niagara Falls are great additions. Visit Toronto's city life, then take a ferry to Toronto Island. Finish with Niagara Falls, staying close to the falls at Sheraton on the Falls. Nearby, check out charming Niagara-on-the-Lake and its local wineries.
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