Why stop at Montreal? Race weekend is just the beginning
Last updated January 2026
The Canadian Grand Prix is already one of the most exciting stops on the F1 calendar—but it’s also a great starting point for something more. Whether you’ve got a few extra days or a couple of weeks, it’s a good excuse to see more of Canada while you’re there.
If you’ve been thinking about turning race weekend into a full travel experience, this is the one to look at more closely. I’ll show you what’s worked before and how to make it your own. Here’s how to plan it.
The Canadian Grand Prix is already one of the most exciting stops on the F1 calendar—but it’s also a great starting point for something more. Whether you’ve got a few extra days or a couple of weeks, it’s a good excuse to see more of Canada while you’re there.
If you’ve been thinking about turning race weekend into a full travel experience, this is the one to look at more closely. I’ll show you what’s worked before and how to make it your own. Here’s how to plan it.
What to Expect in This GuideThis guide explains how to build a well-paced Canada trip around the Canadian Grand Prix.
• Where you’ll go: Ontario and Quebec highlights, with an optional westward extension • How it’s structured: Simple, logical routing before and after the race • Why it works: Easy transport, minimal backtracking, balanced pace • Best for: First-timers and repeat F1 travellers alike 10-minute read
Table of Contents • Why the Canadian Grand Prix Is More Than a Race Weekend • Optional Extension: Canadian Rockies by Train • How to Plan a Multi-Stop Trip Around the Grand Prix • Exploring Quebec City • Post-Race Recovery in Algonquin Park • Sample Ontario and Quebec Route Overview • FAQ:Planning a Canadian Grand Prix Trip • Money-Saving Tips for a Canadian Grand Prix Trip The Canadian Grand Prix is just the startIf you're thinking about going to the Canadian Grand Prix, it's worth considering what else you can see while you're there.
What sets the Canadian Grand Prix apart is how easily it fits into a bigger trip. Whether you’ve got a few extra days or several weeks, there’s plenty of room to build around the race weekend. Some people choose to stay close to Montreal, using the Grand Prix as a chance to explore Eastern Canada. Others add on a cross-country journey and head west toward the Rockies. It depends on how much time you have and how far you want to go. One option is to begin or end the trip with a journey through the Canadian Rockies onboard the Journey Through the Clouds Explorer with Rocky Mountaineer. This scenic train runs between Vancouver and Calgary, passing through Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff. Along the way, you move through the Fraser Valley, the Cascade Mountains, and Jasper National Park, some of the most striking landscapes in the country. It’s not a fast way to travel, but that’s the point. The pace is slower, the views are constant, and the experience is about the journey itself. 
The Rocky Mountaineer
You can fly into Vancouver or Calgary to start the train portion, then take a one-way flight to Montreal in time for the Grand Prix. Or do it the other way around. Attend the race first, then head west for the train journey, finishing in either city before flying home. If you want to stay closer to Montreal, it’s easy to pair the Canadian Grand Prix with a few other stops in Quebec and Ontario, such as Quebec City, Toronto, and Niagara Falls. This itinerary worked well for a fan who wanted to experience the race but also see more of the region. It started in Niagara, included Quebec City and Montreal, and ended with a few quiet days in Algonquin Park before heading home. Start with Toronto and Niagara FallsThe trip began with a few days in Toronto. It’s an easy place to settle in and start the journey. A walking tour of the downtown area is a good way to get a feel for the city. Kensington Market is worth visiting for its mix of food, shops, and character. A ferry ride to Toronto Island Park gives a different view of the city, with open space, beaches, and a boardwalk along Lake Ontario.
From there, it was on to Niagara Falls, one of Canada’s most well-known landmarks. Whenever I book a trip to Niagara Falls for Formula One fans before or after the Canadian Grand Prix, my go-to hotel is the Sheraton on the Falls. I always book a Fallsview room. It seems like a missed opportunity not to have that view. Waking up in the morning and seeing the falls before the day even begins just adds something to the experience. The Maid of the Mist was a must. It takes you right up to the base of the falls, and there’s no avoiding the spray. For something different, there's also the chance to walk behind the falls and hear the sound of the water up close. A short drive from the falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake is worth setting aside a few hours for. It’s a quiet town with historic streets, local shops, and several wineries. It’s a nice contrast to the energy around the falls and a good way to see more of the area. 
Niagara Falls
Quebec CityAfter some time in Niagara, head back to Toronto to travel on to Quebec City. You can take the train or drive, but if you're short on time, flying is the easiest way to get there.
Quebec City is known for its cobblestone streets, old buildings, and views of the St. Lawrence River. Most of the main sights, like Château Frontenac and the city walls, are in the old town and easy to get to on foot. If you have a bit more time and want to get out of the city, a day trip into the Laurentian Mountains is a good way to see a different side of the region. The area has lakes, forested hills, and small towns. A short cruise on Lac des Sables in Saint-Agathe and a visit to Saint-Sauveur are both easy ways to spend time in the area. The Canadian Grand Prix in MontrealAfter a few days in Quebec City, the trip continued to Montreal by train, arriving in time for race weekend.
One of the practical things about the Canadian Grand Prix is how easy it is to get to the track. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is on an island in the St. Lawrence River, only a few minutes from downtown. The subway takes you straight there, and even on busy days, the journey is straightforward. The track itself is known for being fast but tight. The walls are close, the braking zones are sharp, and small mistakes can end a race. The “Wall of Champions” has earned its name for a reason. Several world champions have hit it over the years. 
Gilles Villeneuve Circuit
Drivers often mention how much focus this circuit requires. Max Verstappen has pointed to the older-style kerbs and passing zones. Carlos Sainz highlights the technical turns, where precision makes a difference. Montreal has also been the site of some key moments in Formula One. Lewis Hamilton got his first F1 win here. Red Bull reached their 100th. And in 2011, Jenson Button won after nearly four hours on track, six pit stops, and a last-lap pass. It’s a race still talked about today. Montreal’s layout naturally encourages overtaking and multi-stop strategies. 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 takeaway? This is one of those race weekends that works on every level. The track has character. The racing is unpredictable. 
Relax in Algonquin ParkAfter the Grand Prix, pick up a rental car in downtown Montreal and set off for Algonquin Park. The drive takes about five hours, with a few small towns and plenty of scenery along the way.
When planning a stay in Algonquin Park, I often choose Killarney Lodge. It’s a quiet spot on the Lake of Two Rivers. The cabins sit right by the water and come with a canoe. It’s a peaceful setting, surrounded by trees and wildlife. This part of Ontario is known for its forests, lakes, and quiet trails. You can spend time walking, cycling, canoeing, or just taking it slow for a few days after the race. Above: Killarney Lodge in Algonquin Park
Finish in TorontoAfter covering some of the best parts of Quebec and Ontario, and taking in the action of the Canadian Grand Prix, it’s a three-hour drive back to Toronto for the flight home.
FAQ: Planning a Canadian Grand Prix TripWhen is the Canadian Grand Prix?
The race usually takes place in May or June. Dates change slightly each year, so check the official Formula 1 calendar for the latest schedule. Where is the race held? At Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The track is on Île Notre-Dame, close to downtown and easy to reach by public transport. How do I get to the circuit? The Montreal Metro’s Yellow Line takes you directly to Jean-Drapeau station. From there, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the circuit gates. Where should I stay in Montreal during the race? Anywhere in downtown Montreal works well. The city’s Metro system makes it easy to reach Circuit Gilles Villeneuve—even on race day. You’ll want to be near a Green Line station, especially Berri-UQAM, McGill, or Peel, as they connect directly to the track. For reliable mid-range picks, consider Holiday Inn Montreal Centreville Downtown, DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal, Hyatt Place Montreal – Downtown, or the AC Hotel by Marriott Montreal Downtown. If you're looking for a more upscale stay, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Hyatt Centric Montreal, Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile, Four Seasons Hotel Montreal, and The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal. Can I turn this into a longer trip? Yes. Many people build a larger itinerary around the race, including stops in Quebec City, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Algonquin Park. Some also add a trip through the Rockies with the Rocky Mountaineer train. How long should I stay in Canada? It depends on how much you want to see. Some visitors plan a 4–5 day trip focused on the race, while others take 10–14 days to explore more of the country. Is the Canadian Grand Prix a good race for first-time F1 fans? Yes. It’s one of the most accessible and enjoyable races on the calendar, with a mix of great racing, an easy-to-navigate city, and a welcoming atmosphere. Money-Saving Tips for a Canadian Grand Prix TripBook accommodation early or stay just outside Montreal
Prices rise fast for race weekend. Booking months ahead makes a big difference. If central hotels are expensive, look along Metro lines just outside downtown. Public transport is reliable and often faster than taxis during the Grand Prix. Use public transport on race days The Metro to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is The best way to get to and from the circuit and is far cheaper and quicker than rideshares. You can buy a multi-day Metro ticket which not only saves money but also means you don't have to queue at the ticket machines each day.Avoid driving near the circuit. Parking is limited and expensive. Build a one-way itinerary Instead of backtracking, plan a route that moves forward such as Toronto to Niagara Falls to Quebec City to Montreal. One-way flights or train journeys often save time and money overall. Mix hotels with quieter stays City hotels cost more during race weekend. Balance this by staying somewhere quieter afterward, such as Algonquin Park, where cabin-style lodging offers better value per night and fewer add-on costs. Eat like a local In Montreal, skip race-weekend event menus. Bakeries, food halls, and casual neighbourhood restaurants offer excellent food at a fraction of the price and often with shorter waits. Choose experiences carefully You do not need to do everything. Pick one or two paid highlights then balance them with free experiences such as walking tours, parks, neighbourhoods, and waterfront areas. Skip the car until after the race You do not need a rental car in Toronto, Quebec City, or Montreal. Wait until after the Grand Prix, especially if you are heading into nature, then pick one up for fewer days and lower costs. Set a race-weekend budget buffer Expect higher prices for food, drinks, and transport during the Grand Prix. Planning a small buffer avoids overspending and lets you enjoy the weekend without constantly checking costs. Compare rail vs short flights For longer hops, flying can be cheaper than trains if booked early. For shorter routes, trains can save money once you factor in baggage fees, transfers, and airport time. The Best Booking Resources for F1 TripsThis is the fun part for some and the stressful part for others.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, we’ve got you covered. We love putting together Grand Prix trips so you don’t have to. From travel logistics to hotel bookings and everything in between, think of us as your F1 travel support crew. Prefer to do it all yourself? You’re welcome to take what you’ve learned here and build your own trip from scratch. I keep going back to these travel companies because they’re reliable, easy to use, and usually have the best value. They’re where I start every time I plan a trip. Tickets Motorsport Tickets and Grand Prix Tickets are the two agencies I’ve trusted for years. They’ve always been reliable, easy to deal with, and quick to help if something comes up. Hotels ZenHotels is one of my go-to sites for hotel bookings. It pulls prices from loads of smaller sites you might not know about, so it’s great for finding deals. I also check Expedia and Booking.com when I want more options. Excursions Viator is packed with walking tours, attraction tickets, and local experiences. It's especially handy if you're heading to a new Grand Prix city. It’s a great place to find extras to add to your trip. |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
