Adedokun Waliyu 
Nestled within the vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage of one of North America’s oldest cities, Montreal plays host to one of the most exciting events on the North American motorsport calendar: the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.
This year, the Formula 1 circus rolls into La Belle Province from June 7-9. The city centre plays host to thousands who flock to town not just for world championship driving, but also for the world-class dining.
The race is run at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Montreal’s Île Notre-Dame — an island park in the middle of the St.Lawrence River. The track is easily accessible via Montreal’s subway system, meaning it’s easy to commute to the action from almost any corner of the city!
As the only Canadian stop on the F1 calendar, the event is a must-attend for die-hard fans and casual observers alike — experiencing the F1 race weekend in Montreal is an unforgettable adventure. Few places embrace Formula 1 as Montreal does, as checkered flags hang outside bars from the Old Port to the Plateau, roads are shut down, and almost every residential street is filled with (illegal) Airbnbs for the weekend.
Tickets for practice sessions, qualifying, and the race can be purchased through the official Canadian Grand Prix website, via authorized ticket vendors like Vivid Seats, Seat Geek, Expedia or at the circuit’s ticket booths. Deals can be found from various deal-hunting sites or other resellers — but be aware, sometimes there can be issues with tickets from unofficial resellers and little recourse for consumers.
Ticket options include single-day passes, weekend passes, general admission, and grandstand seats. Or you could splurge for pit and paddock access if you want to rub shoulders with the teams and drivers. Choose according to your budget and preferences.
General Admission tickets are fairly easy to come by at the gate, but be forewarned there aren’t many great spectating areas on a GA ticket, and the few that do exist are very popular and packed with people. Don’t forget there’s also an F1 Fanzone located in the Park & Cosmos Zone.
Once at the race track, you can use an FM radio to listen to commentary by tuning into 99.1 FM and 104.5 FM. Don’t forget, there’s more than just F1 action on track, this year Ferrari Challenge and Porsche Carrera Cup North America will be on hand in support. Consult the full on-track schedule to make sure you don’t miss a minute of the action. Be sure to check out the support series paddock tucked in behind Grandstand 15.
Gates normally open one hour before the first on-track action and close around one hour after the last on-track action.
Official F1 apparel and merchandise
Look for official F1 merchandise stores located at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, or brick-and-mortar stores in downtown Montreal. Popular items include team polos, sweaters, hats, collectibles, scale models, and stickers.
Keep in mind that merchandise prices at the track can be grossly inflated compared to purchasing the same items online ahead of time. The largest selection of retailers can be found at the track in the stretch between Grandstand 21 and 31.
If you plan to purchase apparel in downtown Montreal, know that there are many unauthorized merchandise sellers looking to capitalize on the influx of tourists. Stick to the officially licensed shops around the city. If you suspect the products might be counterfeit, save your money for the official vendors at the track.
Montreal offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Keep an eye out for special F1 weekend packages offered by hotels in the vicinity of the circuit, many are available through the official Canadian Grand Prix website.
Opt for accommodations in downtown Montreal for easy access to both the race circuit and the city’s attractions. You can certainly find deals off the island of Montreal itself, but keep in mind you’ll miss all the F1-centric activities happening outside of the track. Don’t forget to factor in extra commuting time, as well.
There will be a number of F1-themed events taking place across the city in the build-up to the Grand Prix. This year, there are also two official Canadian Grand Prix podium concerts from The Chainsmokers and Pitbull, along with the famous parties on Crescent Street and Peel Street. Check out the Espace Grand Prix, opposite the Sephora store at Centre Eaton de Montreal. There will be F1 simulators on site from Wednesday, June 5 through Sunday, June 9.
On Friday June 7, you can party at The Ritz-Carlton on Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, the official hotel partner of the Mercedes Formula 1 team. There’s also the Maxim Grand Prix Party at Windsor Station on Saturday June 8.
The restaurant, Le Richmond, will play host to several exclusive events during the Grand Prix weekend, including a welcome party, a red carpet gala, and a closing after-party. Tickets are pricy and you can be certain, the guest list will be exclusive!
Of course, there’s also Montreal’s famous casino located in the middle of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It will be open during the race weekend and is a good place to grab a cold beer or something to eat, if you’re not interested in gambling.
La Voûte, a converted bank vault, will be hosting a party after the race on Sunday June 9 which will run until 7 a.m. Monday morning. Formule Peel is a mini-festival put on by the business owners on Peel Street, featuring fashion, music, food, and classic sportscars! Soubois Club will be celebrating the Grand Prix with a week full of special events and a different DJ headlining each night. New City Gas will be putting on special events in collaboration with Red Bull Racing during the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix weekend.
Additionally, several high-profile concerts are taking place at the Bell Centre in Montreal across Grand Prix week. American band Aventura is at the venue after the qualifying race on Saturday June 8, while Snoop Dogg headlines the post-race on Sunday June 9.
Other things to do in Montreal
Outside of F1-themed events, Montreal offers plenty to do during the weekend. Immerse yourself in the city’s history by wandering through the cobblestone streets of Montreal Old Port. Visit the historic sites and enjoy the many bars, restaurants, and lounges that populate the area.
Hike or drive to the top of Mount Royal for panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding landscape. It’s breathtaking at night and a great place for catching the sunset. Montreal is home to numerous museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions, offering a diverse range of exhibitions and events for those who aren’t enamoured by race cars.
And finally, no trip to Montreal is complete without freshly baked bagels and Montreal smoked meat. It’s a great on-the-go snack for exploring the city, or an excellent pickup just before departing for the drive home.
