You've got the ticket. Here's how to build a weekend around it — Old Montreal on arrival day, the circuit on race day, and the city's best neighbourhoods before you leave.
Where to stay in Montreal
Hotels and apartments for race weekend
Land, drop your bags, and head straight to Vieux-Montréal. The cobblestone streets around the Notre-Dame Basilica are best explored on foot — the architecture is unlike anywhere else in North America. Walk down to the Vieux-Port waterfront for views of the St. Lawrence, then follow Rue Saint-Paul for dinner. Avoid the most obvious tourist traps on the main square and look for restaurants a street back.
If you arrive early enough, the Marché Bonsecours and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum are both close by. The Old Port has a clock tower you can climb for free views of the river.
Guided activities for day one
Beyond the Basilica Walking Tour
Expert-guided walk through Old Montreal's history, architecture, and hidden courtyards. Covers Notre-Dame and the surrounding neighbourhood.
Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Tour
Covers Old Montreal, downtown, and the Plateau in a single loop. Good for orientation on arrival day if you want to see the city before committing to a neighbourhood.
The circuit sits on Île Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River, accessible by Metro. Take the Yellow Line to Jean-Drapeau station — it's a 10-minute walk from there to the main entrance. Leave earlier than you think you need to. The Metro fills up fast on race morning and the queues at the gates can add 30–45 minutes to your journey.
The island also has a casino and the La Ronde amusement park — both are open during race weekend and worth a look if you arrive early. The grandstands give you some of the best sightlines on the calendar, particularly around the hairpin.
Race logistics
Metro Yellow Line → Jean-Drapeau. Allow 90 minutes from central Montreal. Check the Canadian GP getting there guide for full transport detail, bag restrictions, and what to expect on the way out.
Take the morning easy — post-race nights tend to run late in Montreal. When you're ready, climb Mont Royal for views over the city. The park is free and the lookout at the Kondiaronk Belvedere is the best vantage point. It's a 20-minute walk from the base.
Spend the afternoon in Mile End. The neighbourhood around Avenue du Mont-Royal and Boulevard Saint-Laurent has independent coffee shops, vintage stores, and some of the best bagels in North America — St-Viateur Bagel on Rue Saint-Viateur has been baking in a wood-fired oven since 1957. The Plateau-Mont-Royal stretches south and is good for a slow walk before dinner.
Activities for day three
Nordic Spa Thermal Experience
Thermal baths, outdoor pools, and relaxation treatments — popular post-race recovery option. Book ahead during Grand Prix weekend.
Helicopter Tour over Montreal
Aerial views of the circuit, Mount Royal, Old Montreal, and the St. Lawrence River. Best in the morning before afternoon haze.
Travel Agents & Concierges
Are you a travel agent or concierge? We partner with agencies building F1 race packages. Get in touch.