How to Comfortably Attend the Canadian Grand Prix F1 (2024)
After being absent from the 2020 and 2021 race calendars for three years, the F1 Canadian Grand Prix is finally back! Whether you’re a first-timer at the Montreal Grand Prix or a veteran spectator of Formula One, here is everything that you should know about attending the Canadian Grand Prix.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Canadian Grand Prix F1?
- Where Is the Canadian Grand Prix?
- Canadian Grand Prix F1 Dates
- F1 Canadian Grand Prix Tickets
- Best Locations for Spectating
- Where to Stay in Montreal
- How to Get to the Canadian Grand Prix
- Tips for Attending Canadian Grand Prix
- 5 Best Things to Do in Montreal
- F1 Canadian Grand Prix: FAQ
- Wrap-Up: Attending the Canadian Grand Prix F1
Traveling Soon? Here Are the Travel Resources I Use!
🏡 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com and Hostelworld
✈️ Flights: I find the best deals on StudentUniverse & Skyscanner
🗺️ Travel Insurance: I suggest Safetywing as an affordable option
🤿 Tours & Experiences: I love to use Viator
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📱 E-Sim: The company I’ve had the most positive experiences with is Airalo
Use code ‘KRISTI7012’ for extra $3 off your ESIM from Airalo!
What is the Canadian Grand Prix?
The Canadian Grand Prix is an annual motor racing event that is held in Montreal, Canada.
Since 1967, this event has served as one of the approximately 20, depending on the season, Formula One races that contribute to determining the yearly World Drivers’ Champion.
It is the largest event held in all of Canada with millions of spectators flocking to the area to join in on the thrill, excitement, and competition.
For anyone completely new to Formula 1, there are a total of 20 Formula One drivers and 10 racing teams with 2 drivers each. At the end of every race, the top ten drivers score points that correlate to their finishing position.
Finally, the driver with the most points accumulated at the end of the racing season is crowned World Drivers’ Champion.
NOTE: For more about how F1 works as explained by the drivers, watch a great Youtube video here. Netflix’s Drive To Survive show also does a decent job of explaining F1, but it can be a bit dramatic and over the top.
Where Is the Canadian Grand Prix?
As mentioned before, the Canadian Grand Prix is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
More specifically, the race is held on the famous Gilles Villeneuve Circuit on Notre Dame Island or Île Notre Dame. This island is located in the middle of the Saint Lawrence River.
Unlike some other races that are road circuits or race circuits, the Canadian Grand Prix is considered a street circuit. This means that the circuit is composed of closed public city streets.
Meanwhile, a road circuit consists of both public roads and parts of a permanent track. A race circuit is a permanent track facility that is not used for public transport.
Canadian Grand Prix F1 Dates
Although the Grand Prix dates are subject to change each season, the Canadian Grand Prix is typically held on the second or third weekend of June.
For example, the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix was June 17-19, 2022.
Currently, the dates for the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix are June 7-9.
As a general reminder, the F1 Canadian Grand Prix stretches across three days: Friday – Sunday.
Friday is utilized for free practice sessions 1 and 2, officially called FP1 and FP2, respectively. Saturday’s schedule always includes free practice session 3, FP3, as well as qualifying, which is an hour session to determine track positions for race day.
You likely guessed it, Sunday is for race day. Two hours are allotted for the race, but there are typically other smaller race events going on before the F1 race.
F1 Canadian Grand Prix Tickets
Tickets for the F1 Canadian Grand Prix are distributed by the official Formula 1 site.
There is an assortment of packages available if you want to include hospitality or special F1 experiences, such as walking the pit lane prior to the race.
I know it can be tempting to buy tickets from Vividseats and other secondary sites, but please exercise caution.
Sellers hike the prices up significantly, sometimes 3x – 8x the original price. The risk of being scammed is higher since people are desperate to score tickets.
This also goes for all the people you find in front of the metro station at Montreal’s Parc Jean Drapeau. I honestly couldn’t tell if they were trying to buy tickets off other fans or sell them, but I would just ignore them — it’s not worth the risk.
Discounted Tickets
There are discounts available for seniors (65+) in Grandstand 33.
Children 11 or under can come for FREE under a General Admission, Family grandstand, and Grandstand 41 ticket. To do this, you must reserve a child ticket while purchasing a regular adult ticket that is in the same class.
🎟 NOTE: Tickets and F1 experiences for the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix are available starting July 26, 2023! So, head over now to check out tickets!
When to Buy Tickets
If it is your first time attending the F1 Canadian Grand Prix, buy tickets as soon as they are released.
Tickets are released to the general public in late-July!
Previous year’s ticket holders have priority for the following year’s Grand Prix. For a small period of time (~2 weeks), they can secure tickets before the remaining tickets go on sale to the general public.
This, coupled with the rapidly increasing worldwide popularity of F1, makes tickets difficult to score.
That said, I know that the grand prix will continue to release a small amount of tickets on a rolling basis pretty much until a month before the Grand Prix.
🏎 PRO TIP: If you aren’t able to score a ticket, consider getting a subscription to F1TV! Even with cable TV, the subscription is pretty great to have so you can see all the camera angles, get the replays, and don’t miss out on any action happening during race weekend.
Or, if you just want to take in the buzzing ambiance, you can walk the pit lane the Thursday before the start of the official race weekend. This is actually free to do which is pretty cool. You just have to make a reservation prior!
They even give you the option of leveling up your package to include seating in one of the grandstands and access to the food trucks and bars. The seating is so you can watch the high-speed testing of the FIA safety and medical cars. So it’s not exactly Formula 1 cars and their ridiculously loud engines but it’s still fun.
And surprisingly, this kind of experience costs less than $50 USD per person, so it’s a relatively affordable addition or alternative for race weekend!
Best Locations for Spectating
To be frank, the best location depends on what you want to see.
Some spectators prefer watching drivers overtake. Others are on the lookout for possible crashes. Meanwhile, people like me prefer the highly anticipated start and finish of the race.
Below is an F1 Canadian Grand Prix track map. As you can see, there are a total of 14 turns on the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit.
The hairpin is a very tight right turn. Meanwhile, the “Wall of Champions” comes right after a long and fast straight and is known for ending drivers’ races early if they make the slightest mistake.
Race Stats
# of laps: 70 // Circuit Length: 4.631 km // Race Distance: 305.27 km
The following sections detail the views and action you can expect to see at some of the grandstands. Also, feel free to click the grandstand links for a sample view from that grandstand.
Grandstand 1
Grandstand 1 is located on the main straight and sits directly across from the paddocks and starting grid. Spectators get to witness the thrilling start and finish of the race, lightning-fast pit stops, and the trophy ceremonies.
Another massive plus is that there are giant TV screens right above the paddocks, so fans can keep track of driver positions.
Grandstands 11 & 12
Grandstand 11 and Grandstand 12 both overlook turns 1 and 2 that make up the famous Senna Corner. Fans can also see drivers exiting the pit lane as it merges into turn 2. This is a fantastic spot for viewing all kinds of action, especially at the start of the race.
🏎 NOTE: Pick a low section number for grandstand 11 and a high section number for grandstand 12 to avoid having part of your view obstructed!
Grandstand 34
Grandstand 34 is unique because it is located inside the hairpin. Fans get to watch drivers enter and exit the tricky right-hand turn. The complex nature of this turn makes it a popular spot for watching drivers run off the track and overtake.
Grandstand 46
At Grandstand 46, fans can expect to see all kinds of drama. From drivers breaking hard as they go around the hairpin to overtakes from more skilled drivers to maximum acceleration as they head into Casino Straight, this grandstand is one of the most popular places to be.
General Admission
For general admission ticket holders, there is no designated area where you are required to sit. As such, you will have to squeeze into the little nooks between grandstands.
I suggest roaming around Friday or Saturday (if you are going), to scout out the best location for you.
A great spot I love is to the left of Grandstand 1. You are pressed up against the fence but get a close-up view of the paddocks and pit stops. Plus, you can catch a glimpse of the starting grid.
Furthermore, there are TVs above the paddocks, so fans can keep track of driver positions and any drama that unfolds around the rest of the track.
Maybe 60-80 spectators can comfortably fit in this area, so you will want to get to the venue early and move quickly!
Another shady location that looks down one of the straights is to the left of Grandstand 31. This area is great because you have an unobstructed view without bringing a chair since the location is on a small hill.
If you are really keen on seeing potential drama and lots of action, try to squeeze between grandstands 11 and 12. Space is extremely limited though.
Where to Stay in Montreal
Unless you have a friend in the city, you’re likely going to need some housing accommodations. Here are a few places to stay during race weekend. I highly highly HIGHLY recommend booking as soon as you have your tickets.
As it is, all the housing accommodations in the area jack prices up because they are well aware that there will be a massive influx of people who need housing. And demand and prices will only continue to skyrocket the closer race weekend approaches…
Thus, to ensure you have a great weekend that hopefully doesn’t unwillingly destroy your bank account as it did to mine… here are some of the hotels I recommend! 🤠
🏎 NOTE: All of these are centrally located in downtown Montreal! Because let me tell you, commuting over an hour and a half to the race track sucks. 🙃 You can also explore housing options with up-to-date prices on the interactive map.
Fantastic Hostel Stays
- M Montreal: Great hostel, a 10-minute walk from Old Montreal! | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
- Auberge du Plateau: Centrally located & has a rooftop terrace! | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
Low Cost Stays
- Hôtel Château de l’Argoat: Great 3-star hotel near Old Port | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
- Hôtel Le Dauphin Montréal Centre-Ville: 3-star hotel w/ breakfast| ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
Mid-Range Hotels
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Old Montreal: 3.5-star hotel w/ pool | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
- Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: 5-star hotel w/ restaurant & bar | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
Luxury Hotels
- Hôtel Le Germain Montréal: Excellent 4-star hotel w/ spa services | ⭐️ 8.9 / 10
- Ritz-Carlton Montreal: A extremely luxurious 5-star hotel! | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10
Feel free to click the buttons below to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
How to Get to the Canadian Grand Prix
Now that you have your housing secured, let’s talk about getting to the actual Grand Prix!
Arrival in Montreal
Unless you live in the area or plan on driving to Montreal, you’ll need to fly into Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL).
✈️ NOTE: I recommend using Skyscanner and StudentUniverse for finding the cheapest flights. These are the two platforms I primarily use and I’ve never had any issues after 5 years of use.
Oh, and for sim cards, I bought an e-sim card from Airalo! I 10/10 recommend it. It was $15 USD, lasted me the 2.5 weeks I was in Canada, and the installation process was super easy. Literally got everything set up while waiting for my friend at the airport.
From the airport, you can make your way into Montreal with their designated airport shuttle bus or call an Uber/Lyft/taxi.
The 747 bus line runs 24/ 7 between Montréal-Trudeau Airport and downtown Montréal and is included with a public transit card, which you’ll need for the next part…
Getting to the Track
The easiest and quickest way to get to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is via the metro system.
Similar to Paris, Montreal is home to an efficient and effective public transportation network that can take you within comfortable walking distance of nearly any tourist attraction that interests you.
You can buy a public transit card at one of the fare vending machines located at every metro station. There are also machines at the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Afterward, you can hop on and off all forms of public transit.
Cost
3-day pass: $21.25 CAD // Week Pass (good from Mon-Sun): $29 CAD
I discourage taking a taxi or rental car because it is both expensive and absolute chaos crossing the bridges to Notre Dame Island.
It is better to take the metro to Station Berri-UQAM and from there, ride the yellow line for one stop to Jean-Drapeau.
Upon arrival at Parc Jean Drapeau, you follow the volunteers, and there is a brief security bag check. They scan your ticket at another station, and then you will climb a metal staircase that crosses over a public street.
From there, you will walk across Cosmos Bridge, which crosses over the Saint Lawrence River. Once you set foot on Notre Dame Island, you are free to roam around, purchase race gear, and find your seat.
Tips for Attending Canadian Grand Prix
How Early to Arrive
To get a good seat, especially if you have a general admission ticket, you will want to arrive before 7 am at Parc Jean Drapeau.
The venue officially opens at 8 am, but people start lining up in front of the security bag check as early as 6 or 7 am. About 5 minutes before 8 am, they start checking people in.
Personally, I arrived at 7:15 am and there were a good 500-600 people already lined up in front of the bag check area. I managed to find a good seat under general admission, but it was a struggle that I had to literally run half a mile for lol.
What Do You Wear to F1 in Montreal?
This may seem a bit ridiculous to give advice on, but I was initially wondering about this and figured I would give my two cents in case it helps someone else.
First, check the weather! Montreal weather is notoriously fickle and changes on a dime. During qualifying on Saturday, it was pouring rain the whole day and then Sunday was the most beautiful warm sunny day.
Lots of fans wear race gear to support their favorite teams and drivers. Do NOT buy race gear outside the venue unless you want to pay especially high fees.
There are literally a hundred booths with team hats, shirts, jackets, etc. in the venue that are cheaper than what is offered outside the event. However, the best option is to buy your gear in advance online.
I know buying gear at the event is sentimental, but prices are literally doubled. Do yourself a favor and purchase anything you want in advance if you can.
Finally, wear comfortable shoes! By the end of the day, you will be absolutely exhausted from walking around the venue, standing, and exiting the venue.
What to Bring to F1 Canadian Grand Prix
- 🏎 Chair or Cushion: For general admission ticket holders, bring a chair to sit on because standing for 11 hours is NOT fun. Plus, you can stand on your chair during the race if you can’t see over the people in front of you. This is a comfortable chair that’s easy to travel with that I normally use for camping, but it is harder to stand on!
For grandstand ticket holders, I recommend bringing a seat cushion because the bleachers hurt after a couple of hours.
- 🏎 Sunscreen: Since you are outdoors all day, bring sunscreen. Save your lips and your face! The sun is quite intense, especially after 10 hours. Here is the SFP 55 travel-size sunscreen I like to use if you want to grab yourself some.
- 🏎 Snacks and water: To save some money, bring food/snacks that will last you all day. You can bring an empty reusable bottle into the venue and fill it up at one of the many hydrating stations.
- 🏎 Sharpie: Lastly, bring a Sharpie. Sometimes, the Canadian Grand Prix holds an autograph session with the drivers, and you might catch a driver walking by. If you have a Sharpie ready, they will likely sign your gear or any posters 🙂
Can You Walk the Montreal F1 Track?
The quick answer is yes! Once the race ends and the podium ceremony begins, they open the track to all ticket holders.
You can walk along the track, see some of the cars fairly up close (maybe 10-15 feet away), take pictures for social media with the paddocks in the background, and watch the podium ceremony.
If there is a crash or retirement during the race, you may even see them haul the cars from the crash site back to the paddocks. I happened to be at the right place, at the right time and saw them take Checo’s and Mick’s car.
Ultimately, if you don’t mind sticking around a little bit after the race, I highly recommend walking the track. It feels pretty special, and you can take great photos on the course to document the experience!
Exiting the Venue
I won’t sugarcoat it. Exiting the venue and getting back to the metro station is an absolute pain.
Depending on where you are exiting from, it takes anywhere from an hour to 1.5 hours to get back to the metro station from Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
If you are in a rush, I recommend leaving a good 10-15 minutes before the last Formula 1 event finishes, whether it’s FP2, qualifying, or the race itself.
The walkway around the track becomes very crowded extremely fast once the day’s events finish. At times, a turtle could probably make it further than you with the same amount of time.
My advice is that if you are trying to make a faster exit on race day, walk on the track. There is much more space and you will cover a lot more ground in much less time.
Another piece of advice, don’t walk across Concorde Bridge to get back to Montreal. Only do this if you have a bike, plan on taking a ride service car (Uber), or don’t mind walking for nearly 2 hours to get back to downtown Montreal.
I made this mistake thinking it would be faster than waiting in the monster line to get to the metro. Unfortunately, I was wrong and ended up taking longer than people who took the metro.
The bright side is that you do pass by Habitat 67, an iconic model apartment complex, on the road beyond Concorde Bridge.
In short, it’s better to take the metro to get back to Montreal or bike to and from the venue if you really want to make a quick exit.
5 Best Things to Do in Montreal
If you’re like me and flew into Montreal or are coming from out of the area, you should definitely take some time to explore the city and immerse yourself in the unique culture!
And if you’re not sure where to start… here are my top 5 recommendations for things to do in the city based on my 5 days in Montreal!
🏎 PRO TIP: They close off some of the streets to traffic during race weekend. These downtown streets then become pedestrian streets filled with luxury cars, Formula 1 team booths, and games! I think it was Lawrence Street, but they might change it from year to year. Either way, make sure to participate in the festivities!
1. Indulge in Delicious Food
One of the best things to do while in Montreal is to feast on their seriously delicious food! Montreal is known for an assortment of different foods, such as its fresh bagels and poutine!
And if you want to fully immerse yourself in the thriving culinary scene, I highly recommend taking a walking food tour through Montreal!
There are many tours to choose from and honestly, compared to food excursions in Milan or Bilbao, the food tours in Montreal are like half the price, making them incredibly worth it!
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 300+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.5 hours
For those interested, this wildly popular and highly-rated small-group food tour includes sampling 6 different items within Little Italy and Montreal’s Mile End.
Some of the food you can expect to taste include the famous Montreal-style bagel, Alsatian tarts, poutine, and of course, fresh ice cream! There’s also a secret menu item, but you’ll have to take the tour to find out what it is. 😉
So, if you’re keen on going on a flavorful gastronomic adventure, definitely consider doing a walking food tour!
2. Visit the Montreal Botanical Gardens
Another great thing to do in Montreal is to take a stroll through the beautiful Montreal Botanical Gardens! With its over 22,000 species of plants and flowers, tons of exhibits, and thematic gardens, it was one of my favorite places I visited.
And let me tell you the gardens are MASSIVE. Like seriously, my friend and I spent 3 hours here and probably didn’t even cover half of the grounds, so I’m definitely trying to make my way back soon.
Also, if you get hungry, you don’t have to leave the grounds. There’s a super cute cafe on-site, which serves a pretty decent selection of food items.
Tickets can be bought online, and prices are: Adults: $22 CAD // Students: $16 CAD // Child: $11 CAD
3. Wander Through Old Montreal
No trip to Montreal is complete without exploring Old Montreal, the oldest area in the city.
This quaint district is home to lots of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops…including a VERY expensive Formula 1 store. Seriously, a regular baseball cap was $110 — like WHAT!?!
And since a lot of the architecture was inspired by Parisian buildings, it intimates that alluring European atmosphere.
The main street in this area is Rue Saint Paul, and I would recommend grabbing a bite or two here since there are lots of restaurants with outdoor terraces.
⭐️ RATING: 5 out 5 – 300+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 hours
But, if you’re keen on doing a bit more sightseeing, there’s an awesome small-group walking tour through Old Montreal.
The tour will take you through all the winding cobblestone streets and a local expert guide will tell you all about the area’s history, unique architecture, and rich culture.
Plus, it comes highly recommended by the more than 300 people who’ve taken the tour, so it’s something to consider!
4. Enjoy the View From Mont Royal Park
If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Montreal then look no further than Mont Royal Park!
This mountain has an elevation of 765 feet (234 m) above the city and is in the heart of Montreal!
It also happens to be one of the city’s major attractions as its filled with lots of trails, pathways, and even a lake, perfect for some leisurely strolls or relaxing afternoon naps!
Also, beware there are a few different routes for getting to the top… Some of them involve a CRAP ton of stairs while others do not.
My friend and I took a bus and then hiked up about 3 flights of stairs. Meanwhile, the pathway we took down must’ve involved 25+ staircases.
So, make sure to consult Google Maps unless you’re trying to get leg day in before you even reach the top!
5. Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal
The last spot I recommend visiting on this short list is the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal. This stunning basilica is located in the heart of Old Montreal and was originally built in 1824.
Inside, you’ll see a mesmerizing blue and gold vaulted ceiling, a gilded altar, and lots of intricate woodwork and stained glass windows! It’s a prime example of Gothic revival architecture and such a beauty to marvel at!
And don’t forget to explore behind the main altar. There’s a little pathway off to the side that’ll lead you to a second, more intimate chapel.
If you’re interested in visiting, you’ll need to buy your ticket online. Prices are as follows:
Adult: $15 CAD // ~$11 USD
Student: $13 CAD // ~$10 USD
Child: $9.50 CAD // ~ $7 USD
👉 However, if this list isn’t enough, see this post for additional things to do and places to visit in Montreal! I also include places to eat and explain how to best get around the city 🙂
F1 Canadian Grand Prix: FAQ
The current lap record is 1:13.078 and was set by Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas during the 2019 racing season.
For reference, the fastest lap for the 2022 season was completed by Checo with a time of 1:14.481.
F1 Tickets are so expensive for two reasons. The first is that this is a rich person’s sport, kinda like tennis… Formula 1 started in Europe in the 1920s -1930s and was a pastime created by wealthy men who wanted to race super-fast cars. So, Formula 1 has never been designed for the average person — hence why you never see tickets that are like $50 USD.
The second reason is due to increasing popularity. With Netflix’s Drive to Survive, the sport has tapped into the American market (as well as the rest of the world). This has led to a HUGE increase in demand, and more demand means Formula 1 can increase prices without there being any repercussions.
In 2023, over 345,000 people descended on Montreal for the F1 race. This number will likely increase as the venue tries to accommodate more fans.
Yes! There are several food stands at the Canadian Grand Prix. It’s where I tried poutine — gotta say, it’s not for me lol.
Yes — backpacks are allowed at the Canadian Grand Prix. They have to be within these dimensions: Height: 22.8 cm (9 in), Length: 45.7 cm (18 in), Depth: 25.4 cm (10 in). You can see what is and isn’t allowed inside here.
Wrap-Up: The Canadian Grand Prix F1
The Canadian Grand Prix for F1 is finally back on the race calendar! It is a weekend that promises drama, excitement, and wicked-fast times.
To top it off, Montreal loves celebrating race weekend. The city closes down several streets and fills them with all kinds of activities for fans to participate in.
And to make your experience more memorable, there are tons of things to do outside of race weekend, such as delving into the food scene, chilling at the many parks, or admiring the European architecture in Old Montreal!
Lastly, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have 🙂
Otherwise, I wish you the best and hope you find this guide helpful in planning your attendance at the F1 Canadian Grand Prix!
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