Montreal During Formula 1
where the city runs fast, sparkles hard, and doesn’t sleep.
Let’s get one thing straight: Montreal knows how to throw a party. But drop Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend into the mix, and suddenly it’s not just a party… it’s performance art with fast cars, designer shades, and city-wide electricity.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when an artsy, already-charismatic Canadian city shifts into high gear, throws on a leather jacket, and cranks the volume to 11 - welcome to Montreal during Formula 1.
Every June, the Grand Prix du Canada rolls into town, bringing with it a wave of adrenaline, champagne, roaring speed, and heels that somehow handle cobblestones. Whether you're here for the race, the rooftop atmosphere, or you just happened to plan your trip without realizing what weekend it was… buckle up, you’re in for a ride.
And while the track is the heart of it all, it’s what happens around the race that makes the weekend unforgettable.
Let’s unpack what that actually looks like.
So… What Happens During F1 Weekend?
Short answer? Chaos, glitter, and $25 cocktails.
Longer answer? Montreal doesn’t just host the Grand Prix, it becomes it.
People fly in from everywhere. Hotels book out. Rooftops get lineups. Streets shut down, DJs plug in, and champagne flows like it’s part of the city’s water system. But somehow, it never feels exclusive in that velvet-rope, need-a-wristband kind of way. Montreal makes the spectacle feel like something you’re invited to, even if you’re just passing by.
The race energy seeps into every part of the city. You’ll find F1 streaming on massive outdoor screens, while pedestrian-only zones like Crescent, Peel, and de la Montagne turn into open air-stages filled with:
Brand activations and pop-ups
Ferraris and McLarens on display like art pieces
Local food vendors
And street style worthy of its own podium
It’s full main-character mode, and everyone’s invited.
The Race Itself: Fast, Loud, Iconic
The real Grand Prix action takes place on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, set on the scenic ĂŽle Notre-Dame. The track is famous for its tight turns, fast straights, and the kind of mid-race drama that can flip the leaderboard in a heartbeat.
But let’s be honest… not everyone’s here just for the race. And that’s okay. Still, if you’re heading to the circuit, here’s what to keep in mind:
Tickets range from general admission to multi-thousand-dollar VIP paddock passes. Prices skyrocket for this event, so booking early is key.
Skip driving. Seriously, take the metro unless you’re a driver in the race. If you really want to treat yourself, book a limo or even a helicopter ride to the track.
You don’t need to speak fluent F1. Even if you don’t know what DRS or pole position means, the energy at the track is electric and contagious.
Say yes (with boundaries). Plans will shift. Go with it, but don’t burn out trying to do everything.
Pace yourself. The race might be a sprint, but the weekend is a marathon.
Sunday Might Be the Big Day — But Don’t Sleep on Monday
The race happens Sunday, but Montreal doesn’t flip the switch the minute the checkered flag waves.
If you can, stick around for Monday. The morning after carries a slower kind of magic: people swapping stories over brunch, quieter streets still buzzing with afterglow, and the city settling back into itself, gently.
If you came for the thrill, stay for the cool down. It’s worth it.
Can’t Make It? Save This For Later.
Here’s something most visitors don’t know: when it’s not race weekend, the actual F1 track is open to the public.
Yes, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. You can walk, bike, run, or just meander through the same turns the pros take at 300 km/h.
It’s quiet, scenic, and one of those cool “wait, really?” kinds of places. Definitely worth adding to your Montreal list.
Final Lap: What Makes It Special?
Yes, it is about the race; the speed, the rivalry, and the sheer noise of it all.
But it’s also about how the city flexes, transforms, and invites you to play along.
Whether you’re by the track or just following music down a random street, the feeling’s the same: something big is happening, and somehow, you’re part of it.
F1 weekend is the perfect excuse to wander without a plan, follow the noise, enjoy the detours and say yes to the unexpected. It is the race that brings the hype, but it’s the city that makes it unforgettable.
When it’s over? The city turns the volume down, but the charm still sticks around.
