Canadian Grand Prix

Montreal

How to get there

There are direct flights from the UK to Montreal, or as it's a long way you might decide to come via Toronto or one of the other Canadian cities which are well served from the UK. A taxi from the airport is about 35CAN$ or there are plenty of shuttle busses into the city centre.

Where to stay

The city centre is a busy, lively place both day and night over the race weekend, so is definately the place to be. For those travelling into town by train, the Fairmont is right next to the central railway station.

What else to do

Montreal has everything you would expect of a major city, but of particular note is the old town area, with the docks alongside the St Lawrence river, and the area of night life centred around Rue Peel, Boulevard Saint-Laurant and Rue Saint Dennis.These areas get particularly busy on a race weekend, with lots of restaurants, bars, clubs and street attractions.

Transport to the circuit

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is built ont he Ile Notre-Dame, an island in the St Lawrence river linked to the town by bridge, subway train and boat. It is possible to walk, but be prepared for an hour or so each way. Easier on the way in is to get a taxi to the Casino, also on the island, and walk from there. On the return, Shuttle busses run from the Casino across the bridge to a large and well-organised taxi rank on the edge of town.

Which grandstand

If the weather is good, then grandstands 11 and 12, on the outside of the first hairpin after the pit straight, give a good view. Make sure you go high up and as close to the middle as you can to avoid your view being obstructed by trees and the like.

Circuit facilities

There's plenty of food and drink stalls in all the areas and most areas have some merchandising as well, although the main area is centred around an area between the pit straight and the lake within the circuit. The lake also provides a relaxing place to sit and watch the world go by during lunch. After the race, there is music, large tv screens and bars in the Budweiser area within the circuit bounds to the north.