Destination Montreal: An F1 fan’s guide

The Canadian Grand Prix is a firm favourite on the Formula 1 calendar. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, set on Montreal’s Ile Notre-Dame, has plenty to get F1 fans excited about, and the city itself has just as much to offer once the racing ends.

Montreal is a city that caters to everyone. There are markets, cafes and iconic dishes for food lovers, cobbled streets in Old Montreal for history buffs, and routes along the river or up Mount Royal for those who love the outdoors. With a mix of culture, nightlife and green spaces, there’s plenty to explore long after the chequered flag on Sunday.

Introduction to Montreal

Population: 1.9 million (approx.)

Time Zone: UTC -4

Language: French and English

Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Power socket: Type A and B – If you’re travelling from overseas don’t forget to bring your adapters

Weather: Mild but variable

The race takes place towards the end of May, so the weather can vary. Whilst the evenings might require layers, the UV index during the day will likely be increasing, so think about potentially preparing for warm, sunny days and chillier evenings.

Attractions

Visit the Olympic Park

Built to host the 1976 Summer Games, the Montreal Olympic Park has remained a beloved sports hub for the city, with most of the venues still hosting sporting events. Whether you want to admire the city from atop the world’s highest inclined tower, attend a sporting event in the park, wander the park’s Morgan Trail, or even go rock climbing or skateboarding – there is something for everyone.

Climb Mount Royal

An iconic landmark that gave the city its namesake, Mount Royal ‘mountain’ sits right at the heart of the city and is a much-loved green escape. Parc du Mont-Royal’s zigzag paths lead uphill to Beaver Lake and the Kondiaronk Belvedere, where the skyline views are some of the best in the whole city.

Marvel at the Old Port and Basilique Notre-Dame

Vieux-Port (Old Port) might be Montreal’s most touristy corner, but there’s a reason people keep coming back. The cobbled streets, river views and mix of French and British architecture give it a charm that’s hard to resist pulling out the camera for, especially around its most famous landmark, the Notre-Dame Basilica. If you can, catch the evening Aura light show inside the basilica when the whole building feels transformed into an otherworldly wonder.

Explore Montreal’s neighbourhoods

Ask locals which neighbourhood is best and you’ll likely start a debate, so it’s best to explore and decide for yourself. From the winding streets and spiral staircases of Le Plateau to Mile End’s food spots and Jean-Talon Market, each area is distinct and unique. Downtown means shopping along Sainte-Catherine, while Griffintown and Saint-Henri buzz with activity (and paddle boats) beside the Lachine Canal. Further afield, Verdun offers its own stretch of beach.

Food and drink

Montreal’s food scene is layered – it's shaped by French roots, global influences and a deep love of fresh produce. Come hungry because this is a city that takes its love of eating seriously.

Plateau and Mile End flavours

If you want to understand Montreal through its food, there’s nowhere better to start than in the Plateau and Mile End. Independent cafes spill onto the pavements and bakeries are scattered throughout – you will be spoiled for choice.

Explore Jean-Talon Market and indulge in local produce

For something more traditional, head to the Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy. The market is packed with local growers, cheesemongers and bakers, and the stalls are often piled high with seasonal produce. Grab something fresh and wander around.

Late nights in Old Montreal

As the sun dips, the tourist-filled Old Montreal softens into something more intimate. Behind the historic facades are candlelit dining rooms, cosy wine bars and terraces that are alive with conversation late into the night. It’s the kind of place where one glass easily turns into two and dinner happily stretches on.

Poutine and Montreal-style bagels

If you’re a foodie who wants to immerse yourself in local creations – these are some delicacies that you won’t forget. Poutine – crisp fries, cheese curds and gravy – is comfort food at its finest. And then there are Montreal-style bagels, which are smaller, sweeter and wood-fired and ideally eaten when still warm.

Travelling around Montreal

Getting around Montreal is straightforward, with the metro covering four lines that link downtown to all the major tourist hubs and transport links from 5.30 am to 1 am – perfect for making the most of your day. Whether you prefer streets or waterways, you can also rent a car, hop in a taxi, or take a water taxi along the Saint Lawrence River between the Old Port, Parc Jean-Drapeau and Longueuil.

However, locals will tell you the best way to travel is on two wheels. Montreal boasts over 780 kilometres of bike paths and is regarded as one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world. With bike hire easy and mid-May bringing mild weather, it’s a brilliant way to see the city at your own pace.