The Canadian Grand Prix (Le Grand Prix du Canada) is a 3-day Formula One event that has been taking place for over 30 years in Montreal. It is part of the Formula One World Championship and takes place on Montreal’s Circuit Villeneuve which is located on Île Notre-Dame. Some of the most popular names in Grand Prix participate in the Canadian Grand Prix. Some of these names include Ferrari, McLaren, Honda, Williams and Lotus. The race offers some of the most exciting and spectacular motor race events in the world. For over 40 years, the Canadian Grand Prix has been taking place. The event has been happening in Montreal since 1978.The Canadian Grand Prix consists of 66 rounds of the track on a circuit of 4427 km.
Grand Prix Weekend in Montreal
The Canadian Grand Prix is much more than just the race. Grand Prix weekend is quite a festive time in Montreal. In fact, Montreal dedicates an entire week to F1 festivities. Many tourists pack the streets of Montreal to celebrate and revel in the F1 atmosphere. Various festivities and events are planned in many of Montreal’s hotspost. St. Laurent Boulevard and Crescent Street always have many F1-themed events and activities. During the Canadian Grand Prix, many Montreal restaurants, shops and nightclubs tend to be sold out.
One of Montreal’s Most Popular Events
More than 300,000 spectators attend the Canadian Grand Prix each year. It is also estimated that C$90 million is spent each year by F1 visitors along with 75,000 hotel bookings. If you are planning to attend Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, make sure to book early as hotels tend to sell out during this event. The Canadian Grand Prix is so popular that, in 2005, it was the third most-watched sporting event of the year. The Canadian Grand Prix has been held in Montreal every year except in 1985 and 2009.
Grand Prix Festivities
The Canadian Grand Prix features many F1-themed festivities around Montreal. Events around the Grand Prix include street fairs, outdoor DJs and neighborhood celebrations in some of Montreal’s most popular hotspots. Many of the events are free. There is the Crescent Street Grand Prix of Canada Festival happening on Crescent Street. The is festival attracts more than 450,000 visitors and features live shows and many entertaining venues. Grand Prix on the Main is another great F1 festival happening on St. Laurent Boulevard.
Exotic Cars all over Montreal
Apart from the festivities happening around Montreal’s hotspots, you’ll see some of the most impressive cars in the world roaming the streets of Montreal. You will find exotic sports cars all over the streets of Montreal. One of the best displays is The Luigi Ferrari Club Parade. This parade features many Ferraris, from all eras, parked on Peel street.
Images of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal
Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user phstop)
Circuit Jaques Villeneuve used for the Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user phstop)
Ferraris at the Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user phstop)
Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user pdbreen)
Ferrari party at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user pdbreen)
Budweiser Girls at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user pdbreen)
The race at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user phstop)
The crowd at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user phstop)
Crescent Street party during the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (Flickr user vinod.sankar)
