Arrival day
Thursday 20 MayNothing on track that matters yet. Check in, then use the afternoon.
- Half-dayJet boat on the Lachine Rapids
- EatJean-Talon Market
Canadian Grand Prix 2027: things to do between sessions in Montreal
21 to 23 May 2027 · ConfirmedMontreal, Canada
Canadian Grand Prix fills Montreal with fans for three days, but the track only runs for a few hours a day. Practice starts around lunchtime, qualifying leaves the morning free and the day after the race is open. This guide fills those gaps.
Know before you go
- This is a Sprint weekend: Friday has practice and Sprint qualifying, Saturday has the Sprint race and Grand Prix qualifying, so free mornings are shorter than on a normal weekend.
- In 2027 the race moves to late May, the Victoria Day long weekend in Canada.
- Crescent Street closes for a free street festival with cars and music from Thursday to Sunday.
Airport to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Île Notre-Dame
Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) has the 747 express bus to downtown in 45 to 60 minutes; taxis are a flat fare.
The track is on an island in the St Lawrence. The only practical way in is the metro yellow line to Jean-Drapeau station, five minutes from Berri-UQAM.
Public transport directions to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Île Notre-Dame
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Latin Quarter | Near Berri-UQAM metro, one stop from the circuit line. |
| Mid-range | Downtown | Crescent Street and the underground city. |
| Splurge | Old Montreal | Boutique hotels on cobbled streets. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: HI Montreal Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Le Germain Montreal
- Splurge: Hotel William Gray
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual Grand Prix weekend schedule for 21 to 23 May 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Practice day
Friday 21 MayFirst practice rarely starts before lunchtime, so the morning is free.
- Half-dayOld Montreal walking tour
- EatSchwartz's
Qualifying day
Saturday 22 MaySupport races fill the morning. Skip them for a slow start in town and reach the track after lunch.
- Easy outingNotre-Dame Basilica AURA show
- FreeOld Port promenade.
Race day
Sunday 23 MayGo to the track early and stay after the flag: leaving straight away means the worst of the traffic.
- After darkCrescent Street and Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
The day after
Monday 24 MayA full free day before the flight home. This is the best day for a longer trip out of town.
- Full dayMont-Tremblant day trip
- EatSt-Viateur Bagel
Family-friendly picks
- Biodôme and Insectarium.
- Montreal Science Centre.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Crescent Street and Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
6 tours worth booking for Canadian Grand Prix
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Jet boat on the Lachine Rapids | Half day | Families |
| Mont-Tremblant day trip | Full day | Families |
| Old Montreal walking tour | Half day | Families |
| Food tour of the Plateau and Mile End | Half day | Food lovers |
| Quebec City day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| Notre-Dame Basilica AURA show | Evening | Bad weather, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Museum of Fine Arts.
- Pointe-à-Callière archaeology museum.
Getting around on event days
- STM metro and buses; the yellow line to Jean-Drapeau for the circuit.
- BIXI bikes everywhere.
Day trips from Montreal
- Quebec City: 3 hours
- Mont-Tremblant: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Canadian Grand Prix.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Canadian Grand Prix 2027?
The next edition is 21 to 23 May 2027.
How do I get from the airport to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Île Notre-Dame?
Montréal-Trudeau (YUL) has the 747 express bus to downtown in 45 to 60 minutes; taxis are a flat fare. The track is on an island in the St Lawrence. The only practical way in is the metro yellow line to Jean-Drapeau station, five minutes from Berri-UQAM.
Where should I stay for Canadian Grand Prix?
For most visitors the best base is Downtown: Crescent Street and the underground city.
What can we do between sessions at Canadian Grand Prix?
Good short outings in Montreal include Old Montreal walking tour, Food tour of the Plateau and Mile End, Jet boat on the Lachine Rapids. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Canadian Grand Prix?
Family-friendly picks: Old Montreal walking tour, Jet boat on the Lachine Rapids, Mont-Tremblant day trip. Biodôme and Insectarium.
How far is Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Île Notre-Dame from Montreal centre?
About 3 km in a straight line. The track is on an island in the St Lawrence. The only practical way in is the metro yellow line to Jean-Drapeau station, five minutes from Berri-UQAM.
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