Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Layout Guide

Spectators have a variety of locations from which to view the Grand Prix, each offering unique perspectives:

• Final Chicane (Grandstand 34): This spot offers a close-up view of the dramatic left-right turns leading onto the main straight, where the pits are located on the opposite side. The thrill here is witnessing your favorite driver making bold moves over a stretch of about 2,500 feet, trying to beat rivals to the finish line. This location places you right beside the infamous Wall of Champions, where crashes often occur.

• Turn 1 (Grandstand 12): Positioned at the circuit's start, this grandstand captures the intensity of the opening moments. You see drivers accelerate straight ahead before braking hard into Turn 1, where early battles take place, and everyone still holds a chance to vie for victory.

How to get to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

Reaching Circuit Gilles Villeneuve requires some planning, particularly within Montreal's diverse transit system. Options include:

Public Transit: Montreal's Société de transport de Montréal (STM) operates Bus 167 from Jean-Drapeau Metro station directly to the circuit's main entrance. Alternatively, Bus 777 runs along Saint Laurent Boulevard to The Casino near the circuit, where shuttle services ferry spectators to grandstands.

Parking: With only about 6,000 parking spots available but tens of thousands of fans, parking fills quickly. Most fans park in nearby boroughs such as Verdun or Lachine and use shuttle services running at half-hour intervals to reach the circuit.

Shuttle Service: Private shuttle companies offer door-to-door service from hotels to the circuit, operating on a first-come, first-served basis throughout race day mornings.

General Admission tickets

General admission (GA) tickets allow fans to freely move around the track edges and enjoy multiple viewpoints, exhibits, booths, interactive installations, and post-race celebrations. GA ticket holders often face shorter lines for food and merchandise than reserved-seat attendees.

VIP Experience tickets

VIP tickets provide a premium race-day environment with reserved seating in climate-controlled lounges offering optimal sightlines. Attendees enjoy gourmet local food and drinks and behind-the-scenes access, including exclusive tours of garages, hospitality suites, and meet-and-greets with drivers and engineers.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is known for its unique and challenging layout, combining metal and carbon fiber physics at high speed. Its semi-permanent design changes annually and even daily depending on weather, testing drivers' skills as much as cars' performances.

Accommodation Options

Montreal offers lodging options to fit various preferences and budgets:

• Top-tier Hotels: Examples include Hotel Le St-James and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, offering luxury amenities, on-site dining, concierge services, and easy access to metro stations.

• Midscale Accommodations: Hotels such as Hôtel Monville and Hotel le Germain provide reasonable pricing with comfortable amenities, suitable for fans seeking quality without extravagance.

• Budget Lodging: Hostels and Airbnb rentals cater to cost-conscious fans or those embracing a more grassroots experience close to the circuit.