Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
4.5
About
Located on Ile Notre-Dame, the 4.361 km-long Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve hosts the Grand Prix du Canada, as well as biking, in-line skating, jogging and walking enthusiasts! PARTIAL CLOSURE The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be partially closed to cyclists, pedestrians and inline skates enthusiasts from May 15 to September 4, 2017 due to the mounting, the hosting and demounting of major events, to maintenance work done on the circuit in preparation for the Grand Prix du Canada, and to the STM bus circuit to Jean-Dore beach. This partial closure means two things: • The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will be accessible to cyclists, pedestrians and inline skates enthusiasts for only 43 non consecutive days this summer, from May 15 to September 4, 2017. Visite the Parc Jean-Drapeau website for the detailed schedule. • A portion of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the "Hairpin" area, will be inaccessible at all time time from May 15 to September 4, 2017.
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kelseymelissa
Ottawa, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
As a first time Formula 1 Go'er and a Die-Hard fan as my boyfriend , We wanted to make the most of our weekend but found there was not a whole lot of information online. Here are a few things I wish I had known and will keep in mind for next time!
1. Metro Pass is a god sent! You can get the 3-day weekend pass relatively cheap and it is really the most effective way to access the track as the station lets you off practically in the middle of the circuit. The "metro station" has a liquor/grocery store which is nice to buy a giant 2L thing of bottled water for $3 instead of a 200ml bottle for $8 at the track, There is also a McDonalds and a few other things that you can grab for lunch on a break between the races etc..
2. BRING YOUR FOOD+ DRINK ! They will allow you to bring coolers/food as well as alcohol.. The food they offer at the event is insanely priced and relatively no options (your choice of hot dog ($10) or soggy sub ($12). Day 1 i didnt know this , Day 2 and 3 we packed our lunch and drinks ,saved a ton of money and overall enjoyed it better
3. Expect to get there early if you want parking at the nearest metro station, closest parking is still a 2-3 minute walk
4. If you don't have stadium seats , do not expect shade. There were relatively No Shady areas anywhere in GA and if it was anything like the weekend I was there it is extremely hot especially with the track soaking in the sun!
5. Take advantage of walking the track afterwards. Very cool experience and if your boyfriend is a nerd like mine he will enjoy saving the debris and tire pieces etc as memorabilia!
6. Due to the intense amount of people , I found the food quality and service at the restaurants pretty poor , but you can't really hold that against them. If your wanting to go somewhere nice I would make reservations WAY AHEAD of time if they even take them , or maybe just opt for a takeout kind of night.
1. Metro Pass is a god sent! You can get the 3-day weekend pass relatively cheap and it is really the most effective way to access the track as the station lets you off practically in the middle of the circuit. The "metro station" has a liquor/grocery store which is nice to buy a giant 2L thing of bottled water for $3 instead of a 200ml bottle for $8 at the track, There is also a McDonalds and a few other things that you can grab for lunch on a break between the races etc..
2. BRING YOUR FOOD+ DRINK ! They will allow you to bring coolers/food as well as alcohol.. The food they offer at the event is insanely priced and relatively no options (your choice of hot dog ($10) or soggy sub ($12). Day 1 i didnt know this , Day 2 and 3 we packed our lunch and drinks ,saved a ton of money and overall enjoyed it better
3. Expect to get there early if you want parking at the nearest metro station, closest parking is still a 2-3 minute walk
4. If you don't have stadium seats , do not expect shade. There were relatively No Shady areas anywhere in GA and if it was anything like the weekend I was there it is extremely hot especially with the track soaking in the sun!
5. Take advantage of walking the track afterwards. Very cool experience and if your boyfriend is a nerd like mine he will enjoy saving the debris and tire pieces etc as memorabilia!
6. Due to the intense amount of people , I found the food quality and service at the restaurants pretty poor , but you can't really hold that against them. If your wanting to go somewhere nice I would make reservations WAY AHEAD of time if they even take them , or maybe just opt for a takeout kind of night.
Written November 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tricky Duck
Rotherham, UK647 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
We had planned this trip for two years and sought advice on the best viewing stand which came down to 11 or 12. Having spoken to a local at a previous race and from research stand 11 looked better.
The company would not allow you to select seat just one price and you take what is given. Little did we know that sections 8, 7 and the top half of 6 were seriously restricted views by trees. A lot of people left the seating area and went on a grass bank below.
We were astounded that the tickets as in a theatre did not say 'restricted view' and were sold at a lower price. The buyer can then choose to pay more for a guaranteed clear view. £300 and 3000 miles for a substandard seat.
This key point spoilt an excellent week. The city is geared up for F1 but it's a real shame the circuit sell duff tickets. A point of note those sat around us were all from out of town? Is it a policy to release the crap tickets to those not local?
This review is not don't go but if you do be prepared to be short changed by the view from stand 11 sections 6, 7 and 8!
The company would not allow you to select seat just one price and you take what is given. Little did we know that sections 8, 7 and the top half of 6 were seriously restricted views by trees. A lot of people left the seating area and went on a grass bank below.
We were astounded that the tickets as in a theatre did not say 'restricted view' and were sold at a lower price. The buyer can then choose to pay more for a guaranteed clear view. £300 and 3000 miles for a substandard seat.
This key point spoilt an excellent week. The city is geared up for F1 but it's a real shame the circuit sell duff tickets. A point of note those sat around us were all from out of town? Is it a policy to release the crap tickets to those not local?
This review is not don't go but if you do be prepared to be short changed by the view from stand 11 sections 6, 7 and 8!
Written June 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
5Americans
Williamsburg, VA104 contributions
It is a bit of a ride from downtown but it is worth it...getting to ride on a auto racing track. The grounds are very well maintained and there areits of things to see along the ride...well worth the effort to get there. On the way back take the ferry,if you are like us you will be tired and the ride is relaxing and beautiful on a bike friendly ferry.
Written July 31, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Aurora, CO37 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
The week after the 2018 Canadian F1 race, my wife and I visited Montreal. One evening we drove to Parc Jean Drapeau, where the track is located. While teardown of parts of the Grand Prix seating and structure were underway, we were fortunate to be allowed onto the circuit itself. Originally built in 1978, the 2.71-mile, 14-turn configuration was updated to the highest FIA safety specs in 2017.
You might not suspect this in driving around the clockwise circuit (20 MPH speed limit), as it's relatively narrow; with looming concrete walls and high chain link fences ringing the track. The track surface is quite smooth, as you might suspect, but the curbing is pretty high to keep racers from cutting them on corner entry or exit. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a relatively flat track, although a critical eye would make out slight rises in certain corners such as T3, which is more of a turn than you might think!
Current F1 cars have such high aerodynamic loads (as well as tons of mechanical grip) that the multiple chicanes throughout the track are little more than 'flicks' to the drivers. However, upon closer inspection, these chicanes require some serious directional changes to navigate and demonstrate the skill drivers must have in judging entry speed, amount of 'slide' the car will produce and accurate line selection to avoid clipping those very solid walls on either side of the track surface.
Particularly interesting were the turn 1-2 complex (Senna S-turns) which offers the potential for cars to be side-by-side while racing for an advantage. And at the other end of the track, turn 10 (hairpin curve) offers another great overtaking section IF the following driver can get through the preceding chicane closely enough to the car in front to capitalize on a passing attempt. This FREE tour of a current F1 track is unprecedented and provides some insight into how quick F1 cars are.
The guard at the track entrance was very friendly and allowed us to take several laps of the track, as long as we respected the speed limit and parked vehicles breaking down the GP infrastructure. No parking to walk around that I could see. Still, it proved to be a thrill for this F1 fan to take in and appeared to be a little known attraction in the Montreal area. There's lots to do here, but this is not to be missed!
You might not suspect this in driving around the clockwise circuit (20 MPH speed limit), as it's relatively narrow; with looming concrete walls and high chain link fences ringing the track. The track surface is quite smooth, as you might suspect, but the curbing is pretty high to keep racers from cutting them on corner entry or exit. Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a relatively flat track, although a critical eye would make out slight rises in certain corners such as T3, which is more of a turn than you might think!
Current F1 cars have such high aerodynamic loads (as well as tons of mechanical grip) that the multiple chicanes throughout the track are little more than 'flicks' to the drivers. However, upon closer inspection, these chicanes require some serious directional changes to navigate and demonstrate the skill drivers must have in judging entry speed, amount of 'slide' the car will produce and accurate line selection to avoid clipping those very solid walls on either side of the track surface.
Particularly interesting were the turn 1-2 complex (Senna S-turns) which offers the potential for cars to be side-by-side while racing for an advantage. And at the other end of the track, turn 10 (hairpin curve) offers another great overtaking section IF the following driver can get through the preceding chicane closely enough to the car in front to capitalize on a passing attempt. This FREE tour of a current F1 track is unprecedented and provides some insight into how quick F1 cars are.
The guard at the track entrance was very friendly and allowed us to take several laps of the track, as long as we respected the speed limit and parked vehicles breaking down the GP infrastructure. No parking to walk around that I could see. Still, it proved to be a thrill for this F1 fan to take in and appeared to be a little known attraction in the Montreal area. There's lots to do here, but this is not to be missed!
Written June 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chiovitti
Vaughan, Canada565 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
Legendary circuit, easy access to the public on non race weekends. For the F1 a lot of fun, great fan experience if you're a big F1 fan. Recommend taking the Metro on race weekend. Crowd control has been improved over the years and is appreciated.
Written March 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cannuck1964
Memphis, TN624 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
I grew up watching Formula One on TV and it was an amazing experience to visit the actual circuit where the Montreal Grand Prix happens. One can see the boxes, the mechanics area and the area where the race starts and ends. Very emotional if you are into that sport.
Written October 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andre E
Shawinigan, Canada241 contributions
Aug 2015
Grab the Metro to here or bike to it..There is also a ferry to it from Old Montreal..Great walking trails which were the walkways of Expo67..some old pavillions remain..the Circuit is nice but the Entry price to the Grand Prix is hefty (100$+)..go at another time than on GP Weekend..when there is less noise....close your mouth, stop talking because there are lots of pesky flies (they dont bite), especially in May..but it's great on a bike or pushing a baby carriage..walk over to Ile Ste Helene , which is old growth vegetation and is nmot man-made like Notre Dame. Notre Dame is made of the excavated rocky entrails of the Montreal Metro..
Written May 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DiscriminateTraveler
Land O Lakes, FL70 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
The entire city gets geared up for this event which contributes to the success of the race. Just visit Crescent and Peel streets during the event to help get you into the mood.
Weather was perfect this year as it's usually cooler with rain on and off but all sun this time around. The race didn't disappoint either with a 5 car battle for the top 3 spots that lasted right down to the end.
Getting close to the track via taxi is a challenge and depending on where your seats are, this could be a 30 minute walk so plan ahead and wear comfortable shoes. You'll need the exercise anyway due to the fantastic food you'll have been eating in the city.
Plenty of food and beverage outlets as well as places to buy souvenirs. No shortage of outhouses and the lines were minimal.
My only negative comment is around the crap beer that was offered, Bud or Bud lite. Yes you read correctly. In a great country like Canada known for their exceptional beers, they decide to offer possibly the worst beer in the world as the only option. This isn't a Nascar event fellas so get a better beer sponsor and show off some of the fantastic local beers from the Quebec region like Unibroue brands or many others.
Weather was perfect this year as it's usually cooler with rain on and off but all sun this time around. The race didn't disappoint either with a 5 car battle for the top 3 spots that lasted right down to the end.
Getting close to the track via taxi is a challenge and depending on where your seats are, this could be a 30 minute walk so plan ahead and wear comfortable shoes. You'll need the exercise anyway due to the fantastic food you'll have been eating in the city.
Plenty of food and beverage outlets as well as places to buy souvenirs. No shortage of outhouses and the lines were minimal.
My only negative comment is around the crap beer that was offered, Bud or Bud lite. Yes you read correctly. In a great country like Canada known for their exceptional beers, they decide to offer possibly the worst beer in the world as the only option. This isn't a Nascar event fellas so get a better beer sponsor and show off some of the fantastic local beers from the Quebec region like Unibroue brands or many others.
Written July 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmazingRacer22
Indianapolis, IN111 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Loved this place. Came for the F1 race but would love to come back at a time when we could just enjoy the parks. Track was clean and well marked.
Written June 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luvroma2
Reading, PA2,028 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We have been coming to Montreal for the Formula 1 race for 22 years. This year may be our last.
On Thursday, the track is open to non ticket holders who can walk through the pit area and stand in line to have a couple of random drivers sign hats, programs or whatever you want them to sign. It is never the top drivers. It is interesting to walk through the pit area and see the teams getting everything ready for race day. However, in order to get to the pit area, you have to be transported by bus. There was a total lack of resources and once the buses came they were randomly boarded by people who were further back in the waiting line. There were tempers flaring. Since this "walkabout" is only three hours, from 9 am until noon, everyone was anxious to get to the pit area ASAP.
Then on Friday, they decided to only have one entrance - instead of the two they always had - and "security measures" were implemented. We waited in line over one hour just to enter the site. The line did not move. Then all of a sudden the line moved quickly. Because of the back-up, they abandoned all security measures!!! Then later that day, they stopped everyone from leaving the island. No one could cross the bridge to get to the Metro station. No one was told way. We were all crammed in on a very small space in the hot sun for an hour and people coming from behind just kept pushing against those of us closer to the front of the line. We thought we would be crushed to death. Children were crying. Adults were becoming belligerent. No explanation was given as to what was going on. People were checking their cell phones to find out what was going on. We FINALLY heard a suspicious package was found at the Metro and the police decided to close the Metro. After an hour, we were finally "released." It was a horrible and dangerous situation - especially since people were already upset about the hour long wait to enter the venue that morning.
I can understand the need for security checks - especially with people bringing in coolers and backpacks. However, the people who were doing the security checks were teenagers who had not a clue what they were looking for. The next day, they just had you open your bags and they barely glanced inside. If someone wanted to create mayhem, they could have easily done it. Meanwhile, there were police officers all over the place, but they were not part of the security detail.
One thing I did not like this year was that in previous years, security did not allow general admission ticket holders to enter the Grandstand 1, 12 and 13 grandstand areas. A premium is paid for these grandstands and I do not know why general admission people were allowed in this section.
Management has a year to "work out the kinks" for next year and I would suggest they consult with someone who truly understands crowd management and security issues.
One good thing, on race day, Sunday, they opened a second entrance - like they always had in previous years. This really helped the flow of entrants.
On Thursday, the track is open to non ticket holders who can walk through the pit area and stand in line to have a couple of random drivers sign hats, programs or whatever you want them to sign. It is never the top drivers. It is interesting to walk through the pit area and see the teams getting everything ready for race day. However, in order to get to the pit area, you have to be transported by bus. There was a total lack of resources and once the buses came they were randomly boarded by people who were further back in the waiting line. There were tempers flaring. Since this "walkabout" is only three hours, from 9 am until noon, everyone was anxious to get to the pit area ASAP.
Then on Friday, they decided to only have one entrance - instead of the two they always had - and "security measures" were implemented. We waited in line over one hour just to enter the site. The line did not move. Then all of a sudden the line moved quickly. Because of the back-up, they abandoned all security measures!!! Then later that day, they stopped everyone from leaving the island. No one could cross the bridge to get to the Metro station. No one was told way. We were all crammed in on a very small space in the hot sun for an hour and people coming from behind just kept pushing against those of us closer to the front of the line. We thought we would be crushed to death. Children were crying. Adults were becoming belligerent. No explanation was given as to what was going on. People were checking their cell phones to find out what was going on. We FINALLY heard a suspicious package was found at the Metro and the police decided to close the Metro. After an hour, we were finally "released." It was a horrible and dangerous situation - especially since people were already upset about the hour long wait to enter the venue that morning.
I can understand the need for security checks - especially with people bringing in coolers and backpacks. However, the people who were doing the security checks were teenagers who had not a clue what they were looking for. The next day, they just had you open your bags and they barely glanced inside. If someone wanted to create mayhem, they could have easily done it. Meanwhile, there were police officers all over the place, but they were not part of the security detail.
One thing I did not like this year was that in previous years, security did not allow general admission ticket holders to enter the Grandstand 1, 12 and 13 grandstand areas. A premium is paid for these grandstands and I do not know why general admission people were allowed in this section.
Management has a year to "work out the kinks" for next year and I would suggest they consult with someone who truly understands crowd management and security issues.
One good thing, on race day, Sunday, they opened a second entrance - like they always had in previous years. This really helped the flow of entrants.
Written June 13, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flo
Serris, France2 contributions
Bonjour à tous,
Je souhaiterai savoir si fin juillet et/ou début aout 2023, on peut aller faire un tour en voiture sur le circuit ? j'aimerai faire la surprise à mon compagnon pour ses 55 ans, SUPER FAN des circuits automobiles, il suit tous les grands prix... si oui, dites moi comment je dois faire, pour réserver un tour de circuit.
Merci par avance pour vos retour.
Bien cordialement
Florence
daisyznite
New York City, NY20 contributions
Does anyone know if the track is open to public Thursday 6/16/22 before the racing weekend?
Se puede circular en coche el circuito cuando no es el fin de semana de carrera
SÃ, pero a 30 kilómetros por hora. ver el calendario en linea
We are coming for the race in June, what is the best way to get from Griffintown to the track? Can you Uber over there?
chrisedgell
Montreal, Canada14 contributions
metro is best choice
Você sabe dias e horarios para poder entrar no circuito?
Você tem que olhar para o calendário em nosso site. Observe que o circuito está fechado até 17 de agosto. obrigado
KraZ4food
Quiet Corner, CT255 contributions
Hi, We are planning to be in Montreal July 27-29, which seems to be a weekend that the track is closed. Would we still be able to walk the circuit? Thank you!
When the circuit is closed, you can not walk on it, and to see if it is close or open, look at the calendar on the Parc Jean-Drapeau Web Site.
LucaChiaraD
Bologna, Italy3,512 contributions
Salve a tutti, come si raggiunge con bus/metro? grazie mille a tutti
Prendi la metropolitana di Montreal, la stazione Jean-Drapeau, quindi prendi l'autobus 767 fino alla spiaggia
prado115
Sao Paulo, SP
Estou indo para Montreal no inicio de Julho e gostaria de saber se conseguimos fazer o trajeto com carro
Sim, você pode vir ao parque de carro, mas o circuito não está sempre aberto, verifique o calendário de abertura em nosso site.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
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Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Information
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