From roaring Formula 1 engines to equally revved-up hockey crowds, Montreal is preparing for one of its busiest sports weekends of the year.
In just a few days, the world’s fastest cars will take to the track at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame. At the same time, the Montreal Canadiens will be playing in the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes.
With hundreds of thousands of fans expected to descend on the city for the race weekend, Montreal businesses are already beginning to feel a massive excitement and economic boost ahead of lights out.
“This year is going to be crazy,” said Max Bitton, founder of the Fanabox F1 store in Old Montreal. “We have playoffs and we have F1 and we have the FIFA World Cup in Canada. I think in business, it’s going to be great for Canadians in general because we’re going to be the hub of international sports.”
For Bitton, the international crowd is the lifeblood of race week, noting that roughly 75 per cent of his customers travel in from outside the city for the Grand Prix weekend. He also believes the permanent schedule shift will pay dividends.
“I think also the fact that there’s going to be a race a month in advance, it’s going to introduce Formula One to a lot of fans that are not used to seeing F1. It’s going to bring a really good, fresh influx of tourism for all the businesses here.”
The hospitality industry is already seeing returns. The city’s hotels are packed, largely because of the overlap in sporting attractions.
“It’s going to be incredible. So, we’re sold out for the four nights,” said Marc-André Dandeneau, general manager of Hôtel Saint-Sulpice.
The high-octane race weekend comes at a time when intense hockey fever has gripped the city. The Montreal Canadiens clinched a dramatic, overtime Game 7 win on Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres. The thrilling victory sets up what promises to be an electric Saturday night across downtown Montreal, before the team returns home on Monday for Game 3 of their playoff series.
Managing both crowds simultaneously will be a unique test for the city’s infrastructure.
“I would prefer to have them like after one of each other. So to have them together is going to be a bit too crazy,” admitted Dandeneau. “It’s going to be a bit difficult for the fans, but for the hotel industry, it’s amazing.”
With massive crowds taking over downtown roads and transit lines, Montreal officials announced new mobility measures on Tuesday aimed at helping fans move around more smoothly. Sandrine Garneau, director of brand strategy and operations for the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, emphasized that the city is fully prepared for the logistical challenge.
“We are all mobilized to make access to the site as fluid as possible during Grand Prix weekend,” Garneau stated during a press conference Tuesday. “It is the biggest sporting and tourism event in the country. Ninety-seven per cent of our fans come either by public transport or active transport.”
Despite the double-booking of sports spectacles, incoming travellers are praising Montreal’s transit system.
“Compared to other races I’ve been to, the system for getting fans to and off the island is probably… like, a lot of fans who go there will probably say it’s not, but I can promise you it’s more efficient than other places I’ve been,” said Matt Gu, a visiting fan. “So yeah, the metro and the ferries are great ways to access the race and it’s very walkable, so it’s a great location.”
Gu added that on top of the atmosphere, he is “excited to also see George Russell hopefully win this weekend.”
Fans from across Canada and around the world are already arriving in the city, showcasing the global draw of the circuit.
“We’re from Birmingham and we’re visiting for the F1,” said tourist Ria Patel. “So, this will actually be my 10th race that I’ve travelled for.” Patel is rooting for .Max Verstappen. “100 per cent since day one.”
Other international fans echoed the sentiment that Montreal holds a special place on the global F1 map. “It’s my favourite track other than probably Silverstone in England,” said fan Jayden Soar, who travelled to the race with Alexis Soar. “So it was one track that I was like, I want to see that one day.” The duo are cheering for McLaren and are “big Oscar (Piastri) fans.”
Even the people working the track recognize the unique magic of the island circuit.
“This is the most beautiful circuit,” said F1 track marshal Nathalie Cournède. “I’ve worked at many Grand Prix races, but this one is especially close to my heart, and this is my third year coming here.”
Montreal fans are also keeping their eyes on local talent as the engines prepare to roar. “We are Montrealers. We’ve got to support the Canadian driver,” said Bitton. “So go Lance (Stroll).”
With files from Lola Kalder
