After this year’s date change for Grand Prix weekend, Montreal tourism officials confirm it was a resounding success for Montreal’s tourism industry.
The numbers speak for themselves, officials say. In May 2026, hotel demand surged 12.9 per cent compared with June 2025, a month that previously benefited from hosting the Grand Prix. This strong result is also linked to the excitement surrounding the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff run, which boosted activity in restaurants, shops, and hotels across the city.
Officials state that the numbers show the city has turned May into a new peak month without diminishing June’s performance.
“The results show that we made the right decision in supporting the move of the Grand Prix to May. This change in the calendar allows us to attract more visitors at the very start of the season, while also freeing up space in June to host major conventions and other large-scale events. It’s a win-win for Montréal, for our members, and for the entire tourism industry,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
Officials say the Grand Prix continues to generate significant economic benefits across the Montreal region. In Laval, hotel demand rose by 10 per cent during the 2026 race weekend compared with the same period in 2025. On the South Shore, demand also increased by 5 per cent.
“The results recorded during the Grand Prix confirm how strategically important this event is for our industry. With a hotel occupancy rate of 94.8% across the island of Montréal and significant demand growth both downtown and near the airport, hotels enjoyed an exceptional level of activity,” added Dominique Villeneuve, President and CEO of the Greater Montréal Hotel Association (AHGM).
The F1 weekend even boosted Montreal’s social media reach, as several Formula 1 drivers highlighted the city in their social media posts. Stats show F1 drivers’ accounts reach nearly 200 million followers worldwide. Content featuring Montreal generated more than 10 million views. One of the most popular posts of the weekend showed driver Charles Leclerc strolling through Mount Royal and discovering the city.
Although May proved to be a winning formula for tourism in Montreal, the city hasn’t lost any of its summer charm. Even without the Grand Prix in June, hotel demand for June 2026 is tracking at the same level as June 2025, when the event was still part of the calendar.
As Montreal’s festival season has just begun, the city expects to welcome more tourists following Les Francos de Montréal, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique de Montréal, Just for Laughs, and a wide array of cultural, culinary, and sporting events that will keep the city packed all summer long.
