Montreal RaceWeek Weekend Guide 2026

The Race — Sprint Weekend Format

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix takes place at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on Île Notre-Dame, a man-made island in the St. Lawrence River. For 2026, the race weekend moves from its traditional June slot to May 22–24 as part of an F1 schedule realignment of the North American rounds.

This is a Sprint format weekend, which means more on-track action across fewer days:

The circuit is known for its dramatic chicanes, long straights, and the infamous "Wall of Champions" — and it consistently delivers some of the most exciting racing of the F1 season. But for many visitors, the race is just one part of the story. Montreal transforms into a four-day festival of nightlife, dining, and celebration that extends far beyond the track.

Where to Party Each Night

Race weekend party events run from Thursday through Sunday, with each night offering a different energy.

Thursday, May 21 — Opening Night

The weekend begins before the track even opens. Thursday is the warm-up — intimate, stylish, and buzzing with anticipation. Bord'Elle, Yoko Luna, and Hang all host opening night events with dinner service and entertainment. Downtown, the Crescent Street festival kicks off at 11 AM with pedestrianized streets, terraces, and people-watching that sets the tone for the entire weekend. It's the most relaxed night and a great way to ease into race weekend mode.

Friday, May 22 — The Big Night

Friday is the crown jewel of race weekend nightlife. The energy from Practice 1 and Sprint Qualifying carries into the evening, and the city is at peak buzz. Bord'Elle's Friday Main Event is the most coveted ticket in town — world-class cabaret, celebrity sightings, and after-hours until 3 AM. Yoko Luna's Fast Lane matches the energy with guest DJs and peak nightclub atmosphere. Hang in Griffintown offers cocktails, great food, and its own DJ-driven energy for those who want a more intimate Friday. Many guests start with dinner at Hang before heading to Bord'Elle or Yoko Luna for nightlife. Book early — Friday sells out first.

Saturday, May 23 — Sprint & Qualifying

Saturday's sprint race and qualifying sessions bring an extra charge to the evening. Guests arrive buzzing from the track, ready to celebrate. Bord'Elle's Grand Finale delivers its most theatrical performances, Yoko Luna's Sprint & Qualifying Night features track highlights and the most diverse DJ sets, and Hang's closing night in Griffintown brings post-qualifying energy with great cocktails, food, and DJ sets.

Sunday, May 24 — The Grand Finale

With the 4:00 PM race start, the post-race celebration runs deep into the night. After the checkered flag drops, the party moves to Yoko Luna's Grand Finale — the only featured venue open on Sunday and the legendary closing party of race weekend. Expect late-night sushi and small bites, high-energy DJ sets, and an atmosphere of pure euphoria.

Downtown Street Festivals & Free Events

Beyond the ticketed nightlife, Montreal's downtown transforms into a giant open-air celebration. Two pedestrianized corridors are the epicentre of race weekend street life:

Both corridors sit alongside Montreal's luxury hotels, producing a "see-and-be-seen" atmosphere where racing insiders, celebrities, and fans mix on packed terraces. After soaking up the free street energy, the night continues at Bord'Elle, Yoko Luna, or Hang.

CGV Experience — Track & Concerts at Jean-Doré Beach

New for 2026, the CGV Experience combines General Admission track access with evening concerts at Jean-Doré Beach on the island. It's a full day-to-night experience with daytime race viewing and headline acts after the sessions:

• Friday, May 22: Simple Plan (opener: Matt Lang) — $250 + tax
• Saturday, May 23: Bryan Adams (opener: Dean Brody) — $350 + tax
• Sunday, May 24: Alessia Cara & The Beaches — $350 + tax
• 3-Day Pack: All three nights — $700 + tax

The CGV Experience is a great daytime option before heading downtown for the main event at our featured venues.

Getting to the Track

The official guidance is clear: take the metro. Jean-Drapeau station drops you right at the island. Here's what you need to know:

• Buy your return fare in advance to avoid long lines at Jean-Drapeau station after sessions
• No taxis or Ubers at the gate — private vehicles without a parking pass cannot access Concorde Bridge or Avenue Pierre-Dupuy
• Bag check at entry — maximum size 22.8 × 45.7 × 25.4 cm; must fit under your grandstand seat
• No outside alcohol or glass containers
• Fully cashless — debit and credit only, no ATMs on-site
• Cannabis prohibited on-site (smoking and vaping), even in designated smoking areas
• Arrive early — gates open at 8:30 AM and security screening takes time

After the last session, don't rush. Linger and let the crowd thin, or head directly to dinner. For group track-to-venue transfers, our Sprinter Montreal service offers luxury JetVans, SUVs, and charter buses with advance booking through our concierge.

Getting to the Venues

Montreal's race weekend party venues are concentrated in three areas:

• Old Montreal: Bord'Elle is on Rue Saint-Jacques, walkable from Place-d'Armes metro. Cobblestone streets, heritage architecture, and a romantic atmosphere.
• Downtown: Yoko Luna is on Rue de la Montagne in the Golden Square Mile — Montreal's upscale dining and nightlife corridor, steps from major hotels and the Crescent/Peel festival zone.
• Griffintown: Hang is on Rue Notre Dame Ouest — a short taxi ride from both Old Montreal and downtown, in one of Montreal's fastest-growing culinary neighbourhoods.

From Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, all three areas are 15–20 minutes by taxi or Uber. The metro (Jean-Drapeau station to Place-d'Armes or Peel) is a budget-friendly option. For groups, Sprinter Montreal offers luxury shuttle service with advance booking.

Where to Stay

Race weekend is the busiest hotel weekend in Montreal, with occupancy hitting roughly 90% and average nightly rates of $600–$800+ CAD. Book as early as possible. Here's the neighbourhood breakdown:

• Golden Square Mile / Downtown (best for nightlife): Walking distance to Yoko Luna, the Crescent and Peel street festivals, and most restaurants. Top picks: Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, W Montreal, Hotel Bonaventure, Four Seasons.
• Old Montreal (best for atmosphere): Cobblestone streets and boutique hotels, walking distance to Bord'Elle. Great for couples and those who prefer charm over nightclub proximity.
• Griffintown (best for food scene): Walking distance to Hang and a short ride from downtown. An emerging neighbourhood with excellent restaurants and a more local feel.

Airbnb note: Montreal's short-term rental rules restrict principal-residence rentals to June 10–September 10 in most boroughs. With the 2026 race weekend falling in May, legal Airbnb-style supply may be limited. Stick with licensed hotels and tourist accommodations for a hassle-free stay.

Dining Beyond the Venues

While Bord'Elle, Yoko Luna, and Hang offer exceptional dining as part of their race weekend events, Montreal's restaurant scene is world-renowned. Here are some top picks for pre-party dinner or daytime dining:

Race Weekend Dining Hotspots

• Maison Boulud (1228 Sherbrooke W) — At the Ritz-Carlton, this is the epicentre of race weekend fine dining. Part of the hotel's legendary Grand Prix gala ecosystem. Reserve weeks in advance.
• Marcus (1440 Rue de la Montagne) — At the Four Seasons, Marcus transforms into a high-energy scene during race week with DJs and seafood platters. Steps from Yoko Luna.
• Brasserie Le Pois Penché (1230 De Maisonneuve Blvd W) — One of the best terraces in the city for race weekend people-watching. Classic French brasserie downtown.
• Ryu (1474 Peel Street) — DJ-driven sushi and soundtracks on the Peel corridor. A natural warm-up before heading to Yoko Luna nearby.
• Dorsia (396 Rue Notre-Dame O) — Transitions from sophisticated dining room to late-night lounge with DJs during race week. Near Griffintown and Hang.
• Bowie (457 Rue Sainte-Hélène) — A late-night supper club in Old Montreal with DJs until 3 AM. A natural pairing with Bord'Elle nearby.
• L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel (426 Saint-Gabriel) — Multi-night DJ programming in one of Old Montreal's most historic buildings.

Neighbourhood Picks

• Old Montreal: Upscale bistros and waterfront restaurants along Rue de la Commune
• Rue Crescent / Rue de la Montagne: The heart of downtown dining — everything from steakhouses to sushi
• Plateau Mont-Royal: Montreal's trendiest neighbourhood for brunch and casual dining
• Mile End: Famous for Montreal bagels (Fairmount and St-Viateur) and hip cafés

Booking tip: Reservations during race week fill up fast. Book 2–3 weeks in advance for Friday and Saturday dinners. If you're running late, call the restaurant immediately — it's considered essential etiquette during the extreme reservation pressure of Grand Prix weekend, and it can save your table.

Montreal Nightlife Essentials

What to Wear

Race weekend in Montreal is one of the most fashion-forward weekends in Canada. Featured venues enforce dress codes — here's what to expect:

• Bord'Elle: Smart elegant to black tie. Gatsby-era glamour — suits, cocktail dresses, designer accessories. Friday is the most formal.
• Yoko Luna: Stylish and fashion-forward. Tokyo nightlife chic — designer streetwear, sleek fits, bold statement pieces.
• Hang: Smart casual to upscale. Trendy and polished — stylish fits and designer pieces welcome.
• Universally banned: Sportswear, sneakers, flip-flops, shorts, overly casual attire.

Pack for the occasion. Montreal's race weekend crowd dresses to impress — it's part of the experience.

Weather

Late May in Montreal is typically pleasant but variable. Expect daytime highs of 18–24°C (65–75°F) and evening temperatures around 12–16°C (54–61°F). Rain is possible — bring a light jacket or layer for the walk between venues. All featured venues are fully indoors and climate-controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Montreal for race weekend?

Downtown Montreal is ideal for race weekend party-goers. The Golden Square Mile area (near Rue de la Montagne) puts you within walking distance of Yoko Luna, the Crescent/Peel festivals, and close to taxis/metro for Old Montreal venues like Bord'Elle and Griffintown's Hang. Top hotel picks include the Ritz-Carlton, Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, W Montreal, and Hotel Bonaventure. Expect rates of $600–$800+ per night — book early.

How do I get to Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve?

Take the metro to Jean-Drapeau station. Buy your return fare in advance to skip the post-race line. Taxis, Ubers, and private vehicles cannot access the island via Concorde Bridge without a parking pass. Arrive early for security screening — gates open at 8:30 AM.

What time does the race start on Sunday?

The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix starts at 4:00 PM ET on Sunday, May 24. The later start avoids overlap with the Indianapolis 500, and gives you the full afternoon for brunch, the Crescent Street festival, or a leisurely start before heading to the track or a viewing terrace.

How do I get from the airport to downtown Montreal?

Montreal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) is 20–30 minutes from downtown by taxi (flat rate ~$41 CAD) or the 747 express bus ($11 CAD, runs 24/7). Uber and Lyft are also available. For VIP airport transfers, book a Sprinter through our concierge at 514-360-9673.

What can I bring into the circuit?

Bags and coolers must be no larger than 22.8 × 45.7 × 25.4 cm and fit under your grandstand seat. No outside alcohol or glass containers. Cannabis smoking/vaping is prohibited on-site. The circuit is fully cashless with no ATMs — bring a credit or debit card.

Is Montreal safe to visit during race weekend?

Montreal is one of the safest major cities in North America. Race weekend sees increased police and security presence downtown and on the island. Standard city precautions apply — keep valuables secure and use licensed taxis or rideshares.

Do I need to speak French in Montreal?

While French is the primary language, English is widely spoken in downtown Montreal and at all nightlife venues. Staff at featured race weekend venues are bilingual. A few basic French phrases are appreciated but not required.

What currency does Montreal use?

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted everywhere. The circuit is fully cashless. Tipping is customary: 15–20% at restaurants and bars.