Sometimes I like revisiting my older Instagram pics, Facebook posts and YouTube videos. I admit, I like my own stuff…a lot. Revisiting great memories reminds myself of the amazing things I have experienced and is an instant pick-me-up. As I started watching my Abu Dhabi Grand Prix final lap video it inspired me to do a little research and consider returning to Montreal for this years’ Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada event! ????
The Canadian Grand Prix will be held from June 10th to 12th in Montreal at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – one of the best times of the year to spend a fantastic weekend in one of the world’s most vibrant cities!
Canadian Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal on June 8, 2013. STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images
If you need any recommendations, let me know. I’ve stayed at some great properies in the city’s core as well as in European-like Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal) many times over. There are some amazing local and world class restaurants too.
We have established that there is a race but maybe that isn’t your thing. So let me tell you about the fab EVENTS & PARTIES!
There are so many fundraisers, street parties, festivals, galas, fashion events, etc. that take place over the 3 days.
Free events run all weekend on Montreal’s Cresent Street
View from Sir Winston Churchill pub of Crescent St. June 10, 2011. CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe
Here is inside Time Nightclub where the “Le Grand Soir” fundraiser was held.
Check out MTLBlog’s Top 10 event list. It is from 2014 but it is still a great guide to follow.
In Abu Dhabi it was all about the yacht parties in the marina. Here are some pics I took.
View from the marina/our friends’ yacht to the YAS F1 course at sunrise.
Our weekend was spent on the yacht to the left and Emirates Airlines hospitality yacht was to the right.
Me every night…
Toronto in Abu Dhabi #friends #fam
If you want an idea on what official Grand Prix events there are (global) check out GrandPrixEvents.com
In Montreal, The Formula One Paddock Club gives you exclusive access to the paddock area, great seats, open bar including champers and a bunch of other perks. I had no idea how good I had it while working PR at Honda. I went a few years back supporting Jenson Button (so dreamy) & Rubens Barrichello who were Team Honda drivers. Turns out the access I had was pretty exclusive. I did some digging around and found the 2016 rates, click HERE. I’d have to say, if you are into racing and like being up close & personal with the drivers and the teams, this package totally worth it.
I was looking for information on the Amber Lounge Lifestyle & Yacht Events for Montreal but realized this was only available in Monaco, Singapore, Mexico City and Abu Dhabi. I’m curious to find the equivalent in Montreal.
Not only is the race weekend a great time but it is more affordable than ever for visiting Americans, thanks to a strong US$. So if you have never been, I HIGHLY recommend you consider it this year!
So the only question that remains…are we flying or road tripping? 😉
Again, let me now if you need help booking your weekend.
-Jazz
Contact me HERE or tweet me at @Urban_Traveler
For more information click below:
Formula One: www.formula1.com
Grand Prix in Montreal: www.grandprixmontreal.com
Montreal Tourism: www.tourisme-montreal.org
Airport: Check for flights into ” YUL” which is Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (yes, Justin’s papa)
Fun Fact: In 2005, the Canadian Grand Prix was the most watched Formula One GP in the world. The race was also the third most watched sporting event worldwide, behind the first place Super Bowl XXXIX and the UEFA Champions League Final.
