Thinking about Strolling (see what I did right there?) on a moose down the straightaway for some poutine? Well, je ne sais pas that idea mon ami because here's what you need to know about attending the Canadian Grand Prix! If it's your first live race, it's one of the best organized " four day event" and catered to races you're going to attend.
TOP TIP OF THIS GP - For the love of the carnage into a first corner, seriously think about buying tickets in the Grandstands. If you buy in early enough they're a very reasonable cost and because of the circuit, General Admission (GA) viewpoints, more than other tracks, can be blocked quite a bit by summery, leafy trees. On race day, this causes GA standees to clump together in clear spots and again, views can be difficult.
STAY IN THE CITY OF MONTREAL. There are a lot of options just outside Montreal, but by all means, stay in the city. Not only is it beautiful with plenty of hotels (book early,) fantastic restaurants (cheap and expense fine dining (Old Montreal) and staggering (literally) drinking options but the city itself semi shuts down to cater to this Formula One event. A main section of the downtown core (Square Dorchester) is sealed off for both racing and luxury car displays, carting, merchandising, and lots of other F1 related booths and events. Workers spill out to this area for food and drinks and the Thursday to Sunday nights are a downtown people of Montreal F1 party. Expect to see a lot of beautifully dressed Montrealers who like to have fun! You'll constantly talk to (most will accept your English but try butchering some French) and be seeing lots of fans walking and wearing their gear in the city. It's an invasion that you'll feel right at home in. The Square Dorchester has an excellent civic F1 opening event. Ask around for the date/time and go to it. You'll have to endure some political speeches (boring!) and the occasional FEMEN grid girl exploitation protest (exciting!) but drivers and F1 team members will attend and will be close up.
TOP TIP - If you're looking to purchase CanadianGP Official F1 merchandise, or souvenir merchandise specifically about the track, it's just as easy to buy it in this area than it is at the circuit.
USE THE METRO! (Montreal's Subway) Not only is it reasonably priced (there are weekly and 3-day passes for purchase at the Metro stations. Use them!) but it's clean and quiet (thanks rubber tires!) Plus the best thing is that the 4.361 km long Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve has it's own dedicated stop (Jean-Drapeau,) and it's walking distance to the track. Fantastic! It is easily accessible from downtown and just about every station (and there is a stop about every two blocks) has signs guiding the Formula One visitor as to which train and direction to go. It's impossible to get lost as you'll be forever following someone in F1 apparel.
TOP TIP - Accessing the Metro on race day (Sunday) is not like the other race days. It's usage triples on the Sunday. Leave early and expect huge crowds (the locals have been working on the weekday racing days) but a good thing is that race volunteers and the Police (yup) move everyone in an orderly and quick fashion. It moves fast but give yourself plenty of time to get to the track on race day!
DO THE PIT WALK ON THURSDAY. Please be aware that this day, when the pits are open and there is access to the drivers, is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. That's right, no ticket needed so lots of non-hardcore fans (sigh) and anyone else with nothing to do can attend this day. There will be lots of strollers and people who won't be attending the race, try to be tolerant. That said, go earlier on this day, you can be lazier on Practise Sessions days. Lines to enter the site and free shuttle buses to the pits (you'll get to be on the track!) move quickly but expect to wait a bit here and there. Go to one of the plenty of bathrooms if you need to before entering these lines.
TOP TIP - As with everything at this race, it is very well organized. Once you get access to the pit area, there will be a supervised driver autograph session. You get in line (expect to wait) and drivers are brought out in pairs, sometimes three to four, at a time. Unfortunately you will get to see whomever happens to be signing at the time you make it to front. It's completely sheer luck but the drivers will have cards they sign, if you don't want to bring anything, and most will do a photo opportunity but staff will keep you moving! It is my opinion to GO DIRECTLY TO THE AUTOGRAPH LINE-UP and deal with the pits later. Unlike other races, most drivers here don't greet fans in the pit area.
RACE DAY. You made it! All your other days have been fairly crowded but expect race day to be the worst! Bring a light-weight jacket, as even though it's a summer day, weather is notoriously changing and there can be a strong, cool wind from the St. Lawrence if you are in the stands. That said, it can be a hot day too. A hat or sunscreen is a must! When you're leaving the track consider hitting the casino by the circuit to have a drink, grab a bite, or blow the rest of your holiday money and let the exit crowds die down. Remember that rare Senna shirt you were going to buy at $300, well it's sold out today, what were you thinking?
TOP TIP - Feeling thirsty? You can legally bring beer into the circuit. There's plenty of beer and drinks at the circuit but buy it outside, at normal people costs, at a local store, pack the bag you get it in with ice and you're set or bring a cooler if you're well, cooler. Oh and if you are a loser and going to this race by yourself well today, kiss your loser status goodbye cause today you're a winner! People don't seem to notice but if you don't have a backpack, bag, etc there is an express entry line on the sides just for you to zip through!
So that's it, if you consider the Canadian GP, you won't be disappointed, well unless your team DNF's.
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