[M2joey]

Originally Posted by pseto

First time heading to Montreal for F1 and I'm pretty excited!

I'll be in GS12, sec 3, row CC. I tried searching for a seating chart, but couldn't find one to see if these are decent seats. Anyone have an idea?

Anything else I should know?

Paul,

You will love it! I have been to Montreal for F1 10 times now I believe, it is an awesome venue! I have sat in GS 12, I believe you will be low, on the right side grandstand. You are in one of the best areas for action! You made a good call to not go GA, you will see why. The GA areas a cool to just see the cars fly by, you cannot see much track from them though.

I know what you are saying about ordering tickets, it is pretty much completely random, and you have no idea what you are getting. I have only ordered tickets a couple times, my buddy that I go with normally gets them. Going to miss the Canadian GP this year as an NCC HPDE is the same weekend. I could not say no to the HPDE.

Things you should know -

1) If you do not have a hotel room yet - book TODAY! Most rooms in the city sell out months in advance. Downtown is of course the best area to stay, you can walk / taxi to all the events, activities, etc. pretty easy. It is pretty awesome! The trade off is rooms are not cheap. The past three years we mixed it up and stayed out near the airport. Drove to a Metro station lot and took the Metro to the track / city. Worked good but staying downtown is better.
2) Take the Metro to the track - do not drive! You can also take a taxi to and from the casino or the bridge entrance near GS31.
3) While GS12 is one of the best places to sit it is a hike to the Metro station. Pack your best walking shoes! Will give you a chance to see pretty much all of the circuit, it is a nice walk.
4) The seats in GS12 are metal benches with no backs / bars. The stands across from the pit on the main straight have backs and arm rests.
5) If you went with three day tickets, you can pretty much sit in GS12 any place on Friday and Saturday - not officially! Saturday will be much more packed although can still move up, down, other side, etc. You will only be able to get into GS12 all weekend.
6) Old Montreal section of downtown - very worth checking out a night, maybe going to The Keg Steakhouse there too.

Sure I will think of a couple more things. Feel free to message me, etc. if you have any questions. I need to get to work.

[M2joey]

Originally Posted by pseto

anyone know if these are allowed? I sure hope so

track website didn't say much other than portable chairs are allowed for General Admission, so not sure if these are allowed in the grandstands

Yes, you can take chairs like this in.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by pseto

although i'm not liking the sounds of the wait to get off the island

Just make sure you have a couple spare beers for after the race. Relax, enjoy and wait a couple hours.

[dcgolfdr]

Originally Posted by isjoey

Paul,

You will love it! I have been to Montreal for F1 10 times now I believe, it is an awesome venue! I have sat in GS 12, I believe you will be low, on the right side grandstand. You are in one of the best areas for action! You made a good call to not go GA, you will see why. The GA areas a cool to just see the cars fly by, you cannot see much track from them though.

I know what you are saying about ordering tickets, it is pretty much completely random, and you have no idea what you are getting. I have only ordered tickets a couple times, my buddy that I go with normally gets them. Going to miss the Canadian GP this year as an NCC HPDE is the same weekend. I could not say no to the HPDE.

Things you should know -

1) If you do not have a hotel room yet - book TODAY! Most rooms in the city sell out months in advance. Downtown is of course the best area to stay, you can walk / taxi to all the events, activities, etc. pretty easy. It is pretty awesome! The trade off is rooms are not cheap. The past three years we mixed it up and stayed out near the airport. Drove to a Metro station lot and took the Metro to the track / city. Worked good but staying downtown is better.
2) Take the Metro to the track - do not drive! You can also take a taxi to and from the casino or the bridge entrance near GS31.
3) While GS12 is one of the best places to sit it is a hike to the Metro station. Pack your best walking shoes! Will give you a chance to see pretty much all of the circuit, it is a nice walk.
4) The seats in GS12 are metal benches with no backs / bars. The stands across from the pit on the main straight have backs and arm rests.
5) If you went with three day tickets, you can pretty much sit in GS12 any place on Friday and Saturday - not officially! Saturday will be much more packed although can still move up, down, other side, etc. You will only be able to get into GS12 all weekend.
6) Old Montreal section of downtown - very worth checking out a night, maybe going to The Keg Steakhouse there too.

Sure I will think of a couple more things. Feel free to message me, etc. if you have any questions. I need to get to work.

This pretty much sums it up. I am also heading up there for the weekend and have been to 5 or 6 races in the past. One trick that we do is go get some plastic sheets that you would use for drop cloths for painting and use those in case it rains. We were there when Button made the miraculous victory but the race was red flagged for a couple of
hours because of rain, we were nice and dry under the sheets drinking beers. Bring a soft sided cooler, food, some sort of cushion or chair and some sunscreen. We booked an airbnb so we have and apartment close to a metro stop and take that to the track.
We are heading up Thursday morning early and driving back on Monday. You can always message me if you have more questions. BTW, we are in GS 24 this year which is down by the hairpin.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by dcgolfdr

This pretty much sums it up. I am also heading up there for the weekend and have been to 5 or 6 races in the past. One trick that we do is go get some plastic sheets that you would use for drop cloths for painting and use those in case it rains. We were there when Button made the miraculous victory but the race was red flagged for a couple of
hours because of rain, we were nice and dry under the sheets drinking beers. Bring a soft sided cooler, food, some sort of cushion or chair and some sunscreen. We booked an airbnb so we have and apartment close to a metro stop and take that to the track.
We are heading up Thursday morning early and driving back on Monday. You can always message me if you have more questions. BTW, we are in GS 24 this year which is down by the hairpin.

thanks, we were looking into airbnb (which I prefer), but ended up with a hotel downtown on one of the closed streets. I've sat through many football games in the rain, so I have plenty of stuff to keep me dry.

we're driving up/back the same days, you guys wanna caravan?

[dcgolfdr]

Originally Posted by pseto

thanks, we were looking into airbnb (which I prefer), but ended up with a hotel downtown on one of the closed streets. I've sat through many football games in the rain, so I have plenty of stuff to keep me dry.

Sure, we're driving up/back the same days, you guys wanna caravan?

We are leaving early Thursday morning probably 6 ish and driving up 270 to 81.
A friend that is going grew up in Montreal so we are going to stay the first night at his parents which in the western part of montreal and then staying in the village the next few nights. We are going to do a test fit to see if all of us can fit comfortably in the M2.

[pseto]

https://www.grandprixevents.com/f1-r...am-canadian-gp

so what happens at the track Thursday? Schedule says open house, so can we walk the paddock?

[Jenya B]

Originally Posted by pseto

First time heading to Montreal for F1 and I'm pretty excited!

I'll be in GS12, sec 3, row CC. I tried searching for a seating chart, but couldn't find one to see if these are decent seats. Anyone have an idea?

Anything else I should know?

G12 is very good location , for my 10 times of GP Canada i was choosing seats on top of the tribune 11 and 12 right in the corner where this two tribunes attached . BEST VIEW !!! Senna Corner ! , you can see WALL of CHAMPIONS from there .

Better to stay in OLD MOntreal , all activities right beside you , a looot celebrities around . 4 times i met Niki Lauda and getting from him autographs
also met Kimi and whole his "alcoteam"

Last year i was there , was kind of rainy , now i'am in the process of moving , so i 'll miss my trip .
This year they bild new tribune in Senna corner with roof and comfort seats .

Have a blast !!!

[M2joey]

Originally Posted by pseto

https://www.grandprixevents.com/f1-r...am-canadian-gp

so what happens at the track Thursday? Schedule says open house, so can we walk the paddock?

Yes. It is very worth checking out. Free to get in as well.

[amgraham]

I've stayed in the heart of town, Old Montreal and across the river in Longueuil, mostly downtown, over the last 15 years or so. We used to take the Metro since as other mentioned, you cannot drive to the track and park. But... for the last few years, we just grab a cab outside the hotel. With 3-4 of us it's not that bad and less hassle. Can't Uber to/from the track but you can everywhere else.

I don't get too hung up on getting tickets and hotel until like... now. The first few years, yeah, I had all that stuff taken care of in like... January. More recently, we manage to score rooms relatively cheap, that pop up the week before. Same with tix... Got top row seats in 11 (nice breeze) last year for probably 2/3 face value a week and half before the race, from CL. Thing is... we don't put "hard" plans in place any more. At first, yeah, but more recently we wing it and it's really worked out nicely several times. I can understand where that might cause some stress though. Not sure if we're going this year or not.

Regardless of where you stay or when you lock down your arrangements...

You gotta go to Schwarz's on Saint-Laurent. "Montreal" steak seasoning? It came from this place. McCormick's just didn't want to pay them so they reverse engineered it and just called it "Montreal". It's a line down the sidewalk type hole. No soda fountain. You get a can. ...and if you're from out of town... you generally don't get to look at the menu or order, you get the house special. You get in, you eat, you get out. It's not a "linger" type place. Great staff personalities too... They like to see the race fans.

Get your fill of poutine while you're in town... You can even get it at the track along with crap for beer.

For a nicer dinner... I think it was the Ferreira Café we went to a couple of years ago. Great place. Although I'm not in the market, a friend-of-a-friend hooked us up to get in during a Bugatti customer event. Talk about underdressed. They were sabering champagne and whatnot. Really great food. Might have been someplace different though too... I'll see if I can find pics.

Really though, Schwarz's is the ONLY place I make sure I go to every time. Lots of really good food elsewhere as well. But Schwarz's is my staple. I don't mess with the metro any more and I wait until the last minute. Last year we got those tix and rooms at the Fairmont QE for like $250/night... a week out or so.

Have fun... we'll see if it falls together this year or not. I *think* we're out because my primary travelling companion can't get out of a work trip to Mexico.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by amgraham

I've stayed in the heart of town, Old Montreal and across the river in Longueuil, mostly downtown, over the last 15 years or so. We used to take the Metro since as other mentioned, you cannot drive to the track and park. But... for the last few years, we just grab a cab outside the hotel. With 3-4 of us it's not that bad and less hassle. Can't Uber to/from the track but you can everywhere else.

I don't get too hung up on getting tickets and hotel until like... now. The first few years, yeah, I had all that stuff taken care of in like... January. More recently, we manage to score rooms relatively cheap, that pop up the week before. Same with tix... Got top row seats in 11 (nice breeze) last year for probably 2/3 face value a week and half before the race, from CL. Thing is... we don't put "hard" plans in place any more. At first, yeah, but more recently we wing it and it's really worked out nicely several times. I can understand where that might cause some stress though. Not sure if we're going this year or not.

Regardless of where you stay or when you lock down your arrangements...

You gotta go to Schwarz's on Saint-Laurent. "Montreal" steak seasoning? It came from this place. McCormick's just didn't want to pay them so they reverse engineered it and just called it "Montreal". It's a line down the sidewalk type hole. No soda fountain. You get a can. ...and if you're from out of town... you generally don't get to look at the menu or order, you get the house special. You get in, you eat, you get out. It's not a "linger" type place. Great staff personalities too... They like to see the race fans.

Get your fill of poutine while you're in town... You can even get it at the track along with crap for beer.

For a nicer dinner... I think it was the Ferreira Café we went to a couple of years ago. Great place. Although I'm not in the market, a friend-of-a-friend hooked us up to get in during a Bugatti customer event. Talk about underdressed. They were sabering champagne and whatnot. Really great food. Might have been someplace different though too... I'll see if I can find pics.

Really though, Schwarz's is the ONLY place I make sure I go to every time. Lots of really good food elsewhere as well. But Schwarz's is my staple. I don't mess with the metro any more and I wait until the last minute. Last year we got those tix and rooms at the Fairmont QE for like $250/night... a week out or so.

Have fun... we'll see if it falls together this year or not. I *think* we're out because my primary travelling companion can't get out of a work trip to Mexico.

Thanks! A few people mentioned Schwarz too and a bagel shop nearby, so i'm sure we'll try to hit those places. I tried to get reservations at Joe Beef, but they're entirely booked until 2 weeks after the race.

Since I'm in GS12, I'm thinking about getting a ride to the casino so I don't have to deal with the crowds at the entrance/exit.

[wdb]

We did a package deal with tickets in 3 different places. GS11 on Friday, GS15 (I think) at the hairpin on Saturday, GS1 on Sunday. We're thinking about those seatback things as well. Thanks to everyone for their insights. See you in Montreal!

[pseto]

Originally Posted by wdb

We did a package deal with tickets in 3 different places. GS11 on Friday, GS15 (I think) at the hairpin on Saturday, GS1 on Sunday. We're thinking about those seatback things as well. Thanks to everyone for their insights. See you in Montreal!

I think next year I'll look into that multiple GS seating package. Sounds cool to be able to get a different perspective each day. Was it significantly more expensive than regular GS tix?

[wdb]

Originally Posted by pseto

I think next year I'll look into that multiple GS seating package. Sounds cool to be able to get a different perspective each day. Was it significantly more expensive than regular GS tix?

I'd have to go back and compare prices but I think it was less than GS1 for 3 days.

[Chief F1 Fan]

I have been to every Canadian GP held since 1989 and one thing I would stress, don't carry a lot of stuff; it's a PITA on the Metro and difficult to stash once at your very crowded seat. A camp chair is a good idea as it gives a clear line of delineation for where your seat is. Don't be that guy that stands up when no one in front of you is, everyone behind you hates that guy.Buy an unlimited Metro weekend pass, you won't need your car; park it and leave it. Montreal is a very walkable and safe city and there are cabs everywhere. The Metro train you want is denoted by looking at the terminus of each line.



So if you're on the "Green Line" entering at McGill headed to the race, you'd want the "Honore-Beaugrand" destination and exit 3 stops later at "BERRI-UAQM" to get on the yellow line headed for Longueil (or just follow the people wearing race gear).

People in Montreal will great you thusly: "Bonjour, Hello" your cue for desired language depends on your response so answer in English. In nearly 30 years I have met less than 5 people who don't (won't?) speak English.

There is wi-fi in the grandstand you're in I believe (there was 3 years ago when I sat there) so if you have a smart phone, download the F1 App so you can follow the timing and scoring, especially for qualifying. You will be able to hear the announcements sporadically and they are given in English and French. There is some muddy bits between the Casino and your grandstand. Also, there is ONE bridge for all the people sitting in the Senna section of the track, i.e.-be prepared to wait. After the race you can walk the track which is pretty cool.

Here's where I'll be:



Two years ago with the Wee Scotsman:



Nephew's first GP and he gets a pic with Nico, we had a rockstar weekend meeting Lauda, Charlie Whiting, JV, Coutlhard, and Eddie Jordan.

[Chief F1 Fan]

whoops, didn't get it in last post . . . .

[wdb]

Originally Posted by Chief F1 Fan

I have been to every Canadian GP held since 1989 and one thing I would stress, don't carry a lot of stuff; it's a PITA on the Metro and difficult to stash once at your very crowded seat.

We're planning on carrying a backpack with rain gear, water, a radio, a few other whatnots. Is that going to be hard to stash under side-by-side grandstand seats?

Thanks also for the tip on a camp chair; we picked up a couple of 'bleacher seats' (no arms!) that strap to the bleacher and give us a cushioned seat and a backrest. Hope they do the trick.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...dsgstdmstxxodr

[Chief F1 Fan]

there is very little underneath stowage but if it will fit between your legs, that's where it will be the duration of the race or until "that guy we all hate" (again and still) gets up after sitting there for an hour just as practice/quali/race re-starts and his seat is in the middle of the row making everyone stand back up after settling down.

[pseto]

Originally Posted by wdb

We're planning on carrying a backpack with rain gear, water, a radio, a few other whatnots. Is that going to be hard to stash under side-by-side grandstand seats?

Thanks also for the tip on a camp chair; we picked up a couple of 'bleacher seats' (no arms!) that strap to the bleacher and give us a cushioned seat and a backrest. Hope they do the trick.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...dsgstdmstxxodr

I went to DSG to take a look at that seat, but ended up getting this one instead. Feels a lot more sturdy and I don't have to be 'that guy' sitting in the 'Dicks' chair

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y1H1SVS...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[3798j]

You'll want to get race ticket holders/lanyards. Three times you'll be asked to show your ticket as you get to your seat and they'll ask again once every time you leave and then return to your seat. A lost ticket is the kiss of death. They sell them at the track.
https://www.amazon.com/Lanyards-Tick...lanyard+holder

[3798j]

Even though Montrealers will be able to spot you as an out of town race fan, what with backpacks and racing attire, you'll still want to fit in. Be aware that no one jaywalks...and they stay on the curb waiting for the walk/green signal...even if there is no oncoming traffic.

[Chief F1 Fan]

Originally Posted by 3798j

You'll want to get race ticket holders/lanyards. Three times you'll be asked to show your ticket as you get to your seat and they'll ask again once every time you leave and then return to your seat. A lost ticket is the kiss of death. They sell them at the track.
https://www.amazon.com/Lanyards-Tick...lanyard+holder

With all due respect, don't buy from Amazon, there'll be plenty of opportunities to get the lanyard you want from the moment you walk up the stairs in the subway station at Parc Jean Drapeau. Once you cross the bridge on to Ile. Ste. Helene, manufacturers' row is to your right with all of the race gear you could ever want.