Canadian Grand Prix: What You Need to Know to Plan Your Weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
- Canadian Grand Prix, May 22–24.
- Bell GPCanada asks people to plan accordingly.
- How to get to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
- F1 weekend schedule.
- Rules and restrictions.
As the 2026 Lenovo Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix approaches—taking place May 22–24 at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Jean-Drapeau Park—Montreal is getting ready to rock to the beat of Formula 1 (perhaps in the rain).
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the thousands of spectators expected, Bell GPCanada invites visitors to plan their weekend in advance. Travel to the venue, e-tickets, grandstand access, the official mobile app, security, on-site activities, food and beverage options, shows, and podium celebrations are among the essential elements to plan for before the event.
For three days, the circuit transforms into a massive hub where sports, entertainment, and logistics converge.
Behind the engines and the festive atmosphere, a massive operation has been underway for months to bring this international event to life. Thousands of workers, volunteers, partners, and specialized teams collaborate behind the scenes to ensure every detail is covered: public reception, transportation, security, technical installations, production, food service, and daily operations.
This colossal organization allows Montreal to offer a spectacular experience and to confirm, year after year, its place among the must-see events on the Formula 1 calendar.
How to get to the venue
To facilitate travel during the 2026 Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix of Canada, Bell GPCanada encourages visitors to prioritize public transit and active modes of transportation when heading to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The metro is the simplest and most efficient option, thanks to the Jean-Drapeau station on the yellow line, located near the main entrance to the site.
To ensure a smoother entry process, spectators are encouraged to check in advance which entrance corresponds to their ticket. Three separate access zones have been established to better distribute arrivals.
The main entrance is accessible directly from the Jean-Drapeau station. Visitors can also reach it by bike, BIXI, or river shuttle from Longueuil and the Old Port of Montreal. However, shuttle crossings must be reserved in advance. Drop-off zones for taxis and Uber are also available at La Ronde’s P8 parking lot.
The Casino entrance is served by a shuttle connecting to the Pôle Grand Prix, located at 1108 Marc-Cantin Street. A space for bicycles and BIXI bikes is also available at 2160 Pierre-Dupuy Street. No taxis, Ubers, or unauthorized vehicles will be permitted on the Concorde Bridge or Pierre-Dupuy Avenue without an official permit.
The Zone Bleue entrance, accessible via 151 Rue de l’Écluse in Saint-Lambert, is reserved for certain ticket holders, specifically those in Grandstands 10, 11, and 12, the CGV Terrace, and the Elite and Privilege 12 boxes. A check will be conducted at the entrance to verify spectators’ eligibility.
Finally, no public parking will be available at the Grand Prix site, except for visitors with an official parking pass or access designated for people with reduced mobility.
F1GPCANADA Mobile App
Before heading to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, Bell GPCanada recommends that spectators download the official F1GPCanada mobile app, which has become an essential tool for planning and fully enjoying Grand Prix weekend. New feature in 2026: e-tickets can now be viewed directly within the app, making access to the site easier.
The app also allows users to view the full schedule of activities, receive real-time notifications, and access useful information regarding transportation and weather. An interactive site map helps visitors easily locate grandstands, points of interest, food concessions, and various services available at the circuit.
Thanks to built-in geolocation, spectators can also generate a precise route to their section from their current location on the site, making it easier to get around during the event.
E-tickets
To make entry to the site faster and smoother, Bell GPCanada encourages spectators to prepare their e-tickets before arriving at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. In 2026, all tickets will be accessible directly through the official F1GPCanada mobile app, which has become the central tool for fully enjoying the Grand Prix weekend.
Visitors are invited to download the app in advance to verify that their tickets are properly registered and easily accessible upon entering the venue. It is also recommended to confirm the entrance corresponding to their section before heading out, which will help avoid delays and simplify movement around the circuit.
With this preparation, spectators will be able to access the various Grand Prix zones more efficiently and enjoy the activities, races, and unique atmosphere of the event more quickly.
Security and Personal Belongings
To make access to the site faster and safer, Bell GPCanada recommends that spectators travel light and organize their personal belongings before security checks at the entrance to the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Visitors are encouraged to review the complete list of permitted and prohibited items on the Grand Prix’s official website in advance to avoid any delays upon arrival.
Certain items are permitted on the site, including cameras and photography equipment for personal use, as well as strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers. Cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes are also allowed, but their use is restricted to designated areas. Bags must, however, comply with the size limits established by the organization.
Conversely, several items are prohibited, including outside alcoholic beverages, glass containers, bicycles, skateboards, drones, and any visual material deemed provocative, defamatory, or protest-related.
Accepted Payment Methods
The 2026 Formula 1 Lenovo Canadian Grand Prix is now adopting a completely cashless payment system throughout the entire Gilles Villeneuve Circuit site. All purchases made during the event must be paid for using a debit or credit card.
This measure aims to speed up transactions, reduce wait times, and improve the visitor experience in the various food courts, shops, and concession stands on the site. Bell GPCanada therefore recommends that spectators arrange for an electronic payment method before arriving.
It is also important to note that no ATMs will be available on-site during Grand Prix weekend.
Weekend Schedule
The 2026 Formula 1 Lenovo Canadian Grand Prix weekend will feature a packed schedule from May 22 to 24 at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Activities will begin on Friday with the venue opening at 8 a.m. Spectators will be able to watch the F1 Academy and Formula 2 free practice sessions before the first Formula 1 free practice session at 12:30 p.m. The day will continue with Formula 2 qualifying, F1 Sprint Qualifying, and the F1 Academy qualifying session. The venue will close at 8 p.m., while the CGV Experience Zone will remain open until 11 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 will feature the weekend’s first races, including the Formula 1 Sprint Race at noon and the official F1 Qualifying at 4 p.m. Fans will also be able to follow the F1 Academy and Formula 2 races throughout the day.
Sunday, May 24, will culminate with the drivers’ parade at 2 p.m. and the start of the 2026 Formula 1 Lenovo Canadian Grand Prix at 4 p.m. The main F1 Academy and Formula 2 races will round out this closing day before the venue closes at 8 p.m. and the CGV Experience zone closes at 11 p.m.
CGV Concerts
In addition to the on-track action, the 2026 Lenovo Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix will feature a musical lineup allowing visitors to extend the festive atmosphere after the races. Presented as part of the CGV Concerts, the shows will exclusively feature Canadian artists during the event’s three evenings.
On Friday, May 22, country singer Matt Lang will take the stage at 7:30 p.m., followed by a performance by pop-punk band Simple Plan at 9 p.m. On Saturday, May 23, Dean Brody will kick off the evening at 7:30 p.m., followed by Bryan Adams, an iconic figure of Canadian rock, at 9 p.m. Finally, on Sunday, May 24, the band The Beaches will open the musical lineup at 7:30 p.m., followed by a performance by singer Alessia Cara at 9 p.m.
These shows will enhance the Grand Prix experience by transforming the venue into a true entertainment destination throughout the weekend.
Food and Drink on Site
The 2026 Lenovo Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix will offer visitors a diverse culinary experience inspired by Montreal’s gastronomic diversity. Spread across the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit site, nearly 130 food concessions will be open throughout the weekend, primarily showcasing local businesses and flavors from here and abroad.
The food offerings have been designed to meet a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Spectators will find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, and halal options in several areas of the venue.
Fans will also be able to purchase the official F1GPCanada 2026 souvenir glass, available in a limited edition at participating food stands for $11.99. To explore the available menus, locate food stands, and view the various options offered on-site, visitors are invited to use the official F1GPCanada mobile app during the event.
Additionally, Bell GPCanada encourages spectators to adopt eco-friendly habits to help make the 2026 Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix of Canada a more sustainable event. Visitors are invited to bring a reusable bottle to take advantage of the various water stations set up on-site, which are easily locatable via the F1GPCanada mobile app. Glass containers, however, remain prohibited.
The organization also reminds visitors of the importance of properly sorting waste by using the designated areas for compost, recycling, and general waste. If in doubt, visitors can seek assistance at the sorting stations or from members of the Green Squad on site.
Bell GPCanada also asks the public to respect green spaces, dispose of waste in the appropriate areas, and maintain a safe distance from animals in the park. Finally, spectators are encouraged to use public transit or active transportation to reduce the event’s environmental impact.
CGV Collectibles
The official Gilles Villeneuve Circuit collection will allow fans to take home souvenirs inspired by the world of the 2026 Lenovo Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. Highlighting the CGV’s visual identity as well as the legacy of the famous Montreal circuit, this collection includes various clothing items, accessories, and exclusive merchandise in the event’s colors.
Visitors will be able to explore the official CGV stores directly on-site during Grand Prix weekend. The locations of the retail outlets will be accessible via the F1GPCanada mobile app.
Products from the official collection will also be available online through the official online store at boutiquecgv.ca.
A weekend that promises to be full of thrills!
