Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
Montreal is gearing up for a high-octane weekend as the Canadian Grand Prix rolls into town alongside the Habs’ Eastern Conference finals clash with the Carolina Hurricanes — but fans heading to the track will need to leave their cars behind, as Parc Jean-Drapeau goes completely car-free for the event.
There will be no public parking available on site. The only exceptions are for individuals with reduced mobility and a few select employees.
Drivers should brace for delays and exercise patience, as Pierre-Dupuy Avenue — the gateway to the De la Concorde overpass — will be closed to unauthorized vehicles heading to Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame. The Jacques-Cartier Bridge is also expected to be heavily congested.
Prioritize the Metro
Laurence Houde-Roy, public affairs adviser for the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), says public transit is still the best way to get around the city and the Grand Prix site.
To accommodate the crowds, the transit agency will increase service on the Montreal Metro’s Yellow line, which includes the Jean-Drapeau station, with trains running every four minutes. Racegoers can also buy a special “Grand Prix” transit pass for unlimited travel throughout the weekend.
While the STM plans to deploy more staff to ensure safety and assist with fares at busy Metro stations, such as Jean-Drapeau, Longueuil–Université-de-Sherbrooke, Montmorency, and Berri-UQAM, riders are strongly encouraged to buy their transit passes in advance.
The 2026 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix takes place from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, May 24. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
About 130,000 visitors are expected daily during the event. Last year, 97 per cent of them travelled to the island using active or public transportation. During the event, the STM recorded a 15 per cent increase in ridership compared to a typical weekend.
Accessing Parc Jean-Drapeau will be easier for cyclists too, with expanded BIXI stations and hundreds of additional parking spots for personal bikes.
For the first time, a five-minute river shuttle will connect the Old Port directly to Île Sainte-Hélène, though passengers must book ahead and hold a valid fare on an OPUS card.
Boosting tourism
Montreal and the STM are currently co-ordinating transit strategies to handle the influx of Formula 1 fans and hockey crowds.
According to Houde-Roy, the transit agency will boost service at key hubs serving the Bell Centre, including Bonaventure and Lucien-L’Allier stations.
The combined draw of the race and the playoffs is already fuelling an economic boost.
Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, noted that local hotels are sitting at a 90 per cent occupancy rate for the weekend.
He said the organization expects local bars and restaurants to see exceptional turnout on Saturday and Sunday.