By Ariane Gagnon
Get ready for three days of F1 fever as the 50th Formula 1 Grand Prix hits the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit from June 9 to 11. Even if you can’t be there in person, there are still plenty of other options open to you! So here's a practical list of ideas for original things to get up to over this most flamboyant of weekends. [image credit: iStockphoto]
Boulevard Saint-Laurent is closed to motor traffic for the three days of the Grand Prix, leaving pedestrians to make the most of it and enjoy the car show, as well as a whole host of other entertainment for the whole family! It's a golden opportunity to discover this European-style neighbourhood, with its cozy terraces and numerous coffee shops, such as Café Italia, San Simeon or Via Dante.
Crescent Street, nestled in the heart of the city, is a Mecca for Formula 1 enthusiasts. There's all the ingredients you need here for a festive and unforgettable time; Street festivals, entertainment, bars, clubs, good restaurants... Grand Prix fans will be right at home! Especially since it's possible to check out the real race cars up close and personal. For a well-deserved beverage after pacing the streets, head to Brutopia, the Sir Winston Churchill Pub or the Stogies, to see your glass of scotch off with a cigar!
There's a genuine festive atmosphere awaiting you on Peel Street, between Sherbrooke and Sainte-Catherine, with more than 400,000 visitors expected. Crowd-phobes, beware! Be sure to reserve your terrace seat at Chez Alexandre, Soubois, Ferreira Café or Vasco de Gama so you can relax with drink in hand after a tour of up-market shops or a luxury car show.
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Do you have an arty streak? Are you more of a Pilates person than a car-tuning type? Old Montreal’s got you covered, having organized various tours thought up specifically for the Grand Prix weekend. From outdoor yoga sessions to holistic massage, via the MURAL street art tour, there is definitely something for you near the Old Port!
So whether you're a diehard fan of Formula 1 or simply want to soak up the spirit of the city over this eventful weekend, Montreal is sure to be your playground on 9, 10 and 11 June! So get caught up in the F1 fever; you won't be disappointed!
