Here are some tips and suggestions that will make your visit to Montreal and the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit more enjoyable.
GETTING TO MONTREAL BY CAR
Downtown Montreal is connected to the major highways of the northeast of the continent, from Ontario and the maritime provinces, New England and the states of Pennsylvania and New York. To view the map showing the main roads
GETTING TO MONTREAL BY PLANE
The Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport welcomes national and international flights to Montreal. From the airport you can reach the city center in 20 minutes. Buses run to all major city center hotels from the airport. Taxis and limousines do the same. All car rental companies have counters at the airport. To learn more about Pierre-Elliott Trudeau Airport, reception procedures in Canada and the route to get to the city center .
LEAVE YOUR CAR AT HOME OR HOTEL
The Gilles-Villeneuve circuit is served by the Jean-Drapeau metro station. We suggest purchasing tickets or a card for the weekend. Leave your car at home or at the hotel since there is no parking available at the circuit and few parking spaces nearby, both on the Island of Montreal and on the South Shore. By metro, plan a journey of 40 minutes if you leave from the stations at the head of the line, 25 minutes from a downtown station, 15 minutes from Longueuil.
WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES FOR WALKING
A fair bit of walking might be necessary, especially if you have seats in the stands facing the pits or in the Senna corner. You will have to walk almost 2 km. Walking shoes, flat heels or sneakers are good choices. Also plan the walking time to get to your stand so as not to miss the start of the sessions.
FOLLOW THE CORRECT DIRECTIONS TO ACCESS YOUR STAND
Two bridges provide access to the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit from the Jean-Drapeau metro station. To reduce the distance and duration of your walk, head towards the Pont de la Concorde (turn right and walk along the basin and fountains near the metro station) to get more quickly to stands 1, 2, 11, 12 and 31. Head towards the Cosmos bridge (turn left after passing the metro station entrance) to get more quickly to stands 15 and 34.
BRING YOUR BINOCULARS, CAMERA AND WALKMAN
You can follow all the action live by tuning into the FM radio on your player (the frequency will be communicated on the site). If you take a seat in a stand facing the pits, a pair of binoculars will allow you to observe the work of the teams more closely during refueling. It is permitted to photograph cars on track, but for your personal use only.
A HAT AND SUNSCREEN ARE REQUIRED
The Napa Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge takes place at the end of August and we hope the sun will be out. Protect yourself accordingly by wearing a hat, cap and sunglasses and covering yourself with sunscreen.
CHAIRS, COOLERS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES
The organizers reserve the right to prohibit the entry onto the site of any material or equipment deemed dangerous for spectators or participants in the event, including ladders, stepladders or other foldable structures. Drinks stored in glass containers are not accepted. Coolers containing beverages or food for personal consumption must be able to be stored under the seats, in a space 22.8 cm (9 in) high, 45.7 cm (18 in) long and 25.4 cm ( 10 in) deep so as not to hinder circulation in the stands and ensure the comfort and safety of spectators.
GETTING UP EARLY IS AN ADVANTAGE
If possible, arrive at the venue early to locate your grandstand and seat. General admission ticket holders will secure the best available spots for the day by arriving early at the track.
AT ALL TIMES, BE PATIENT
Several thousand spectators are present on the site every day. As everyone does not want to miss any of the action, it is during intermissions that the traffic is greatest for the food stands or sanitary facilities. You have to be patient or be willing to miss a few minutes of a session to avoid the rush. Likewise, particularly on the Sunday after the race, evacuating the site requires more time. Take advantage of the fact that the Gilles-Villeneuve circuit is set in a park, find an area of shade and relax while the crowds pass.
