33 replies to this topic

[AJF Racing]

First, an introduction . . .

I'm a long-time reader of Atlas, and I recently began to read the forums as well. I've been following F1 since 1994 and attended my first GP at Indianapolis last year. This is my first post here at Atlas.

I'll be making my way to Montreal for the Canadian GP in June, and I'm already bubbling over with anticipation of the sights, the sounds, and the smells of a live GP. I'm also taking along my very understanding girlfriend who follows F1 casually and even watches some of the races with me. I'm hoping that her first experience with a live GP will turn her into a die-hard.

I have many, many questions about Montreal, so I'm hoping to tap the wealth of experience of the veteran Montreal attendees.

First, the obligatory seats question. Mine are in grandstand 11, which I know is a pretty decent spot to watch the events unfold. I'm in Section 8, Row J - can anyone tell me where in the grandstand those seats are located, and give me an idea of what the view is like?

It looks like a long walk from the metro station to the area of GS 11. I'm not complaining, but about how long does it take to walk from the metro to the grandstand? Is there some sort of main gate that one must pass through when crossing onto the island?

Since I don't want to miss any of the action, how crowded is the metro on GP weekend? I'm assuming it's fairly packed, but I hope that additional trains are scheduled to meet the demand. Should I expect to have to fight (or at least wait) for a spot aboard a train?

My French is workable, but my girlfriend speaks none. Having been to Montreal on other occasions I realize that everyone speaks English as well as French; still, how important is an understanding of French to enjoy the activities at the circuit? Is the circuit commentary in English, French, or both?

Finally, what is in the "zone" that is marked on the circuit map as being reserved for GS 11 and 12 ticket holders? Is there anything of interest there or is it restricted access because of crowd control concerns?

Apologies for the long post. Thanks in advance for the help, and if anyone has any questions about attending the USGP I'd be happy to return the favor.

Sincerely,
AJF

[Bogman]

Hey AJF, welcome to Atlas BB;;

I live in Montreal and have attended the last 5 races, so hope I can answer a few questions for you.

I'm not much help on the seating questions, as I'm usually in the hairpin at the other end of the track, but I do know those are likely very good seats that you have. Most people prefer stand 12 I think, but 11 is still damn good.

The walk from the metro will take you at least half an hour, likely more because of the crowds. The metro is packed on all days that weekend, especially leaving the track. The best thing to do (and a little know hint) is take the ferry instead. The ferry goes from the foot of Jacques Cartier pier in Old Montreal to a place on the island not far from the Metro stop. Very few people know about it, and it saves loads of time especially leaving hte track. I do remember last year though that it wasn't running early enough to make it to morning practice, but that's o.k. as the metro shouldn't be too bad early on. Leaving the island is the total pain.

AS far as I can figure, there are only 2 locations that you can access the track from. Both are bridges onto Ile Notre Dame from Ile Ste. Helene. One is near the metro, the other is the approach road to the casino. Both are always packed, but if you get there early enough you won't have any problems.

Activities at the circuit are almost fully bilingual (english / french). In fact, there is probably more english overheard and on the loudspeakers than french.

That zone you talk about for the GS 11 and 12 people I think is just to keep general admission people out. They used to have GA it the foot of those stands, but it always got way too crowded because it really was the best place to watch from. So they closed it off to GA and only those with GS 11 and 12 can enter.

If you have any more questions, ask them here no problem. Hey, you're from upstate NY huh, what part? I'm moving to the Canton / Potsdam (St. Lawrence Co.) area in August.

[Frank Grimes]

That ferry idea sounds great! I'll be the hung over one booting off the side the boat!

[Andy]

AJF - Well I think Bogman has about covered it all, including that Ferry which I am now convinced he owns because I was born and raised in Montreal and have lived here for 33 of the 36 years that I have lived "anywhere" and I've never heard of it except from Bogman. So, don't be surprised if you show up at the foot of Jacques Cartier to find Bogman awaiting you in a canoe!!

Seriously tho, on the girlfriend front (not to be read as "girlfriend's front" !! ), I will once again be providing a complete "Things to do while in Montreal for the GP" guide which will appear on Atlas F1 a week or so before the GP. In it I list many of the different activities and festivals going on in and around the city during GP week both F1 and Non-F1 related! After all, we Montrealers want to make sure your girlfriend has a great time too!;)

[Bogman]

Damn Andy, thanks for reminding me I will have to get my canoe out of my friends backyard in Ottawa for that weekend. Actually, I credit Mrs. Bogman with the ferry info, but its worked fantastically for the past 3 years that we've known about it. Its supposed to be a commuter ferry and it also goes to Longeuil.

[Andy]

Actually it sounds like a neat idea and I may actually try it this year Bogman. Do you recall how much $$ it is and where you get the tickets?

[Bogman]

I think its about $ 3-4 each way, and you buy the tickets at the dock. It leaves from the end of that big wooden floating dock that parallels the west side of Jacques Cartier pier. I think its run by AML Ferries. But, I don't think it gets going early enough to get there for 9 am practice. I'll be down there this weekend and I'll check the schedule.

[AJF Racing]

Merci beaucoup for all the advice, Bogman and Andy. I'm not sure if I'll brave the ferry, although I suppose my attitudes might change after dealing with the metro for a day or two.

Andy, I'll be looking forward to your Montreal guide. The only time I visited Montreal I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience. I'm sure GP weekend is especially festive.

As has been discussed on another thread, I think I'll try to get to the Expos-Braves game on Thursday night. I had tickets to see my favorite team (the NY Mets) in Montreal in August of 1994, but the games were cancelled because of the strike.

One more question, while I'm thinking about it. Anyone have any information about the support race lineup? I know Toyota Atlantic will be racing on Saturday (according to their website) but there are also support races scheduled for Sunday on the schedule posted on the Canadian GP site. I have a distinct fear that I'll have to put up with Ferrari Challenge (which raced at Indy last year) yet again . . .

OT aside to Bogman:

I'm from Binghamton, a city of about 50,000 just north of the New York-Pennsylvania border and quite a long way from St. Lawrence County. I don't know too much about the area (except that it's quite beautiful and very windy) but I can offer one tip. I'll assume that you're a hockey fan, and if so you MUST check out the college hockey played by Clarkson University (Potsdam) and St. Lawrence University (Canton). The games feature high-level play and a great atmosphere, and the rivalry between the two is intense. St. Lawrence also has an outstanding women's team (played in the inaugural NCAA championship final this year) who are also worth checking out. I saw my first college game in 1997 and I've been hooked ever since. It's not F1, but it allows the winter to pass more quickly.

AJF

[Bogman]

AJF; I plan to start going to games at SLU 'cause I'm a big hockey fan, and the Canadiens just don't hack it anymore. I'm moving there as I just got a job as a prof. at St. Lawrence University.

See you in Montreal;;;;;;;; (at Ziggy's)

[MattB]

Hi AJF,

This year will be my third trip to the GP. The first time I went I was really nervous about finding my way and what not. I must say that it is extremely easy and very enjoyable. I have found that there are usually plenty of people who can help you find your way or answer your questions. Both visits I have had have been fantastic. Both years the fans who sat in my area have been alot of fun and wildly entertaining. There are an abundance of great restauraunts and alot going on well into the night.

I have never found the metro to be difficult to use, or very crowded, except of course at the end of the weekend when everyone is trying to leave at once.

I will be making a trip to Ziggy's this year and I hope to meet you and other ATLAS BB posters.

[Wheels]

Welcome AJF,

Montreal is Fantastique and getting around is very easy. Although Bogman,s really pushing the ferry, I'd use the Metro
(and have for the last 5 years) to get to the track every day and take the ferry back on Sat. & Sun. Leaving the Island by Metro on Sun. is a complete mess. So use the ferry. See you at the Atlas F1 get together at Ziggy's. Andy will be sending more info on Ziggy's in June(I think).

[Bogman]

Wheels is right, I am pushing the ferry for leaving the track, but probably not for getting there. I'm also pushing the ferry because I live in Old Montreal, about a 5 minute walk from the dock....very convenient for me.

[Wheels]

Hey Bogman,

Since you're obviously connected to the Ferry business do you think you could arrange to have them pick us up at Nun's Island?

[Xodiac]

Regarding the seating location, you will be facing directly at the start/finish straight and should also see the pits as well.
Of course you will see all the action at the first set of corners.
I am in 12, to your right. The stands are divided into 8 sections, so you will be on the end of yours. I'm not sure which side you are on, but the right side would be the prefered one for that grandstand. Row J is the 20th row or so. They start at row AA and at around row JJ they start again at A and so forth on up.
So you will be above the catch fence and will have a clear view of the track and of course the big screen!

[MattB]

Grandstand 11 seating begins with section 1 closest to Grandstand 12, so section 8 will see you sitting farther up the straight after the Senna Curve, but you will most likely be high enough that you will have a great view of things. I sat in Grandstand 11 last year in Section 4 very low and got some fantastic pictures.

This year I will be in Grandstand 24.

[Andy]

We better see you all at Ziggy's Pub!!;)

http://www.atlasf1.c...&threadid=21044

[Smacker]

FERRY RIDE> Anyone know where on the island you take it and how far it is to McGill from where it lands in the port?

THX!
Smacker

[Bogman]

It takes you to about 500m north (away from the track) of the metro station. Total walk from ferry to track gate 10-15 minutes. From McGill the walk to the dock is about 25 minutes or so........maybe a bit more if you're at the residence on the hill.

[F1Rulz]

Here's a link to some maps (PDF format) http://www.tourism-m...g/2_0/2_7_1.htm If I'm reading the Old Montreal map right it looks like the pier is down in section E7 and the hotel we're at is between B - C8 (des Gouverneurs) a straight shot (Smacker I think you're around B5)

Just to clarify something you said Bogman "...you buy your tickets at the dock..." I assume they can be purchased on either side of the trip (would be pretty silly if they didn't; but you never know ;) ). Also once you get to the other side I take you can either jump back on the metro or possibly find a cab.

One last thing if one of you residents has a look at the map where will I find Cresent (Ziggy's) street (darn PDF's aren't searchable and it's hell looking at that thing for long). Thanks and we're starting to get excited

[Bogman]

Hey, that's a great map, it does show the ferry routes. Yes, you can buy tickets on both sides, but don't forget I don't think it starts running early enough to get you to first practice. But it is the best way to leave the track. The middle of the blow-up maps on F1 Rulz's link is good, shows pretty much the whole downtown. From the ferry into town, you could walk, take the metro or catch a cab, no problem. On the island, you have to walk to the track gates, not far at all.

Crescent st is one of those red streets (D3 on the middle map)....big letters says Bishop-Crescent...both streets are party streets !

[Andy]

F1Rulz - Thanks for the links to those maps, they are excellent. In my upcoming "What to do in and around Montreal while here for the GP" article for Atlas, I will try to include a map which will clearly show everything between the track & Ziggy's Pub. (Maybe even a little "Just follow the staggering Bogman" character!! ;) )

A.

[Berner]

Yes the ferry is fabulous... or was until you folks told the universe!!! But hey, it sure beats the Metro. If only the organizers would include the price of the subway into the race ticket, then everyone could flow through the turnstiles much faster... like in Melbourne for example. Another alt is to take a bicycle across either bridge and chain it up near the metro, then walk.

Besides that, you will experience the BEST city in N. America and the best Saturday night of your life. Enjoy la difference!

[shoofirbin]

i don't know why everyone is dissing the metro. sure it's crowded, and you have to wait for a little while to get off the island. but hell, it gets you there, and quite quickly and painlessly, considering the volume of people they have to move in such a short time. getting to the track has never been a problem for us on the metro. a frsh train seems to pull up every few minutes, and there are signs posted everywhere telling you which way to go.

three years ago, my friends and i got an early start on gp sunday, and we took a cab to the island, which, at the time, was really fast and easy. so, the next year we decided to do the same thing. however, we had more people and got a later start. it was a nightmare. the roads were jammed and we came fairly close to missing the start of the race. the point of this story? don't take a cab to the island, unless you get a very early start.

[Blueflagger]

Montreal is a great town to see a motor race, bar none. I've been working this race since the first event way back in Sept 1978, (glad they changed it to June!!!). One piece of advice to those of you who have never been to this event before. Rest up! Expect to get about 4 hours sleep in 72 hours or so. If you know of anyone who is getting more then that, then their a shut in who don't belong at this event! It's quite scary if you knew how little sleep the corner workers (non-locals) have had by race time...

I'm married now, but before when I was single, we would make our way (stumble) from one bar to the next until there were no more open and then someone would know the location of an after hours event (Ask a cabbie, they know everything!!!) and we'd be there till about 5:00am. Then someones watch alarm would go off and we'd all panic and have to pile into a cab to make our morning meeting at the boat club, (15mins of sleep in the cab).

We used to sleep on the island in a motorhome until the damn Ferrari challenge guys got peeved at us and we we're banned from parking there, (Our chicks we're hotter then theirs - jellious b******s!).

Montreal has some of the best babes on this planet, so wear your dark sunglasses so you don't look like your leering, (when in fact your are!;).

I get real focused when the cars are on the track, but on downtime or whenever the Ferrari (Non)Challenge cars are on the track, we're looking up into the stands taking in the sights...

One year at Senna on race day, we had a few cute ladies flashing (Dcups) the crowd. I thought there were going to be people hurt as the Jappanee photographers went mental as they rushed into the crowd ripping off their 500mm lense's to put on the 24mm and fisheye lense's! Some film sales guy from FUJI must be very wealthy after that day! I personally thought there was going to be a riot as the crowd started shouting at the photos types to "get down in front" and then threw cups at them. I haven't seen this type of frenzy since the first year topless was legal in a public place in Ontario and the odd lady would walk around at the Molson Indy in Toronto sans top, (thats another story...)

Enjoy the race people, and yes, thats why corner workers wear dark sunglasses, (You didn't think it was because of reflections off the drivers helmets did you??)

[charro]

HELLO EVERYONE

TO THOSE WHO ARE EXPERIENCED ON EUROPEAN AND NO EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX.

A) IS THERE A SUBSTANCIAL DIFFERENCE BETWEN BOTH, I MEAN IN AMBIANCE, PADOCK, AVTIVITIES, MERCHANDISE, ETC.

B) SOMEBODY KNOWS ABOUT A SUPER BEETLE RACE ON THE GP WEEKEND:confused:

[Math Soucy]

As a veteran of the past five Canadian Grands Prix, there are strengths and drawbacks, of course, to the metro. The chief complaint, naturally, is the considerable overwhelming mob of humanity attempting to gain access to the trains. After qualifying and the race, the walk from our bronze grandstands to the exits was tantamount to being held up by a Minardi for 69 laps. In 1999, it seemed the event organizers (Air Canada)did a better job enlisting the support of the Montreal taxicab fraternity, and it soon became apparent that any motor vehicle with a shingle to place on the roof was eligible to commute ticketholders too and fro Isle Notre Dame. The next couple of items many not be germane to the original post, but, bring plenty of SPF sunblock. Temps in '99 soared to above 30 degrees celcius without the benefit of a solitary passing cloud for all three days! I returned to Boston in the livery of roast Long Island duckling, and have permanent sponsorship tattooed on my shoulder blades compliments of an unforgiving sun. Consequently, it is well to remember that the weather in Quebec can be as unpredictable as the Montreal podium, insofar as only the year prior to the event north of these words, an autumnal northeast wind blew, and threatening skies hovered throughout the race, and the mercury struggled to break 16 degrees. So plan for all seasons and changing weather conditions, just like the tyre compounds. Finally, I think we can all agree that Crescent Street during Grand Prix weekend provides generous entertainment to girlfriends and other casual racing fans. Can't wait!

[jclark93]

I was planning to go to Montreal F1 race and I kept postpone and finally got tickets (Grandstand #31, the last one to fill up!) today and just booked a room in downtown Montreal also today (Hotel Du Fort).

I looked at restaurant listings and oh boy there is tons of them.
It is like finding a needle in haystack.

It will be my family going there and we have two girls age 8 and 7.
We like to eat italian, japanese, mediterranean, seafood and thai.

I called Montreal travel center and they suggested some of those,
they are
LA MEDUSA ON DRUMMOND
BONA PARTE THAT IS IN OLD MONTREAL
BARBY BARNES.

Suggest to go there?

Please give me names that you really enjoy eating there so
we ll love to try them out!

Since we go out to track on Friday, Sat and Sunday, what
is suggested reservation time for dinner? 8pm? Concern
about travel time from track to downtown Montreal...

I guess we should try ferry from the track...

It will be third F1 race for me and my wife (first one was Malaysia 1999, second is Indy F1 2000) and first time for our two girls.

Malaysia was great (seatingwise) as I was right at hairpin turn before the straight (the last turn). I totally enjoy watching glowing red disc of braking and the bang bang of downshifting.
I am deaf (around 80 db loss) but those F1 engines really hurt my ears!

Indy F1 was disappointing seatingwise, I reserved the tickets
the very first day they open for ticket ordering and I got the
very first row seating at first corner. I say wow, that will be awesome! Turns out I only see barely the top of helmet
as cars go past by our area due to barrier wall too tall.
But had great time there (other than seating).

Many thanks!

Jamie
http://www.AboveLimitRacing.com

[Bogman]

Hey jclark;;

That's great you could get a hotel still....several people have been complaining of no hotels, but I'm sure the small, non-chain places (like Hotel du Fort) still have places.

For restaurants, I know Bonaparte (I live 100 yards from there), and it is upscale French, might be a bit stuffy for small kids. Right across the street from Bonaparte (on Rue St. Francois Xavier) is a great Spanish/Mexican place called Casa de Mateo...authentic, great food, bustling, better atmosphere. If you really like French, less stuffy is La Gargote at rue St. Pierre and Place D'Youville in Old Montreal (2 minutes walk from Bonaparte). Gibby's in PLace D'Youville is a celebrated steak house, wildly popular, and expensive. I've never been there..... For atmosphere, some if the places in Place Jacques Cartier (Old Montreal) are good, but fairly touristy.

Bar-B-Barn is a ribs place, very popular, not so upscale, and it will be close to your hotel. Any restaurant on St. Laurent north of Sherbrooke will be good (Globe, Cafeteria, loads of them) and fun for the people watching. As for Japanese, my wife swears by Soto, corner of McGill and Notre Dame, and also popular is Tokyo on rue St. Paul in Old Montreal.

Don't know La Medusa. One tip about Montreal restaurants, the competition is so fierce, that bad restaurants don't exist (well, some do) because they go out of business so fast.

[Andy]

Boy Bogman, you are really going to miss this city when you move aren't you??!

I must say, you are the "Ultimate" source for Montreal-Info!!;)

[shoofirbin]

bogman-

quick question. i have reservations at two restaurants on sunday night, and need to decide on one.

les remparts or les caprices de nicolas (sp?)

we used to go to claude postell, which we though was great, but apparently it closed down, so this is kind of a crap shoot. my friends and i like to top the weekend off with a rich, expensive, fancy french dinner which includes many bottles of wine.

your feedback would be appreciated.

[jclark93]

Many thanks Bogman

I ll get in touch and reserve those seats and I ll let you know what resturants we will go Very excited Hope to meet you there

[Bogman]

Andy;; planning to keep an apartment in the city when I move, and I'll be back many weekends.....plus in my new job I get summers off (well, sort of)!!!!! oh god, that'll be a change !

shoofirbin;; sorry I've never eaten at either of those places, and actually I don't know les caprices des nicolas. Remparts is supposed to be good though. I'm not really a french cuising kinda guy, so I don't think I can help all that much. Not sure about Claude Postel closing though...its such a landmark!

[F1Rulz]

So would the recomendation be for more upscale resturants to have advance reservations? How crazy is it to find eats?

Thanks

[Bogman]

I wouldn't think you need reservations at many restaurants in town, except the really popular ones (Gibby's, Les Remparts). In most neighborhoods, especially downtown areas, if one place is full, just keep walking down the street and you'll find another.

By hte way, I've heard that Chez Alexandre, on Peel St. near de Maisoneuve is good, and a good change at spotting a driver.