69 replies to this topic

[SRFast]

Andy did a stellar job in 2002 regarding the Canadian GP events. Is he or someone going to do it this again? The info provided was great and appreciated by those from south of the border.

TIA....JL

[kozmo]

SRFast - You must be a mind reader. I was just getting ready to start thread on the same topic. This will be my first trip to the Canadian GP (and Montreal for that matter) so I would be anxious to hear any sage advise my fellow AtlasF1'ers have to offer.

dg

[dick]

Not really GP related but I know Cirque du Soleil is in town, and well worth seeing. Ticket availability this late may be a problem however. Only a month away...I'm getting excited. Hope it's hot.

[SRFast]

Kozmo: My first trip to Montreal was in 1967, my first Canadian GP was in 1983 and after a nine year career break, I went back in 1993 and have not missed a GP since. Montreal is a great city and you will enjoy your visit, especially during the GP weekend. My earlier post was directed at the "local" F1 fanatics because they know what organized/planned events are taking place during the GP weekend (Thursday - Saturday).

Hope you enjoy your visit.....JL

[SRFast]

Dick: After the miserable winter and (lack of) spring we had/having in the northeast (NYC), it BETTER be sunny & hot. Sitting at the Casino Hairpin in chilly wet weather is not a pleasant experience.

JL

[Frank Grimes]

It looks like OZZY is playing the Bell Centre the Saturday (June 14) night of the GP weekend. Its fun to type OZZY in all caps.

[kozmo]

Dick-

Actually my wife and I already have our tickets to see the Cirque show. We have seen their shows in Las Vegas and Orlando and based on them, should be spectacular but will probably pale when compared to the v10's being stressed to 18,000 rpm's powering out of the hairpin.. whooooeee! can't wait!

aloha.

[cheesy poofs]

I have no idea if Andy will be doing something like he did last year, but if he deems not to so this year, I might just take up the challenge.

Give me a few days to find out and I will get back to you guys.

[dick]

SRFast,

I hear you about winter...I'm in Chicago. Ours was no bargain either. I hope it starts warming up soon, every Cub game I've been to I've froze. My favorite weather year at the GP was '99, I believe. It was in the 90s. Most people hated it, but living in Chicago I can't get enough heat. Please, no rain.

[Bogman]

Cheesy Poofs;; if you need help organizing something, PM me....I may be able to help.

Steve (aka Bogman)

[Alfisti]

Originally posted by kozmo
SRFast - You must be a mind reader. I was just getting ready to start thread on the same topic. This will be my first trip to the Canadian GP (and Montreal for that matter) so I would be anxious to hear any sage advise my fellow AtlasF1'ers have to offer.

dg

- Take a cushion for your arse, the seats are a joke.
- get to the stands early, the seating is a joke.
- leave for the track EARLY, the queues are a joke.
- Buy lots of subeay tickets at once ... the queues are a joke.
- Allow a solid 90 minutes to leave the track on Sunday .... yes .. .the queues are a joke
- if you haven't booked a hotel then forget it .. you're not going.
- if you're not staying RIGHT in Montreal you're screwed because the subway stops early and cabs are pricey.
- take a hat
- takea GOOD camera
- take your own food and drinks
- take a comfortable backpack ..the queues are a joke
- meet the Atlas crew .... a good night out for sure.
- drink Sleemans not Molson
- ear plugs if you're real close to the track.

[kozmo]

wow Alfisti -

so when do you start your new job as spokesman for the Montreal Tourist office?

[dosco]

Originally posted by Alfisti


- Take a cushion for your arse, the seats are a joke.
- get to the stands early, the seating is a joke.
- leave for the track EARLY, the queues are a joke.
- Buy lots of subeay tickets at once ... the queues are a joke.
- Allow a solid 90 minutes to leave the track on Sunday .... yes .. .the queues are a joke
- if you haven't booked a hotel then forget it .. you're not going.
- if you're not staying RIGHT in Montreal you're screwed because the subway stops early and cabs are pricey.
- take a hat
- takea GOOD camera
- take your own food and drinks
- take a comfortable backpack ..the queues are a joke
- meet the Atlas crew .... a good night out for sure.
- drink Sleemans not Molson
- ear plugs if you're real close to the track.

Last year was my first F1 experience in Montreal (had been to Montreal before in 93 - 94).....

1. Yes, bring a cushion. My arse has never been so sore....and I have plenty of cushion down there.

2. I arrived in Montreal "proper" at 0730....the subway was pretty busy, but not packed. The parking (I parked under the bridge...I can't recall its name, but it was on the Longueil side of the water) was about 1/2 full. Quite suprising!

3. Leaving the track was a fiasco! I ended up taking the ferry on the west side of the island, went to Montreal, ate dinner, then took the subway back to Longueil and then left the city. Jeesh!

4. Definitely take a backpack with lots of stuff - camera, binoculars, food, water, raingear, etc. I was glad I did - the grandstands were PACKED! I was able to keep my butt planted through qualifying and the race without getting up for food, etc. I think I'll bring some beer in the backpack this time....we'll see.....

5. Earplugs! Earplugs! My god are the engines loud!!

[F1Rulz]

Sunscreen
Handi Wipes (no place to wash AFAIK)
Get a Metro Pass (4 or 7 days I believe)

I think others covered the rest...

Sleemans

[shoofirbin]

the lines aren't THAT bad, considering the number of people they're trying to move. the lines are long leaving the island, but they move. i've never had a problem getting to the island in the morning. crowds, yes, but there are lots of trains and it moves right along. if you're going over to the island early, a cab is a good option. just don't try it if you're planning to head over there later in the morning. you're libel to get caught in a traffic jam.

the only thing i've ever gotten annoyed waiting for on the island was the bathroom. they really need more porta-potties. of course my heroic beer intake probably doesn't help matters either.

OZZY

[dosco]

Originally posted by shoofirbin
the lines aren't THAT bad, considering the number of people they're trying to move. the lines are long leaving the island, but they move.

the only thing i've ever gotten annoyed waiting for on the island was the bathroom. they really need more porta-potties. of course my heroic beer intake probably doesn't help matters either.

OZZY

OZZY:
In the morning, getting on the subway, the lines are fine. Busy, yes, but everything moves pretty well.

Last year, I waited to get into the train station for about 15 minutes.....I estimate another 20 to 30 minutes to see a train, and maybe another 15 to actually get on a train. Since I'm fairly impatient much of the time, I bailed and took the ferry. Overall, I imagine the ferry took as long as it would have taken to just get on the train.....but I felt better because I got right on the ferry, and spent like 10 minutes riding across the water to Montreal. Plus the view from the water was excellent.

Agreed on the porta-potties, though.

[tifosi]

MY experinces in Montreal

Originally posted by Alfisti


- Take a cushion for your arse, the seats are a joke.
- get to the stands early, the seating is a joke.
- leave for the track EARLY, the queues are a joke.
- Buy lots of subeay tickets at once ... the queues are a joke.
- Allow a solid 90 minutes to leave the track on Sunday .... yes .. .the queues are a joke
- if you haven't booked a hotel then forget it .. you're not going.
- if you're not staying RIGHT in Montreal you're screwed because the subway stops early and cabs are pricey.
- take a hat
- takea GOOD camera
- take your own food and drinks
- take a comfortable backpack ..the queues are a joke
- meet the Atlas crew .... a good night out for sure.
- drink Sleemans not Molson
- ear plugs if you're real close to the track.

- Had no problem with the seats, maybe I just have a fat ass.
- Seating was easy but I was there early I only go to 1 F1 race a year so I dont like to miss anything even the support stuff.
- Friday and Saturday we walked right out of the track, no big deal at all. Sunday I had one bottle of wine left and we went and sat on the hairpin and shared some drinks woith some other people. It was probably the nest experience of the weekend
- First time in the subway they seel a little pack of 6 tickets, thats all you really need.
- Sunday see above for what to do right after the race.
- Stay at McGill, its cheap, hotels are booked up by the tour companies, they have the rooms.
- Don't know about that one I stay right downtown or at least within a short walk.
- yes hat
- well unfortunately my camera is crap but it works
- yes definately food and drinks are a must. I buy a little at the track but the Molson's is crap.
- what does a backpack have to do with queues????
- Yes although no one seems to be suggesting anything yet, or Ive missed it.
- ear plugs definately


Anyway I enjoyed Montreal and will be there once again this year.

Cheers

[dick]

As long as the weather is warm and it doesn't rain it's all worth it. This will be my eighth straight year. By the way, I had no trouble booking a hotel on my own. Of course you have to do it about a year ahead. I am getting a little tired of the Crescent St. scene...any suggestions for more out of the way Bars or Resturants? I would also suggest not wasting time in line to get into Newtown. I didn't think it was anything special.

[dosco]

Almost forgot.....if you think you're going to do a lot of walking, wear comfy shoes or sneakers.

I made the mistake of wearing flat-soled leather topsiders.....my feet were toast at the end of the weekend.

[Pat]

Originally posted by Alfisti


- Take a cushion for your arse, the seats are a joke.
Absolutely. I use a large beach towel, folded many times, its comfortable enough, plus it comes in handy if taking a dip in the olympic basin.
- get to the stands early, the seating is a joke.
True for F1 qualifications and race. Lots of room to move (and racing to see) the rest of the time.
- leave for the track EARLY, the queues are a joke.
Yes. Try to be at one of the bridges an hour before the first event.
- Buy lots of subeay tickets at once ... the queues are a joke.
Absolutely.
- Allow a solid 90 minutes to leave the track on Sunday .... yes .. .the queues are a joke
After the race, remain seated for half an hour, have a beer or two, then get down on the track, walk to the pit area, watch the teams pack, meet people, enjoy the moment.
- if you haven't booked a hotel then forget it .. you're not going.
Look for a motel or hotel outside the Montreal area. Public transportation is available from quite far.
- if you're not staying RIGHT in Montreal you're screwed because the subway stops early and cabs are pricey.
True. But you can find buddies (who have wheels); people in Montreal are helpful and friendly.
- take a hat
Yessir, and sun screen too. Or you'll pay the (painful) price the next day.
- takea GOOD camera
And an extra set of fully charged batteries if it's a digital. An extra high capacity memory card is a good idea too. Can't buy them on site
- take your own food and drinks
If you're in the east hairpin area, there's a nice restaurant. Fill your bottles of water for free. Real restrooms too.
- take a comfortable backpack ..the queues are a joke
And if you got room in it, bring your rollerblades on sunday and skate around the track after the race.
- meet the Atlas crew .... a good night out for sure.
Yes, but be at the track on time the next morning.
- drink Sleemans not Molson
Yes. But only until out of Sleemans.
- ear plugs if you're real close to the track.
Or buy them on site.

Other suggestions:

-If you have a free half day, go visit the Gilles Villeneuve Museum in Berthierville, about an hour from Montreal.

-Friday or saturday, be sure to spare a few hours to go in the support races paddocks, at the east end of the olympic basin.


That was my two cents ;)

[CDNgrl]

Oh gawd, I take this personally, and I know I shouldn't.

I can't believe the whining..........

It's a frig'n gp, of course there are people - line ups, etc. It's on a tiny little island outside of the main city --- minutes away. You are in the CORE of the city. Of course you are going to have line ups. Life goes on in the city with or without the gp -- but the event adds thousands of other people.

Am I the only one who thinks that the line ups are civil? People are polite and patient. There is an efficiency about the whole event.

The seats are horrid, yeah -- bring a cushion. Big deal.

You have to walk - lots -- to the stands. Are we that lazy? I think I walk to the furthest of the stands - GS 12/11. Big deal. An hour. Are we that lazy that it isn't worth it? Time it so you get there in time.

Food is expensive, bring your own. So what? Isn't it like that everywhere? Pack a lunch. Big deal. Bring lots of water. You would if you were planning on spending the day outside anywhere.

Bathroom line ups. Yeah, the porty potties could increase. But lets face it, I handled it two years ago 8 months pregnant -- and survived. And no -- no one gave up their place for me. Not that I expected it.

blah blah blah blah

It is an absolulely unique event and I think that any complaints are just .... well, "little."

[Alfisti]

Well you shouldn't take it personally because I still enjoyed myself. However, there are so issues that need to be addressed because at over $300 a ticket for basic seating i should be a) reasonably comfortable, b) able to take a leak and wait less than 20 minutes, c) get to and from the track in under an hour and d) not beheld in bottle neck after bottlenek to do eaven the simplest thing.

Yes it is a small area .. .but it doesn't have to be .. there is an ubandance of room behind the main grandstands and it is all fenced off ... i will never know why. Apparantly a lack of funds is the major issue.

[dick]

I have to agree with CDNgrl. The line to the metro moves pretty fast going to the track. Like she said I can't believe how civil the crowd is, especially after the race when many people have been over indulging. Try the Addison EL stop after a Chicago Cub game. People can get nasty and the park only holds 38,000 and most don't use the EL. I do agree more porta pottys would be nice. To avoid the crush after the race one year my girlfriend and I just took a nap under a tree. Might have been foolish since we did have a bag with camera etc. but it was still there when we woke up.

[F1Johnny]

I have been to the GP 2x - in 2000 and 2001 and each time I was amazed at the ease with which I accessed the track. The Sunday after the race is the hardest part and does take a couple of hours. It is however over 100,000 people being moved from an island. Pretty impressive in my opinion.

My only complaint is that the stores still close at IIRC 5pm and the first year I left my shopping till after the race.

[UStifosi]

I have gone to the Canadian GP since '93 that's 10 years.

There are some tricks to make it better. Timing is EVERYTHING. If you are 10 minutes late....

catching a train
arriving at the track
leaving the track
taking a dump
buying warm Molson Dry
eating dinner downtown
hailing a cab
heading to the airport
getting to your seat before any f1 session

then you might as well be an hour late becasue you will be screwed. I know, you're hot, loaded it's dusty and your broke.

I've never had so much fun in my life.

[shoofirbin]

Originally posted by Alfisti
Well you shouldn't take it personally because I still enjoyed myself. However, there are so issues that need to be addressed because at over $300 a ticket for basic seating i should be a) reasonably comfortable, b) able to take a leak and wait less than 20 minutes, c) get to and from the track in under an hour and d) not beheld in bottle neck after bottlenek to do eaven the simplest thing.

Yes it is a small area .. .but it doesn't have to be .. there is an ubandance of room behind the main grandstands and it is all fenced off ... i will never know why. Apparantly a lack of funds is the major issue.

this is ridiculous whining.

the cgp is a great event, and if you're complaining about this kind of crap then you're obviously not in the proper mindset. you don't go to an auto race to be comfortable. if you want that, then stay home and watch it on tv.

[UStifosi]

These points are all valid. How about comparing everything mentioned above to the USGP.

Seats are just as hard yet they are about a half a foot wider to accomodate fatter fans, especially for the Brickyard 400.

You don't have to get there early.

You can litterally park 100 yards from your seat and come in and go out as you please. Logistically
it is like night and day.

Hotels cost less than downtown Montreal.

Food at the track is about the same price with a lot more variety. Beers are half price and cold. Lines for food are just as long.

Real bathrooms and plenty of them. You get a sunburn...sit under cover. You feel crowded...go sit in your own section by yourself if you want...it's possible.

The two biggest key points in my mind....

YOU CAN SIT ANYWHERE ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY for $25US!!!

THE TICKETS ARE ABOUT 50% CHEAPER!!!

Canadian GP fans will put up with anything and Bernie doesn't give a crap as long as the event
keeps selling out. The points made previously are valid in my mind.

[Bogman]

So what's up with the AtlasF1 Headquarters this year?

Andy....is it off?

[dosco]

Originally posted by shoofirbin

the cgp is a great event, and if you're complaining about this kind of crap then you're obviously not in the proper mindset. you don't go to an auto race to be comfortable. if you want that, then stay home and watch it on tv.

Compare to CART (now ChampCar) GP of Monterey (at Laguna Seca), which I attended in 95, 96 and 97....sure, you't not comfy walking around all day in the heat, that's a given.

But:
1. For US $50 I get in the paddock.....can't do that in Canada.

2. I get to walk the *entire* track.....can't do that in Canada (unless I pay $500.00 for "Gold"
tickets.....what a bargain compared to $50 for Monterey.......)

shoofirbin - I love the atmosphere in Montreal - beautiful city, international feel, etc etc. The race is cool too......but for the price, there are some serious downsides. I'll still go when I can to be there (first GP experience last year at Can), but when you compare the experience to other race series, you get a lot less for "Bernie's Circus" (funny about the Indy GP posting - sit anywhere on Fri/Sat for $25??!! - hot damn!!)

[dick]

UStifosi,

While your points are valid, you missed the obvious difference with Montreal. The atmosphere. I've been to both and Indy sucks. Montreal is much more festive and feels like a real GP weekend. I've been to the USGP twice and I'm not going back, and I live in Chicago so it's an easy trip. I'll save my money for Montreal. Plus the girls are prettier in Montreal.

[jhodges]

Montreal is amazing fun.
Getting dirty and waiting only make it better. Its a CITY. Cities are crowded. Lines will form.

Take beer in your pack. Makes everythying easier.

The girls are gorgeous.

Prepare yourself for walking. I've worn flip-flops the last few years with no problems.

Get a metro pass.

The food is great!

Bring sunscreen.

Cheesy poofs is about the coolest cat, ever.

Have fun. Its a stellar way to spend a weekend.

[Bogman]

yeah, the women are frikken hot in Montreal.

[SRFast]

The Montreal GP weekend isn't cheap especially if you choose to stay at one of the higher end downtown hotels, but it is as close as you can get to a "European" GP without hoping a transatlantic flight. I go every year with a group of fellow SCCA racers & wives for the F1 race, the atmosphere and to spend time with my Canadian friends in a beautiful city. Besides, it isn't everyday I get to ride in the elevator with Michael and Ralf Schumacher.

Regards....JL

[kozmo]

okay, let all agree

that F1 races are expensive.
big crowds = long lines.
Indianapolis, while a nice town, isn't Montreal.

whew, glad thats settled.

now lets move on and talk about the Montreal (good bars or restaurants to recommend), the GP (good vantage points or vendors with unique paraphernalia) or just about anything thats POSITIVE. this stuff is supposed to be fun. right?

[dick]

If you factor in the exchange rate, Montreal isn't that much more expensive. Granted the hotels jack their rates up but they do that at Indy too. I got mine in Canadian dollars so it was less than what I paid in downtown Indianapolis. Plus, Montreal is a world class city, worth the visit even without the Grand Prix. I can't say that about Indianapolis.

[SRFast]

Yes, let's get back to the reason this thread was started: How to spend our time and hard earned money in Montreal while NOT at the track.

JL

[shoofirbin]

two words: super sexe. or is that one word?

[f1sl]

Originally posted by shoofirbin
two words: super sexe. or is that one word?

no way teasers is the place to go

[josvdp]

"I ended up taking the ferry on the west side of the island"

What/where exactly is this ferry thing - it sounds much more civilised than the metro

First post / first visit

Rgds Jos

[shoofirbin]

Originally posted by f1sl


no way teasers is the place to go

you've got a point there. i went to teasers last year, and it was quite an experience. i met some very nice ladies in there.

[dosco]

Originally posted by josvdp
"I ended up taking the ferry on the west side of the island"

What/where exactly is this ferry thing - it sounds much more civilised than the metro

First post / first visit

Rgds Jos

Kind of hard to explain without a map.....

When you get out of the metro station at Parc Jean-Drapeau, one takes a left out of the door, then another left onto the "main drag" (footpath) which takes you to the circuit (you cross a bridge as you walk, going from the island of "Parc Jean-Drapeau" to "Circuit Gilles Villeneve").

If you were walking on the "main drag" from the circuit, pass the metro station (now on your right) and keep going straight. You'll get to a garden/staircase area....go downhill to the shoreline (this is the western shore of the island). Take a right and walk maybe 1/2 mile to the ferry. While walking, enjoy the beautiful view of downtown Montreal. Ferry price, as I recall, was like CAN$3.50.

[f1sl]

Originally posted by shoofirbin


you've got a point there. i went to teasers last year, and it was quite an experience. i met some very nice ladies in there.

just watch out for the bouncer that looks like Steven Segal ;)

[Berner]

Nice to hear from all our yanqui neighbours comparing Montreal GP to Indy and some CART race in California. It's different, it's got pros and cons, but most importantly... IT'S IN CANADA !!!!

Cirque du soleil. Check.
Beer festival. Check.
Museum of Architecture. Check.
Old Port. Check.
GV Museum. Check.
Women. Check.
BYOB restaurants. Check.
St Laurent. Check.
Speaking French. Check.
Cobblestone streets. Check.

and so on ..... It's different people. Get over it. Not better, not worse, just different.

View here:http://www.montrealc...n-sommaire.html to see today's weather. Y'all come back y'hear and don't forget your skiis. Sleemans okay but Maudite rocks.

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by jhodges

Cheesy poofs is about the coolest cat, ever.

....................................

[dosco]

Originally posted by Berner
...and some CART race in California...

Beer festival. Check.

"some CART race?" Never heard of Laguna Seca? One of the few places that would make for a rockin' F1 race in the States.....admittedly a bit short, though. Ah well....

Where/when is the beer festival? That sounds very cool.

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by dosco

Where/when is the beer festival? That sounds very cool.

It's from June 4th to the 8th at Windsor Station.

[dosco]

Originally posted by cheesy poofs


It's from June 4th to the 8th at Windsor Station.

aaarrrggghh!

I'm not in Montreal until the weekend *of* the race. Ah well.

[Berner]

Dosco, my son, the point about Laguna Seca is simply this: comparing ticket prices and accessibility between a CART event at a permanent road course and an F1 event at a temporary street circuit is silly. They're different beasts, that's all. I personally enjoy them both immensely. Especially the women! Now about your beer.... Such a great nation but such poor beer. Why is that? Can't Donald Rumsfeld impose a regime change at A-B or Coors? Go figure. See ya June 13th, a Friday no less.

[dosco]

Originally posted by Berner
Dosco, my son, the point about Laguna Seca is simply this: comparing ticket prices and accessibility between a CART event at a permanent road course and an F1 event at a temporary street circuit is silly. They're different beasts, that's all. I personally enjoy them both immensely. Especially the women! Now about your beer.... Such a great nation but such poor beer. Why is that? Can't Donald Rumsfeld impose a regime change at A-B or Coors? Go figure. See ya June 13th, a Friday no less.

Yes yes yes.....I enjoy them both as well.....yes, and the women, WOW.

Well, at least I can homebrew, or visit the decent local breweries. But the "big name" beers certainly leave something to be desired. If big daddy Don did impose regime change, well, that wouldn't be the "American Way," now would it ;)

[dick]

I have be honest with you...I don't like Canadian or American beer. Give me German, Dutch or Belgian. Way OT I know, sorry. I do like Canadian and American girls however. Probably German, Dutch and Belgian too.