39 replies to this topic

[mawti]

Hey guys, this year will be my first time traveling to race. Quite excited.

Anyways, I wanted to ask those who have been there in previous years, how long does it usually take to get out the Ile Notre-Dame after the race? I would imagine it would be semi-chaotic, with people queing up for the metro and whatnot.

I hope to be sitting in GS 11 (fingers cross) if I can get the right tickets from eBay. I've read that is the 'wrong' side of the circuit to be on if I want to make a quick getaway. (And I probabally will stay for the podium)

Why I ask is because the England v. France Euro game is schedule for the same day, starting at 2:45 Montreal time. I doubt that would give me enough time to get to the nearest TV.

And any recommedations on which is the closest pub filled with drunken Frenchmen to taunt? (Guess that is pretty much every one. )

thanks in advance.

[Berner]

You could try to head for the bar in the Casino, although they may have a dress code! Otherwise, grab a cab and head for Old Montreal or downtown. Last choice is to take the ferry which leaves from behind the metro station and deposits you in Old Montreal as well. Either case, you will experience line ups unless you duck out with 2 laps remaining and run like he*l.

[dick]

Oh man, I think the Casino is your best choice. We usually hang around and walk the track, have a couple more beers and hot dogs and still wait forever at the Metro. One year we took a nap under a tree for probably an hour and still hit a backup at the Metro. I do believe Berner is right though about the dress code.

[mawti]

Ah, the Casino Bar. Hmmm, good suggestion, never thought about that.
re: dress code, I may be wearing my England kit so if they try to throw me out, I'll just claim racism. haha..j/k

Maybe I will bring a nice pair of trousers in a backpack to the race.

And dick, I think you've just answered my other question but I'll just ask it anyways to see what you guys think.

Any chance whatsover that if I watch the first half at the Casino bar, if I leave right at the half time whistle (approx. 3:30pm), I can make it acoss the Metro into the city in time to catch the second half? Any chance in hell I can get to a real pub by 3:50pm? Or should I just give up and tell my mates from montreal who didn't go to the race with me to meet me at the Casino bar?

thanks for the help guys.

[dick]

mawti,

I don't think there's a chance in hell you'll make it by 3:50. I think most people are like me and just kind of hang around after the race. The problem isn't the Metro itself, it's the limited access to the Metro station. I've never tried the Ferry or a taxi. Actually, I've never seen a taxi near the track. That would probably be fasted. The roads should be fairly clear since almost no one drives to the track. Even so it isn't just the Metro or traffic that will slow you down. My Grandstand is in the infield and it's taken me 30 minutes just to cross the infield bridge before and after the race. Plan on everything taking a long time including trips to the bathroom.

[crackr]

On this same topic, one question for the locals. We are staying at a hotel in Boucherville, and I´m wondering what is the best way getting to the track from there. We have a car, but I´m not sure whether to take it to the track (probably not a good idea), or drive in downtown and leave it parked somewhere, or just take a cab from the hotel straight to the track. Any suggestions?

[maxpapis]

As far as I know, on the day of the race taxis will only take you to the casino.
A couple of us did it one year, it was quick but we still had a trek to our seats.

[cheesy poofs]

mawti,

Make life simple for yourself, why don`t you just ask them.

http://www.casino-de...ms=Y.US.10103.0




crackr,

Your hotel is located on the south shore of MTL. So getting to the track will be quite easy for you. From HWY 132, all you`ll need to do is drive to the Longueuil metro, park the car and ride to the track via Ile Sainte-Helene. Won`t take you more than 10-15 minutes.

The following map should help you with directives.
http://www.longueuil...ID_MESSAGE=6083

Note that the metro logo is the circle with a downward facing arrow.

[Berner]

Totally OT: the Moody Blues are playing in MTL on Saturday night! Also, free fireworks show same night around 11pm, visible best from the harbour or any very tall structure!

[_bigbadbob_]

mawti, I'll be in GS 11, too! I hope you get those tickets, it's such a great view.

Concerning getting off the island, forget it. As people have already said, it's impossible. Just too much volume. The metro's out of the question, and there's usually a huge wait for the taxis, too (although I honestly don't know if they only go to the casino).

If you do decide to watch the game at the casino (provided they show it, of course), I strongly suggest you stay put. In my experience, the metro doesn't clear out until almost 5!

[Andy]

Hi,

Have been extremely overloaded of late but am going to try to get my annual Canadian GP "What's On" thread going in RC tonight (May 31st). It will have links to many different info sites, etc. for the Canadian GP and Montreal in general.

It will be similar to last year's found here:

http://forums.atlasf...hlight=Canadian

Some of those links may actually still work so you might be able to get a head start on your info searching!

Andy.

[crackr]

Originally posted by cheesy poofs
crackr,

Your hotel is located on the south shore of MTL. So getting to the track will be quite easy for you. From HWY 132, all you`ll need to do is drive to the Longueuil metro, park the car and ride to the track via Ile Sainte-Helene. Won`t take you more than 10-15 minutes.

The following map should help you with directives.
http://www.longueuil...ID_MESSAGE=6083

Note that the metro logo is the circle with a downward facing arrow. [/B]

Great stuff cheesy poofs, thanks a lot for the info! Is there usually plenty of parking space in Longueuil, even on race day?

[Andy]

Here ya go, Canadian GP weekend details & more!!

http://forums.atlasf...&threadid=69820

[mawti]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies.

I guess it's settled then. The Casino bar or nothing then. I may just end up just staying put at the track like most of you guys. I told my mate about the dress code, and about possibly having to bring a nicer set of clothes in our back packs and he reminded me off one thing--that we may be a bit daft looking sitting in a nice bar w/ semi-nice looking clothes but carrying huge bags. And I might have a bit of trouble hiding my large St. Georges Cross flag (Go Jenson!).

Pity that. And I really wanted to watch us defeat Les Blues infront of an angry drunken mob of Francophones. (But I would settle for a draw).

And _bigbadbob_, no unfortunately I ended up in GS33. I was offered a pretty good deal for the GS11 Sec3's, but the seller of the 33's offered me an even better deal. And this being my first GP, I didn't want to get the very vest seats the first time out, for I would not been able to fully appreciate it, nor would I be able to ever sit anywhere else when I come back the next year. (At least, thats what my wallet told me.)

[tifosi]

Originally posted by mawti
Pity that. And I really wanted to watch us defeat Les Blues infront of an angry drunken mob of Francophones. (But I would settle for a draw).

Although they may speak French (although in Montreal proper its becoming less prevalent), I don't think anyone in Quebec gives a rats ass about French Soccer. In the morning they play a little hockey, then they usually break for a hockey game, then after some curling they go play hockey. After dinner they usually get together for some hockey. Once in awhile during the summer months a hundred or so will trek down to watch the Expos.

Anyway good luck on catching the game, 2 years ago there was World Cup action during the Grand Prix (qualifying tournaments I think) and a lot of the English guys we were staying with were scrambling like crazy trying to get to games and racing. I don't think they slept the entire weekend.

[Andy]

Originally posted by tifosi
Although they may speak French (although in Montreal proper its becoming less prevalent), I don't think anyone in Quebec gives a rats ass about French Soccer. In the morning they play a little hockey, then they usually break for a hockey game, then after some curling they go play hockey. After dinner they usually get together for some hockey. Once in awhile during the summer months a hundred or so will trek down to watch the Expos.

You forgot about the Beer! Other than that, you are pretty close and, I'd say, bang on with your assessment of French Canadians vs. France. Now then, if it were ITALY playing in the game, you might just damn near EMPTY Circuit Gilles Villeneuve because of it!!;) Even Ferrari would have a hard time pulling Montreal-Italian soccer fans away from their game!

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by crackr


Great stuff cheesy poofs, thanks a lot for the info! Is there usually plenty of parking space in Longueuil, even on race day?

Its quite busy on week days, but weekends or a little less. If you get there early - say before 9h00 AM, you`ll be fine.

Enjoy !

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by crackr


Great stuff cheesy poofs, thanks a lot for the info! Is there usually plenty of parking space in Longueuil, even on race day?

Its quite busy on week days, but weekends or a little less. If you get there early - say before 9h00 AM, you`ll be fine.

Enjoy !

[Andy]

Echo??

[shoofirbin]

i've been to the casino right after the race and/or qualifying for the past few years, and i've never seen any kind of dress code enforced. everybody's walking around in their shorts and t-shirts. i don't know if they have a dress code regularly, but if they do they must relax it for gp weekend. the only thing they don't allow are bags or backpacks, which you have to leave at the coat check.

[tifosi]

Originally posted by Andy


You forgot about the Beer! Other than that, you are pretty close and, I'd say, bang on with your assessment of French Canadians vs. France. Now then, if it were ITALY playing in the game, you might just damn near EMPTY Circuit Gilles Villeneuve because of it!!;) Even Ferrari would have a hard time pulling Montreal-Italian soccer fans away from their game!

Sorry, being a fat old hockey player I assumed most people understood that the two go hand-in-hand
Well it at least gives me an excuse for my sorry skating abilities.

Is the Italian festival on for the weekend in Little Italy?

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by tifosi


Is the Italian festival on for the weekend in Little Italy?

Haven`t heard anything.

[Andy]

Originally posted by tifosi
Is the Italian festival on for the weekend in Little Italy?

I think the Italians have a festival in Little Italy EVERY weekend, don't they?? They need little excuse to party!

P.S. Cheesy Poofs - Clean out your PM box will ya?!! It's full!! Sheesh! Unemployed and still can't keep up with the house cleaning!! Some people!!

[dick]

In my many years attended the Canadian GP I've never made it to Little Italy. Can someone tell me where it's located? What Metro stop? What kind of things do they usually have going on? Thanks

[_bigbadbob_]

I'm not sure what's going on in Little Italy this year, but it's located just south of the "De Castelnau" metro station (on the blue line).

Little Italy is located along St. Laurent Blvd. between Jean Talon and Beaubien.

On any given day you'll find fantastic Italian restaurants as well as several sports bars. I'm sure there will be plenty of pleasant surprises during GP weekend.

[Andy]

Originally posted by _bigbadbob_
I'm not sure what's going on in Little Italy this year, but it's located just south of the "De Castelnau" metro station (on the blue line).

Little Italy is located along St. Laurent Blvd. between Jean Talon and Beaubien.

On any given day you'll find fantastic Italian restaurants as well as several sports bars. I'm sure there will be plenty of pleasant surprises during GP weekend.

Just follow the Ferrari Flags!!

[_bigbadbob_]

Originally posted by Andy


Just follow the Ferrari Flags!!

It's a LONG walk from downtown, but your method might work ;)

[dick]

Maybe I should re-think this. I'm sick to death of those bloody red cars. What ever happened to rooting for the underdog. I was hoping Little Italy would be full of Minardi fans. LOL.

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by dick
Maybe I should re-think this. I'm sick to death of those bloody red cars. What ever happened to rooting for the underdog. I was hoping Little Italy would be full of Minardi fans. LOL.

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

[Andy]

Originally posted by dick
Maybe I should re-think this. I'm sick to death of those bloody red cars. What ever happened to rooting for the underdog. I was hoping Little Italy would be full of Minardi fans. LOL.

Don't laugh! You'd be surprised how many Minardi fans there are in this city, mainly in Little Italy - Home of the Official Minardi Fan Club! I will try to find out the info on the annual Minardi Fan Club party in Little Italy GP weekend and post it in my CGP thread in RC for ya!;)

[cheesy poofs]

Originally posted by Andy


Don't laugh! You'd be surprised how many Minardi fans there are in this city, mainly in Little Italy - Home of the Official Minardi Fan Club! I will try to find out the info on the annual Minardi Fan Club party in Little Italy GP weekend and post it in my CGP thread in RC for ya!;)

Yikes, I forgot !

They did have a little gathering last year at a local karting place where you could meet members of the team. Verstappen, Wilson & Stodart were on hand to greet their fans.

[tifosi]

Originally posted by dick
Maybe I should re-think this. I'm sick to death of those bloody red cars. What ever happened to rooting for the underdog. I was hoping Little Italy would be full of Minardi fans. LOL.

Well considering Minardi is from Italy, both of them are probably there


BTW there not all red. A few were yellow and a couple of black ones two last year. Ther's also some Lambo's sprinkled among that beautiful sea of Red.

[flsp]

Originally posted by shoofirbin
i've been to the casino right after the race and/or qualifying for the past few years, and i've never seen any kind of dress code enforced.

There is a dress code but it's pretty relax, jeans and bermudas are alright.

http://www.casino-de...1001.0#codevest

But better check to be sure thay are showing the game, the place has no proper sports bar.

[Happs]

There is a replay at 730 est on TSN. That should give enough time to get to a place to watch it. I'm going to try to get to the casino after the race, but if they don't have the match there, does anyone know a good place to catch it on TSN at 730 pm est?

[dosco]

Originally posted by crackr
Is there usually plenty of parking space in Longueuil, even on race day?

Depends when you get there.

I park in the dirt lot across the street from the Longueil Metro station. Last year it cost CDN $12. A quick walk to the train station, and plenty of space.

[flsp]

Originally posted by dosco
I park in the dirt lot across the street from the Longueil Metro station. Last year it cost CDN $12. A quick walk to the train station, and plenty of space.

Btw, that parking cost $3 per weekday on non-GP weeks plus its free after 2:00pm and on weekends. The city of Longueuil is cashing in big time.

[dosco]

Originally posted by flsp
Btw, that parking cost $3 per weekday on non-GP weeks plus its free after 2:00pm and on weekends. The city of Longueuil is cashing in big time.

Bwahahahaha.

No suprise there. At least they're being "smart" about it.

Heh heh.

[tifosi]

Originally posted by flsp


Btw, that parking cost $3 per weekday on non-GP weeks plus its free after 2:00pm and on weekends. The city of Longueuil is cashing in big time.

Are you aware of any cities on the planent Earth that don't cash in big time on major sporting events????

[flsp]

Originally posted by tifosi


Are you aware of any cities on the planent Earth that don't cash in big time on major sporting events????

Duh ! I know that.

I was just pointing this out as I'm regularly using it . But at least they are fair to their normal users by giving them 2 or 3 free parking coupons that can be used the following week.

[Lada Lover]

I have a P10 parking pass. Does this mean I can drive to the island and park on the inside of the track? I tried phoning today but the line was busy non-stop.