City Guide: Montreal

In his third year in the sport, Nicholas Latifi is finally heading home to race in his birthplace of Montreal for the 2022 Canadian Grand Prix.

With Canada not having an F1 race for the last two years, it's little surprise that the appetite for the sport's return is sky-high, and tickets to the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve sold out within hours of being put on sale.

It might have been a little while since we were last in the Great White North, but we still know a thing or two about Quebec’s most populous city – here's your guide to all things Montreal.

The Canadian Grand Prix is hosted at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, named after F1 race-winning Quebecer Gilles Villeneuve. Cars race around Notre Dame Island, or Île Notre Dame, in the middle of St Lawrence River.

Île Notre Dame is a big attraction for cyclists, runners, and skaters. If you're around when F1 isn't in town, why not visit yourself for a personal race along the circuit while enjoying the city skyline.

Ice hockey is Canada's national sport, and, of course, Montreal has a professional NHL team.

But not just any team; The Montreal Canadiens, aka The Habs, are the most successful franchise in NHL history, having lifted the prestigious Stanley Cup a record 24 times.

That’s 11 more than the next best outfit - Canadian rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs - who have 13.

The 2022 Canadian GP is being held the same week as the Stanley Cup final and, although the Montreal Canadiens did not make it, you can still enjoy a guided tour of their home arena.

While ice hockey is the undisputed number one sport in Canada, football (or soccer) is also gaining in popularity, particularly given the Canadian national team’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup and the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Montreal has an MLS team of their own - CF Montreal, who rebranded from Montreal Impact in 2021 and play their games at Saputo Stadium.

There are no hotels on Île Notre Dame where the Grand Prix takes place. Instead, stay south of the river in leafy Longueuil or Saint-Lambert to be closest to the F1 circuit.

Across the river to the north, you'll find Old Montreal, the most historic part of Montreal city. Discover the city's indigenous and colonial past through cobblestoned streets and leafy squares like Place Jacques Cartier.

Centre Ville is Montreal's downtown. It is bustling with art museums, fashion boutiques, festivals and gourmet restaurants. Here is the perfect base to easily reach Île Notre Dame whilst staying within walking distance of the Festival Grand Prix parties.

Head to Plateau Mont-Royal and Mile End for a more laidback weekend vibe. With a mix of residential homes and converted mills amongst cafes, bookstores, jewellery specialists, and high-end vintage stores, you'll find a perfect way to kick back for a few hours.

Montreal is an island city, with several islands enclosed by two rivers. Relax by the water on a sunny day or cool off in the St. Lawrence River at the city's beaches.

West of downtown Montreal is the unmissable Mount Royal – you guessed it; Montreal's namesake. Take to its trails for respite from the city and take in the scenic skyline views.

The views are particularly spectacular at sunset when you can watch the city lights twinkle from above.

Montreal is the largest francophone city in North America, uniting French and English-speaking communities in a contemporary, creative, charming city.

Explore the city's varied history in Old Montreal. Download the free Montréal en Histoires mobile app for walking routes and points of interest that are brought to life day and night using augmented reality.

Montreal is a city of festivals, hosting more than 100 unique festivals each year. In addition, the Quartier des Spectacles - the creative district - welcomes visitors to dozens of museums and performance venues to celebrate creative arts.

Rue St Catherine has been a merchant street since the 19th century and continues to be one of Montreal's major shopping destinations today. This long shopping street is home to boutiques, department stores and shopping centres, with plenty of restaurants to replenish your energy.

Foodies must visit Marché Jean-Talon, a vibrant farmer's market in Little Italy. Not only is the market brimming with enticing fresh produce and delicacies from fromageries and boulangeries, you can also sample local specialities like Canadian wine and Québecois cuisine.

No trip to Montreal is complete without tasting poutine. Invented in Quebec in the 1950s, this classic dish is french fries and cheese curds topped with gravy. Poutine means "a mess" in Quebec slang, and while this dish may look like a mess to the eye, it's the ultimate Canadian comfort food.

It'd be a crime to visit Montreal without drinking a gallon of maple syrup. After all, Quebec is the world's largest producer of this sweet treat. From crepes to bagels to smoked meat or even fish and chips, we defy you to find any food in Montreal that you can't find swimming in maple syrup.

You shouldn't miss Montreal's historic Orange Julep restaurant and their legendary "Gibeau Orange Julep". This refreshing yet creamy, orange-flavoured soft drink isn't the only thing orange here either; the restaurant is a three-storey high giant orange orb!

Over summer, the parking lot blazes with hot rods and vintage cars on Wednesday nights. For decades, the Orange Julep has hosted a weekly Classic Cruise Night meet-up where you can vote on your favourite classic car of the night.

Crescent Street is the place to be for the ultimate post-race parties over the Grand Prix weekend. The street is closed off for a Formula 1 Festival over the race weekend and hosts international DJs, artists, circus acts, and celebrity pit-stop challenges.

We at Williams will also be nearby, where you can get close to a real F1 car, try your hand on the Williams Esports simulators and much more at our pop-up which you can find at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. Come and say hello!

Montreal is a very walkable city and even boasts a 20-mile "underground city" for pedestrians. However, if cycling is your favourite way to get about, borrow a bicycle or electric bike between 800 stations using the city's BIXI system.

Montreal is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.

Using the city's metro and bus system, you can quickly get between neighbourhoods. If you're heading to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, grab a spot on the river shuttle straight to Île Notre Dame.

Language: French, English

Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Weather: Generally warm for the Grand Prix, but pack a jacket for the evening. Rain showers are likely, so be prepared for all weather.