With 48 hours to go before the site opens, Bell GPCanada is reminding fans of the essential information they need to get to the circuit, access their tickets, enjoy the programming and experience the event safely.
MONTREAL, May 21, 2026 – With just a few days to go before the Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix du Canada 2026, taking place from May 22 to 24 at circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in the heart of parc Jean-Drapeau, Bell GPCanada is inviting spectators to plan their arrival and on-site experience. Transportation, electronic tickets, the mobile app, security, the on-track schedule, concerts, food and beverage, environmental best practices and the podium celebration: here is what fans should know before heading to the event.
For three days, the Grand Prix transforms circuit Gilles-Villeneuve into a true temporary city. Behind the fan experience are months of preparation involving thousands of people, public and private partners, employees, volunteers, suppliers, and teams dedicated to security, mobility, guest services, food and beverage, production and operations. It takes an entire team to build this city – and to bring three spectacular days to life in Montreal.
“ With just a few days to go before the site opens, our priority is to offer spectators an experience that reflects Montreal’s energy and the prestige of Formula 1. Every detail, from transportation to the F1GPCanada app, from the on-site welcome to social and sustainable initiatives, has been designed to make the weekend more enjoyable and more memorable for everyone.” – Sandrine Garneau, Chief Operating Officer – Brand and Strategy, Bell GPCanada
GETTING TO THE SITE
Bell GPCanada strongly recommends using public transit and active transportation to access Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The metro remains the best way to reach the site, via Jean-Drapeau station on Line 4 – Yellow, located within walking distance of the main entrance.
Spectators should identify in advance the entrance that corresponds to their ticket. Three access points are planned to help distribute arrivals across the site.
● MAIN ENTRANCE – 1: accessible from Jean-Drapeau metro station. Bicycle and BIXI stations will be available near the metro exit, and river shuttles will operate from Longueuil and the Old Port of Montreal. Reservations are required for river shuttles. Taxi and Uber options are also planned at La Ronde’s P8 parking lot.
● CASINO ENTRANCE – 2: accessible by shuttle from the Pôle Grand Prix, at 1108 Marc-Cantin Street. Bicycle and BIXI stations will be available at 2160 Pierre-Dupuy Street. No taxi, Uber or vehicle without an official vehicle pass will be accepted on the Concorde Bridge or on Pierre-Dupuy Avenue.
● BLUE ZONE ENTRANCE – 3: accessible from 151 rue de l’Écluse in Saint-Lambert. This entrance is reserved for ticket holders in Grandstands 10, 11 and 12, the CGV Terrace, the Elite Suite and the Privilege 12 Suite. Bell GPCanada reserves the right to refuse access to anyone who does not hold a valid ticket for these locations.
No parking is available on site, except for those holding a pre-reserved parking pass or a ticket providing access to platforms for people with reduced mobility.
F1GPCANADA MOBILE APP
The official F1GPCanada mobile app is the tool to download before arriving at the circuit. It is the best reference for organizing the weekend and navigating the site.
● Access to electronic tickets directly in the app – new for 2026
● Interactive site map and grandstand wayfinding
● Live notifications
● Event schedule
● Transportation and weather information
● Services, food concessions and points of interest on site
Once on site, spectators can locate their grandstand on the interactive map. Geolocation can generate a precise route to the section indicated on the ticket.
ELECTRONIC TICKETS
Spectators are encouraged to prepare their electronic tickets before arriving in order to speed up access to the site. Tickets will be available directly in the F1GPCanada app. Fans are advised to download the app in advance, verify their tickets and confirm the entrance associated with their section before travelling.
SECURITY AND WHAT TO BRING
To speed up screening and make entry easier, Bell GPCanada invites spectators to bring only what is essential and to prepare their bag for inspection. For the complete list of what is permitted on site, visit gpcanada.ca before your visit.
PERMITTED ITEMS:
● Cameras, photo cameras and photographic equipment, for personal use only
● Strollers, walkers and wheelchairs
● Cigarettes, cigars and vaping devices, to be used only in designated areas
● Bags that meet the permitted dimensions: 22.8 cm high, 45.7 cm long and 25.4 cm deep
PROHIBITED ITEMS:
● Alcoholic beverages from outside the site
● Glass containers
● Bicycles and skateboards
● Provocative, defamatory or advocacy banners, signs or visuals
● Drones
PAYMENTS:
Cash is no longer accepted as a method of payment on site. Visitors must use a debit card or credit card for all purchases. There are no ATMs on site.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
*The schedule is subject to change without notice. Spectators are invited to consult the F1GPCanada app for real-time updates.
FRIDAY, MAY 22
● 8:00 a.m.: site opens
● 9:00 a.m. to 9:40 a.m.: F1 Academy – free practice
● 10:05 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.: Formula 2 – first free practice session
● 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Formula 1 – first free practice session
● 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Formula 2 – qualifying session
● 4:30 p.m. to 5:14 p.m.: Formula 1 – sprint qualifying session
● 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: F1 Academy – qualifying session
● 8:00 p.m.: site closes
● 11:00 p.m.: CGV Experience Zone closes
SATURDAY, MAY 23
● 8:30 a.m.: site opens
● 9:45 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.: F1 Academy – opening race
● 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Formula 1 – sprint race
● 2:10 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Formula 2 – sprint race
● 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Formula 1 – qualifying session
● 6:05 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.: F1 Academy – reverse-grid race
● 8:00 p.m.: site closes
● 11:00 p.m.: CGV Experience Zone closes
SUNDAY, MAY 24
● 9:30 a.m.: site opens
● 11:05 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.: F1 Academy – main race
● 12:25 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.: Formula 2 – main race
● 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.: Formula 1 – drivers’ parade
● 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix du Canada 2026
● 8:00 p.m.: site closes
● 11:00 p.m.: CGV Experience Zone closes
CGV CONCERTS
The concert programming gives visitors the opportunity to extend their day after the on-track activities. The CGV concerts will feature a 100% Canadian lineup over the three evenings of the event.
● Friday, May 22: Matt Lang at 7:30 p.m. and Simple Plan at 9:00 p.m.
● Saturday, May 23: Dean Brody at 7:30 p.m. and Bryan Adams at 9:00 p.m.
● Sunday, May 24: The Beaches at 7:30 p.m. and Alessia Cara at 9:00 p.m.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE ON SITE
The Formula 1 Lenovo Grand Prix du Canada 2026 offers a diverse culinary experience that reflects the richness of Montreal’s food scene. Nearly 130 concessions will be operating on site, mainly featuring local businesses and options for different dietary needs.
● Nearly 130 food concessions available
● Local businesses offering flavours from here and abroad
● Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free and halal options
● Official F1GPCanada 2026 souvenir cup, limited edition, available at concessions for $11.99
For more information on menus and food concessions, spectators are invited to consult the F1GPCanada app.
ECO-PARTICIPANT BEST PRACTICES
Bell GPCanada invites visitors to contribute to a more responsible experience by adopting simple actions throughout the weekend.
● Bring a reusable bottle. Glass containers are not accepted on site. Water stations can be easily located in the F1GPCanada app.
● Sort your waste: compost, recycling and residual waste. When in doubt, visitors can refer to the sorting stations and members of the green squad.
● Respect green spaces, dispose of waste in the right places and keep your distance from animals.
● Use active transportation or public transit to get to the event.
OFFICIAL CGV COLLECTION
The official circuit collection highlights the CGV identity and the legacy of Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Visitors will be able to purchase apparel and accessories at CGV boutiques on site, identified in the app, as well as through the online boutique: boutiquecgv.ca.
PODIUM CELEBRATIONThe Formula 1 podium ceremony is one of the highlights of the weekend, for both drivers and spectators. Fans will be invited to celebrate the race winners on the track, in front of the podium, while respecting access and safety instructions.
To ensure this iconic moment runs smoothly, Bell GPCanada reminds everyone of the importance of civic behaviour and of following instructions displayed on screens and provided by staff on site. Any unauthorized attempt to access the track or podium may result in severe sanctions, including removal from the site and significant fines.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Bell GPCanada would like to take this opportunity to thank Société du parc Jean-Drapeau, Tourisme Montréal, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, its founding-partner Bell, all of our valued partners and sponsors, as well as our loyal fans. To learn more and plan your experience, visit gpcanada.ca
