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      05-16-2017, 11:18 AM   #1
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2017/18 Canadian GP Tips

First time heading to Montreal for F1 and I'm pretty excited!

I'll be in GS12, sec 3, row CC. I tried searching for a seating chart, but couldn't find one to see if these are decent seats. Anyone have an idea?

Anything else I should know?
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      05-16-2017, 12:16 PM   #2
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Not sure about the location of your seats but the track is pretty boarded up when walking around it. A grandstand (any of them) are really the only good viewing point.

The city is alive during this weekend with great restaurants and demos in the streets. I think its St. Clair street or Saint something or other.


It will be a blast.

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      05-16-2017, 12:56 PM   #3
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I have been to Melbourne, Montreal, Monza and Spa.

Montreal is by far and away the worst for general admission, there's almost nowhere to see the track so you need a good seat. Ideally the first or last corner, i'd avoid the main straight or the big hairpin because nothing happens there.

It's also pretty badly organised (so was Monza TBH), so expect a massive line ups for transit, toilets etc and they even ran out of toilet paper when i went.

The city is great to visit for a night out full stop, let alone during the GP, but will be expensive and if you don't have a room yet ... yeah, good luck with that.
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      05-16-2017, 01:20 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfisti View Post
I have been to Melbourne, Montreal, Monza and Spa.

Montreal is by far and away the worst for general admission, there's almost nowhere to see the track so you need a good seat. Ideally the first or last corner, i'd avoid the main straight or the big hairpin because nothing happens there.

It's also pretty badly organised (so was Monza TBH), so expect a massive line ups for transit, toilets etc and they even ran out of toilet paper when i went.

The city is great to visit for a night out full stop, let alone during the GP, but will be expensive and if you don't have a room yet ... yeah, good luck with that.
I read that GA isn't a good option, so I opted for GS tickets. Hotel on St Catherine already booked and I guess I'll have to bring my own toilet paper.
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      05-16-2017, 01:50 PM   #5
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St Catherine is pretty busy, you will have a lot of fun.

My tip would be to stay back after the race, walk the island and surrounds areas rather than fight the throngs trying to get back to the city. Just give it a couple of hours and relax, it's very nice surrounds.

One thing they do in Melbourne is they include transit in the ticket price, so you just wander on, no lines. Saves a MOUNTAIN of problems.
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      05-16-2017, 03:51 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pseto View Post
I'll be in GS12, sec 3, row CC. I tried searching for a seating chart, but couldn't find one to see if these are decent seats. Anyone have an idea?

Anything else I should know?
Think you'll be pleased with your seats. Here's a shot of the Senna corner, taken from grandstand 12.



I've been to 16 Canadian Grand Prixs and sit grandstand in 11 (the gs right next to 12). You'll be able to see the cars exiting the pits...this makes it much easier to follow the race. The first turn is an "outbrake your opponent and pass" corner...you'll be impressed.



Remember you're on an island in the St Lawrence. Watch the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately...some years it's been surprisingly cold.

GS 12 is the farthest away from the subway station. We actually don't use the subway but take a cab asking the driver to take us to the casino. Obviously more expensive but you're halving the walking distance to your seat . As was mentioned, don't be in a hurry to leave your seat. It's quite the jam of humanity.

If weather becomes too anything, the casino is the place to be (although you'll be watching on a screen).

Nightlife is centered on Crescent Street. It bi-sects St Catherine.
There's a good Irish Pub (Ye Olde Orchard) on de la Montagne (between Rene Levesque and St Catherine). If you go, do it on Sunday night (We've seen the Williams team relaxing at the bar).
Also on de la Montagne, there's a high end restaurant where those with super exotics go to be seen. It's fun to just stand on the street and watch...if your highend car isn't current enough or high end enough, you'll be asked to move along.





That's all I can think of at the moment...but I think I've given you an idea of what's in store.

Oh there is one more thing, the bartenders are very friendly (and easy on the eyes)...sorry, I'm just a shot and a beer guy.

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      05-16-2017, 03:57 PM   #7
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Quote:
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Think you'll be pleased with your seats. Here's a shot of the Senna corner, taken from grandstand 12.
Thanks! The casino sounds like it will come in handy.

Do you know if row CC is toward the top or bottom of the grandstands?

I assume the bleachers are metal, so do they allow portable seat cushions?
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      05-16-2017, 04:13 PM   #8
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Don't hold me to this, but I think you're low (not a bad thing at all). I say this because that photo of me and my buddies is in row NN which is about 14 rows back from the rail.
Definitely you'll want to take a cushion.
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      05-17-2017, 09:04 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3798j View Post
Think you'll be pleased with your seats. Here's a shot of the Senna corner, taken from grandstand 12.

I've been to 16 Canadian Grand Prixs and sit grandstand in 11 (the gs right next to 12). You'll be able to see the cars exiting the pits...this makes it much easier to follow the race. The first turn is an "outbrake your opponent and pass" corner...you'll be impressed.



Remember you're on an island in the St Lawrence. Watch the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately...some years it's been surprisingly cold.

GS 12 is the farthest away from the subway station. We actually don't use the subway but take a cab asking the driver to take us to the casino. Obviously more expensive but you're halving the walking distance to your seat . As was mentioned, don't be in a hurry to leave your seat. It's quite the jam of humanity.

If weather becomes too anything, the casino is the place to be (although you'll be watching on a screen).

Nightlife is centered on Crescent Street. It bi-sects St Catherine.
There's a good Irish Pub (Ye Olde Orchard) on de la Montagne (between Rene Levesque and St Catherine). If you go, do it on Sunday night (We've seen the Williams team relaxing at the bar).
Also on de la Montagne, there's a high end restaurant where those with super exotics go to be seen. It's fun to just stand on the street and watch...if your highend car isn't current enough or high end enough, you'll be asked to move along.


That's all I can think of at the moment...but I think I've given you an idea of what's in store.

Oh there is one more thing, the bartenders are very friendly (and easy on the eyes)...sorry, I'm just a shot and a beer guy.
Great summary!

It has been a few years since I've been, but been to a couple.

The nightlife is fantastic. Villeneuve had a restaurant there the last time I went which was a good place to try and rub shoulders with some drivers. There are lots of fine restaurants and bars and plenty of other 'liberal' clubs.

My favorite experience was when BMW was racing they did numerous demos throughout the day at the Bell Centre (where the Montreal Canadians play).
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      05-17-2017, 09:28 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Alfisti View Post
The city is great to visit for a night out full stop, let alone during the GP, but will be expensive and if you don't have a room yet ... yeah, good luck with that.
Ya, this. Most hotels require a minimum of 1 week booking, and are booked a year in advance at what should be illegal prices.

Might even have to stay in Ottawa and take the train/metro in to the race.

Edit: Noticed you already have a hotel. Good news! Have fun. Montreal is a very "liberal" city. Just don't yell "Habs sucez mon gren hostie tabernak!" and you won't get thrown on top of a vending machine.

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      05-17-2017, 09:51 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3798j View Post
Think you'll be pleased with your seats. Here's a shot of the Senna corner, taken from grandstand 12.


Some good tips from 3798j. I've sat in GS12 many times, it's a great vantage point. You will be at the lower end but should have a great view all the same. Amazing to see the cars come down the pit straight into the slight right hander and then the tight left hander towards you, the braking of the cars is just astounding to see.

As mentioned, GS12 is the farthest from the Metro, it's a long walk.

Lot's of things to do around town, always a fun vibe. Crescent Street will be closed to traffic with lots of eye candy of all sorts. Ste. Catherine Street, Rue St-Denis and Blvd St-Laurant are all busy places.

Hope you enjoy your visit and the race.
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      05-17-2017, 09:56 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pseto View Post
First time heading to Montreal for F1 and I'm pretty excited!

I'll be in GS12, sec 3, row CC. I tried searching for a seating chart, but couldn't find one to see if these are decent seats. Anyone have an idea?

Anything else I should know?
SICK! I'll be there too 6/9-6/12. But I'll be in the podium club..
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      05-17-2017, 10:03 AM   #13
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Great seats!!! Best place to watch it from.
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      05-17-2017, 10:34 AM   #14
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the braking of the cars is just astounding to see.
This! Until you actually see it, you have no idea. It seems impossible the first time you see them slow down for a slow corner, then accelerate again. Like they defy physics.
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      05-17-2017, 01:12 PM   #15
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SICK! I'll be there too 6/9-6/12. But I'll be in the podium club..
let's trade tickets!
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      05-17-2017, 01:42 PM   #16
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anyone know if these are allowed? I sure hope so

track website didn't say much other than portable chairs are allowed for General Admission, so not sure if these are allowed in the grandstands
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      05-17-2017, 02:03 PM   #17
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let's trade tickets!
Hahah it's a completely comped trip for me complimentary of my work. SORRY MAN!
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      05-17-2017, 03:21 PM   #18
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anyone know if these are allowed?
Hard to know from the photo how wide that is, but since it has armrests, I'm willing to bet you won't make any friends if it is allowed. This track's bleachers are more what I'm guessing you'd find it europe (I've never been to Europe but I've heard there aren't a lot of wide bodies there)...you'll find your allotted space is very narrow....but I've seen smaller, narrower padded seats with back rests that were in use in the stands with no one complaining.
While we're at it, here's some more suggestions...take a poncho (umbrellas don't make friends either). Take sunscreen, take back packs and use foldable coolers...if you do decide to go to the casino, everything but you must be checked to the cloakroom. Take a small towel (from your hotel room)...your seat could be surprisingly dirty. Take water proof shoes (I wear low cut hiking boots)...One evening or one day of rain can make your walk to GS12 a muddy, slippery mess. Yeah, they throw straw down, but there just are too many people making footprints. Get it in your thoughts...you'll be doing a lot of walking through the weekend.
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      05-17-2017, 03:40 PM   #19
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Brother in law works in big tobacco and i got paddock club tickets, hideously expensive. Great experience but TBH the view of the race was non-existent.
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      05-17-2017, 04:22 PM   #20
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Thought of additional stuff. You'll be most impressed with the exhaust note of the safety car...for that matter the medical MB sounds wondrous also. Take binoculars. A Sony walkman...yeah. The announcers broadcast over an FM station, the public address system can be problematic at times. Then there's the Parade of Nations...pretty Canadian flag girls march right by you. Then there's the driver's parade. It's done by transporting the drivers in sharp looking Austin Healey 100's, 100-6's, and 3000's. They'll stop right in front of you (GS12) with typically the front row drivers getting out for a surprisingly good interview.



and additionally,...Canadian Air Force pilots really know how to do a flyover. As they get to GS11 & 12, they go into a ridiculous climb. You'll approve.
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      05-18-2017, 07:50 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3798j View Post
Hard to know from the photo how wide that is, but since it has armrests, I'm willing to bet you won't make any friends if it is allowed. This track's bleachers are more what I'm guessing you'd find it europe (I've never been to Europe but I've heard there aren't a lot of wide bodies there)...you'll find your allotted space is very narrow....but I've seen smaller, narrower padded seats with back rests that were in use in the stands with no one complaining.
While we're at it, here's some more suggestions...take a poncho (umbrellas don't make friends either). Take sunscreen, take back packs and use foldable coolers...if you do decide to go to the casino, everything but you must be checked to the cloakroom. Take a small towel (from your hotel room)...your seat could be surprisingly dirty. Take water proof shoes (I wear low cut hiking boots)...One evening or one day of rain can make your walk to GS12 a muddy, slippery mess. Yeah, they throw straw down, but there just are too many people making footprints. Get it in your thoughts...you'll be doing a lot of walking through the weekend.
thanks man, I really appreciate all your input. i'm used to walking at races, so that shouldn't be a problem, although i'm not liking the sounds of the wait to get off the island
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      05-18-2017, 08:19 AM   #22
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Not meant to be an insulting question, have you been to a big ass city like this before?

Montreal is pretty cool, learn some basic french, always helps.
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