Latest news with #MontrealTourism
CTV News
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
F1 Grand Prix run extended in Montreal until 2035
Mercedes driver George Russell, of the United Kingdom, reacts after winning the Formula One auto racing Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, Sunday, June 15, 2025. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes) The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix is here to stay until 2035. The news was confirmed Tuesday morning by the event's partners, the City of Montreal, the governments of Quebec and Canada, Tourism Montreal, the Société du Parc Jean-Drapeau and the Grand Prix's private partners. 'Eagerly awaited year after year, F1 kicks off the summer season and embodies the excitement that so well defines our city,' said Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante. 'The extension of this agreement demonstrates Montreal's ability to host major international events and our commitment to offering visitors and Montrealers alike an exceptional experience, while strengthening the city's reputation.' The officials say the agreement is the result of 'significant collective efforts to consolidate this event and ensure its continued presence in Montreal.' 'There is something unique about the atmosphere of the Grand Prix in Quebec,' said Caroline Proulx, Quebec's minister of tourism. 'There's a connection between the drivers and the public, a fervour that you can feel on the track, in the city, and among those who, carried away by this energy, then choose to discover other parts of the province.' Stakes were high for the Canadian Grand Prix's 2025 edition, with the previous year's event hijacked by heavy congestion, flooding at the race site and fire inspectors abruptly shutting down four restaurant terraces in downtown Montreal over safety concerns. At the time, Plante said the incidents had damaged the city's international reputation. This year, the event's organizers promised they would do better. A public transit strike threatened to throw a wrench in the plans, but the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) managed to come to an agreement with its maintenance workers to ensure that bus and Metro services would be 'complete and regular' during the Grand Prix, both for safety and traffic flow reasons. READ MORE: Montreal hopes to repair damaged reputation during Grand Prix weekend Tuesday, the Société du parc Jean-Drapeau confirmed it has also established a new fund, financed by royalties, to enhance the site at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. 'We were confident that this adventure would continue, and we are very proud to welcome the extension of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montreal until 2035,' said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. 'F1 loves Montreal, and Montreal loves F1. It's an exceptional relationship that has lasted for 47 years, making Montreal a historic partner of the F1.' Starting in 2026, the race is slated to be held from May 22 to 24, with officials explaining this would 'allow us to kick off the summer tourist season with a bang' while better aligning with the F1's international calendar. Officials say this change will also contribute to achieving the goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.
National Post
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- National Post
Canadian Grand Prix fans stuck paying turbocharged prices for accommodation
MONTREAL — Paula Wadden has been a huge Formula One fan ever since she got hooked on the Netflix show 'Drive to Survive' a few years ago. Article content But the Halifax-area health-care worker says watching the Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend comes with high-octane prices. Article content Article content The Montreal hotel where she's spending the first part of the week doubles in price for the weekend. Instead, she'll spend the weekend at a hotel outside the city, near the airport, for about $600 a night. Article content 'The tickets (prices) are OK, it's the accommodation and the means that are getting expensive,' she said Tuesday in Old Montreal. 'I don't know how the average Joe can afford it.' Article content Article content Wadden said the trip, which she's taking with her daughter and her daughter's partner, will cost $6,000 to $7,000. And that's despite the switch in hotels and the decision to save money by driving the 12 hours from Halifax rather than flying. Article content While looking up hotels online, she said she saw even more eye-watering hotel prices ranging between $1,200 to more than $2,000 a night, as well as $4,000-per night Airbnbs. The Grand Prix is Montreal's biggest tourist event, expected to attract some 350,000 visitors and generate $162 million for the city, according to the head of Tourisme Montreal. Yves Lalumiere estimates average hotel room prices on Grand Prix weekend at $600 to $800 per night — although some wealthy CEOs will pay $8,000 for a suite. Article content 'This year's prices will probably stabilize quite a bit, maybe a two to three per cent increase over the previous year,' he said in an interview. 'But the last five years I've seen an increase year after year, and a substantial increase as well.' Article content A ticket package for the three race days starts at $360, according to the Canadian Grand Prix website — though well-off fans can pay much more. Packages with perks such as VIP concierge service, reservations at popular restaurants and parties, and access to areas such as pit lanes and paddocks can run in the tens of thousands of dollars. Article content However, Lalumiere noted that the city also offers plenty of free entertainment, including a Grand Prix party on Crescent Street. And he said hotel room prices are still 'very competitive,' especially for those paying in U.S. dollars or euros. Article content Crowds, meanwhile, are not only growing but also becoming more diverse, he said. Article content 'I think F1 has done a great job in selling the sport over the media,' Lalumiere said. 'And, therefore, now you're attracting a lot more ladies, you're attracting a lot more young people as well to the race.' Article content Black-and-white checkered banners were already fluttering on St-Paul Street in Old Montreal on Tuesday, as tourists lined up to photograph a Formula One car on display outside Max Bitton's racing-themed store, Fanabox. Bitton said he brought in the car as a gift to fans after last year's Grand Prix, which was marred by mishaps on and off the track that left a bad taste in some fans' mouths.
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- CTV News
Montreal Grand Prix fans stuck paying turbocharged prices for accommodation
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco, right, and Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain steer their car at the hairpin during the first practice session, Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot Paula Wadden has been a huge Formula One fan ever since she got hooked on the Netflix show 'Drive to Survive' a few years ago. But the Halifax-area health-care worker says watching the Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend comes with high-octane prices. The Montreal hotel where she's spending the first part of the week doubles in price for the weekend. Instead, she'll spend the weekend at a hotel outside the city, near the airport, for about $600 a night. 'The tickets (prices) are OK, it's the accommodation and the means that are getting expensive,' she said Tuesday in Old Montreal. 'I don't know how the average Joe can afford it.' Wadden said the trip, which she's taking with her daughter and her daughter's partner, will cost $6,000 to $7,000. And that's despite the switch in hotels and the decision to save money by driving the 12 hours from Halifax rather than flying. While looking up hotels online, she said she saw even more eye-watering hotel prices ranging between $1,200 to more than $2,000 a night, as well as $4,000-per night Airbnbs. The Grand Prix is Montreal's biggest tourist event, expected to attract some 350,000 visitors and generate $162 million for the city, according to the head of Tourisme Montreal. Yves Lalumière estimates average hotel room prices on Grand Prix weekend at $600 to $800 per night — although some wealthy CEOs will pay $8,000 for a suite. 'This year's prices will probably stabilize quite a bit, maybe a two to three per cent increase over the previous year,' he said in an interview. 'But the last five years I've seen an increase year after year, and a substantial increase as well.' A ticket package for the three race days starts at $360, according to the Canadian Grand Prix website — though well-off fans can pay much more. Packages with perks such as VIP concierge service, reservations at popular restaurants and parties, and access to areas like pit lanes and paddocks can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, Lalumière noted that the city also offers plenty of free entertainment, including a Grand Prix party on Crescent Street. He said hotel room prices are still 'very competitive,' especially for those paying in U.S. dollars or euros. Crowds, meanwhile, are not only growing but also becoming more diverse, he said. 'I think F1 has done a great job in selling the sport over the media,' Lalumière said. 'And, therefore, now you're attracting a lot more ladies, you're attracting a lot more young people as well to the race.' Black-and-white checkered banners were already fluttering on Saint-Paul Street in Old Montreal on Tuesday, as tourists lined up to photograph a Formula One car on display outside Max Bitton's racing-themed store, Fanabox. Bitton said he brought in the car as a gift to fans after last year's Grand Prix, which was marred by mishaps on and off the track that left a bad taste in some fans' mouths. Those issues included traffic headaches, flooding from rain, fans turned away from a practice session they were led to believe was cancelled, and restaurants ordered to suddenly close their patios on one of the busiest evenings of the year. 'I'm trying to give back because last year was so tough,' Bitton said. While Grand Prix fans are generally well-off, Bitton also worries about rising prices, especially now that the city has imposed tougher new rules on short-term rentals for primary residences. Next year, the Grand Prix will be held from May 22 to 24, which is outside the June-to-September window in which primary residence rentals are allowed. 'A lot of the fans love to flock here because of the heritage and they love this place,' Bitton said. 'They're willing to pay more but at some point it doesn't make sense.' At Bitton's store, tourists said attending the Grand Prix was costly, but worthwhile. Max Harrison, from Bournemouth in southern England, said he managed to find a spot in a hostel for about $40 a night early in the week. For race weekend, he's spending $200 a night to stay in a room in an Airbnb shared with several others. 'It's a bit much, you can tell they've spiked (the prices),' he said. He believes the Netflix show Drive to Survive has brought new fans to the sport, which means prices will only continue to go up. But for him, it's worth it to check the Montreal Grand Prix off his bucket list. 'The championship this year is looking really close, so it's going to be a really good race,' he said. 'And Canada is a beautiful place and I've always wanted to come.' Denise Beevor and Mark Omerod, from West Sussex in England, say they're spending 'a small fortune' for a 10-day trip that includes Sunday's race as well as stops in Quebec City and Mont-Tremblant. 'I think, particularly since COVID, it's important to have things to look forward to and to take memories away with you, and you can't replace that,' Beevor said. 'Possessions come and go, memories don't.' The CEO of the greater Montreal hotels association said the occupancy this weekend is expected to be around 90 per cent, similar to last year. Dominique Villeneuve said the industry was prepared to meet the demands of Grand Prix weekend 'enthusiastically and with the same professionalism that characterizes our industry.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Montreal Grand Prix fans stuck paying turbocharged prices for accommodation
MONTREAL — Paula Wadden has been a huge Formula One fan ever since she got hooked on the Netflix show "Drive to Survive" a few years ago. But the Halifax-area health-care worker says watching the Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend comes with high-octane prices. Advertisement The Montreal hotel where she's spending the first part of the week doubles in price for the weekend. Instead, she'll spend the weekend at a hotel outside the city, near the airport, for about $600 a night. "The tickets (prices) are OK, it's the accommodation and the means that are getting expensive," she said Tuesday in Old Montreal. "I don't know how the average Joe can afford it." Wadden said the trip, which she's taking with her daughter and her daughter's partner, will cost $6,000 to $7,000. And that's despite the switch in hotels and the decision to save money by driving the 12 hours from Halifax rather than flying. While looking up hotels online, she said she saw even more eye-watering hotel prices ranging between $1,200 to more than $2,000 a night, as well as $4,000-per night Airbnbs. Advertisement The Grand Prix is Montreal's biggest tourist event, expected to attract some 350,000 visitors and generate $162 million for the city, according to the head of Tourisme Montreal. Yves Lalumière estimates average hotel room prices on Grand Prix weekend at $600 to $800 per night — although some wealthy CEOs will pay $8,000 for a suite. "This year's prices will probably stabilize quite a bit, maybe a two to three per cent increase over the previous year," he said in an interview. "But the last five years I've seen an increase year after year, and a substantial increase as well." A ticket package for the three race days starts at $360, according to the Canadian Grand Prix website — though well-off fans can pay much more. Packages with perks such as VIP concierge service, reservations at popular restaurants and parties, and access to areas such as pit lanes and paddocks can run in the tens of thousands of dollars. However, Lalumière noted that the city also offers plenty of free entertainment, including a Grand Prix party on Crescent Street. And he said hotel room prices are still "very competitive," especially for those paying in U.S. dollars or euros. Advertisement Crowds, meanwhile, are not only growing but also becoming more diverse, he said. "I think F1 has done a great job in selling the sport over the media," Lalumière said. "And, therefore, now you're attracting a lot more ladies, you're attracting a lot more young people as well to the race." Black-and-white checkered banners were already fluttering on St-Paul Street in Old Montreal on Tuesday, as tourists lined up to photograph a Formula One car on display outside Max Bitton's racing-themed store, Fanabox. Bitton said he brought in the car as a gift to fans after last year's Grand Prix, which was marred by mishaps on and off the track that left a bad taste in some fans' mouths. Those issues included traffic headaches, flooding from rain, fans turned away from a practice session they were led to believe was cancelled, and restaurants ordered to suddenly close their patios on one of the busiest evenings of the year. "I'm trying to give back because last year was so tough," Bitton said. Advertisement While Grand Prix fans are generally well-off, Bitton also worries about rising prices, especially now that the city has imposed tougher new rules on short-term rentals for primary residences. Next year, the Grand Prix will be held from May 22 to 24, which is outside the June-to-September window in which primary residence rentals are allowed. "A lot of the fans love to flock here because of the heritage and they love this place," Bitton said. "They're willing to pay more but at some point it doesn't make sense." At Bitton's store, tourists said attending the Grand Prix was costly, but worthwhile. Max Harrison, from Bournemouth in southern England, said he managed to find a spot in a hostel for about $40 a night early in the week. For race weekend, he's spending $200 a night to stay in a room in an Airbnb shared with several others. "It's a bit much, you can tell they've spiked (the prices)," he said. Advertisement He believes "Drive to Survive" has brought new fans to the sport, which means prices will only continue to go up. But for him, it's worth it to check the Montreal Grand Prix off his bucket list. "The championship this year is looking really close, so it's going to be a really good race," he said. "And Canada is a beautiful place and I've always wanted to come." Denise Beevor and Mark Omerod, from West Sussex in England, say they're spending 'a small fortune' for a 10-day trip that includes Sunday's race as well as stops in Quebec City and Mont-Tremblant. "I think, particularly since COVID, it's important to have things to look forward to and to take memories away with you, and you can't replace that," Beevor said. "Possessions come and go, memories don't." Advertisement The CEO of the greater Montreal hotels association said the occupancy this weekend is expected to be around 90 per cent, similar to last year. Dominique Villeneuve said the industry was prepared to meet the demands of Grand Prix weekend "enthusiastically and with the same professionalism that characterizes our industry." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Could Montreal lose the Grand Prix? The pressure's on to perform after ‘embarassing' 2024 event
The Canadian Grand Prix draws thousands of tourists to Montreal and draws millions of television viewers. After major problems with the event's organization and how some businesses were treated in 2024, the race's success this year could be a determining factor for its future.
