GrandPrix:OldMontrealinFullVIPMode

Wednesday, May 20

The Best Strategy? Start Early.

That’s precisely the thinking behind the special event hosted by Velvet Speakeasy and MTL Backgammon Strategy, the city’s go-to club for the game.

A speakeasy and backgammon? Not exactly the pairing we saw coming, but the promise of “an evening where strategy meets cocktails” makes perfect sense once you step inside. It’s a stylishly unexpected way to kick off Grand Prix weekend festivities. Tsickets are already on sale, and the event begins at 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

First Things First: Check In

Drop your bags and settle into one of the district’s most sought-after stays for the weekend — many are offering exclusive packages and perks for Grand Prix festivities. Booked at the Auberge du Vieux-Port? Staying at the Le Petit Hôtel Saint-Paul, Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame, or Lofts du Vieux-Port? Lucky you.

These Gray Collection properties unlock access to the group’s coveted restaurants and, most importantly during Grand Prix weekend, privileged entry to their rooftop terraces, complete with sweeping views of the city skyline and the St. Lawrence River.

First Lunch, Strong First Impression

The moment you arrive, the weekend officially begins with a proper meal, and arriving early in Old Montréal definitely has its advantages. Grand Prix festivities kick off as early as Thursday at Graziella, the beloved McGill Street institution known for its refined Italian cuisine and polished atmosphere. For race weekend, the restaurant is unveiling a signature menu paired with an exceptional wine selection. It also happens to be one of the district’s best addresses for hosting clients or guests over a discreet yet unforgettable business lunch.

Grand Prix Shopping

Once lunch is out of the way, make your way to Fanabox. Because for a true Formula 1 fan, there’s always one more collectible to bring home. This specialty boutique dedicated entirely to the legendary Montréal race and the world of motorsport is practically a pilgrimage stop during Grand Prix weekend.

And whatever you do, don’t head back to the hotel without a Formula 1-inspired rubber duck in tow. At Petit Duck Shoppe, the iconic yellow figurines are dressed for the occasion — complete with checkered flags, racing helmets, and miniature race cars.

Another pit stop is definitely in order. L’Affichiste is a treasure trove for collectors, nostalgia lovers, and anyone searching for a truly distinctive keepsake. After all, what better souvenir from a Grand Prix weekend than a vintage poster?

At Bui Atelier, the philosophy is simple: eyewear should look impeccable everywhere — under a racing helmet, at the office, during dinner, or trackside for the Grand Prix. For the weekend, the boutique is also offering chic branded caps and T-shirts that make the perfect stylish souvenir.

Meanwhile, Felix Boutique has unveiled an exclusive F1 T-shirt collection, and admittedly, we fell for the “Team Felix” pieces ourselves. Equal parts streetwear and racing culture, they’re almost too good not to wear while sipping an espresso inside the boutique. Collectors, consider this a mandatory stop.

A Dinner Worth Extending

After 17 years in Old Montréal, Barroco knows Grand Prix weekend better than most. The atmosphere, the energy, the long evenings that somehow turn into even longer nights — it’s all part of the experience here. A few reservations are still available for select seatings, so consider this your sign to secure a table before they disappear.

A Red Carpet Start to the Weekend

For your first evening in the district, make your way to the unmistakable red carpet affair at Auberge Saint-Gabriel. Rare wines, refined bites, cocktail-style dining, and an open bar set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable Grand Prix 2026 weekend. Equal parts glamorous and festive, it’s the perfect launch point for a high-octane weekend in Old Montréal.

A Paddock-Style Night Out

House of Ten, the chic event concept that Belvedere Vodka brings from one iconic Formula 1 city to the next, is setting up in Old Montréal for the weekend.

Known for its ultra-exclusive atmosphere, House of Ten celebrates Grand Prix season like few others can. For the Montréal edition, the festivities take over Flyjin, where cocktails, music, and a fashion-forward crowd come together for one of the most coveted nights of the weekend.

From May 21 to 24, Club 212 becomes the unofficial headquarters for Ferrari fans in Old Montréal. It also happens to be the perfect destination for tequila lovers — and for anyone who believes the dance floor deserves just as much attention as the racetrack. Reservations are highly recommended.

Meanwhile, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., Cappella operates under one very convincing philosophy: one sip, one bite, one dance step. A winning formula we fully intend on embracing all weekend long.

Friday, May 22

Good Morning!

Next stop: Café Olimpico. A true Montréal institution, this beloved Italian café has been part of Saint-Vincent Street long enough that it’s hard to imagine Old Montréal without it. Open from 6 a.m. to midnight, it proves there’s never a wrong time to start the day properly. One cappuccino, one biscotti, and just like that, the weekend is officially in motion.

Skip the Traffic

Heading to the circuit? The smartest way to get there might just be by water. During Grand Prix weekend, a dedicated ferry service departs from the Jacques-Cartier dock — directly across from Place Jacques-Cartier — and brings racegoers straight to Île Sainte-Hélène in just five minutes. At only $6 per trip, it’s an effortlessly chic alternative to traffic jams and packed métro platforms. One important detail: reserve your spot online ahead of time. Grand Prix crowds wait for no one.

The Best 5 à 7 Starts at 3 p.m.

At Gazette, Formula 1 weekend is celebrated podium-style with an exclusive offering designed for champagne-fuelled afternoons. Choose your winning package: Premium at $75 per person with unlimited prosecco and 12 oysters, Gold at $105 with unlimited Mumm Napa and 12 oysters, or go full Platinum at $155 with unlimited AYALA Champagne and 12 oysters. All that’s left to do is reserve the package that best suits your pace for the weekend.

Meet us on the terrace at Nevski for a number-one combination: bubbles, sunshine, and elegant bites to share — think caviar and zakouskis. A chic wine bar with an effortlessly relaxed crowd, it’s the kind of festive address made for beautiful afternoons during Grand Prix weekend.

Meanwhile, Wolf & Workman has quietly become an institution in Old Montréal over the past few years, thanks in no small part to its lively front terrace and intimate hidden patio out back. Add a lineup of Formula 1-inspired signature cocktails and the result is undeniably winning. Parc Fermé, Pit Stop Margarita, or Flying Lap? Choosing just one may be the hardest decision of the weekend.

Craving a cold beer instead? Head to Les 3 Brasseurs, where the race will be broadcast alongside a menu built for comfort and conviviality. Because Formula 1 weekend is also about slowing down between festivities and soaking in the celebratory atmosphere of Old Montréal’s historic streets.

Eat Well, Enjoy Even Better

At Hayat, the cuisine is “inspired by the mountains of Syria and the coastlines of Lebanon,” served in a setting that feels both elegant and effortlessly welcoming. On the menu, the house baba ghanouj and chicken fattet are more than worth ordering, while the cocktail program easily justifies lingering a little longer than planned. For Grand Prix weekend, the real draw is the lively terrace at 131 de la Commune West, complete with DJ sets and a vibrant crowd from day to night. Even better? It’s located just steps from the ferry departure point to Île Sainte-Hélène, ideal for moving seamlessly from lunch to the racetrack.

For Grand Prix weekend, Trattoria Gio is pulling out all the stops with a special menu available exclusively during the festivities. On offer: grilled filet mignon with a creamy white wine and shrimp sauce, alongside a tuna carpaccio finished with truffle aioli. If choosing between the two feels impossible, the solution is simple: share, or come back another day during the weekend.

Over at Bocca di Lupo, the kitchen is ready to satisfy even the most serious “wolf-sized” appetites from lunch through dinner. Their Italian menu is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser no matter which team you’re cheering for, but if there’s one thing we strongly recommend, it’s saving room for the tiramisu finale, unapologetically decadent and worth every last bite.

A Grand Prix Look for the Dance Floor

In Old Montréal, Formula 1 style is all about podium-worthy elegance. For the occasion, Boutique LUC.S is hosting the Garmented Soul pop-up, bringing together sought-after designer labels and effortlessly refined pieces made for the weekend’s most stylish parties. Whether you’re heading to dinner, a rooftop, or straight to the dance floor, this is where to perfect the look. Exclusive sessions are available by appointment only, so be sure to reserve in advance.

Festive Energy, After Dark

For nightlife with a little more horsepower, head to Club Rojo at Speakeasy 404, the special Grand Prix edition of the iconic speakeasy taking over 404 Place Jacques-Cartier in full red mode for the weekend. From 7 p.m. until late into the night, the atmosphere shifts into high gear under the mantra sin reglas, sin frenos, no rules, no brakes. Expect packed dance floors, flowing cocktails, and the kind of electric energy that keeps Old Montréal awake well past midnight. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Santos has already kicked off its “Sunday to Sunday” race-week celebrations — and the momentum isn’t slowing down anytime soon. From 7 p.m. until late, expect DJs, signature cocktails, and an electric atmosphere that keeps the energy high all weekend long. A winning combination that may very well make Santos your favourite team of the weekend.

At Fishbone, Grand Prix weekend unfolds in full-throttle fashion with an electrifying atmosphere and a menu well worth the reservation. For the soundtrack of the festivities, DJ Dax takes over Friday night, followed by Jesse Nuccio on Saturday. Safe to say, you now know exactly where to find us this weekend.

Saturday, May 23

An Exceptional Weekend Calls for an Exceptional Brunch

Right in the heart of Place Jacques-Cartier, Sabrosa brings the perfect dose of energy to keep the Grand Prix weekend going with its vibrant Latin-inspired brunch. From huevos rancheros to tostadas con guacamole and papas con chorizo, every dish feels worthy of pole position when it comes to flavour.

DJs, Cocktails, and Excellent Subs

At Franklin & Subs, the party starts long before sunset. Their afternoon DJ sets turn Saint-Paul West into an open-air celebration as early as 1 p.m., drawing in a stylish crowd ready to ease into the Grand Prix festivities. On the menu: indulgent gourmet subs, the Philly deserves a moment of its own, alongside cocktails, live music, and a lively atmosphere that spills effortlessly into the street. In Old Montréal, race weekend doesn’t believe in slow starts.

A Wellness Intermission

Feeling the pace of the weekend catching up with you? For a reset that feels every bit as luxurious as the festivities themselves, escape to Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau. Moored on the river in the Old Port, the floating spa pairs Nordic baths, massages, panoramic city views, and the rare luxury of complete calm, all aboard a beautifully restored boat. Forgot your swimsuit? Not an issue. They have everything you need on-site. During Grand Prix weekend, don’t miss their new hourly Aufguss experiences, offered every hour on the hour from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Scheduled perfectly around Sprint races and qualifying sessions, this German sauna ritual blends intense heat, music, essential oils, and choreographed towel movements into a fully immersive sensory experience.

Dinner, Then an Unforgettable Night

At La Voûte, grandeur and high-energy nightlife have always gone hand in hand. For Grand Prix weekend, the ultra-chic venue is offering three dinner seatings — 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., or 9 p.m. — alongside a specially curated F1 menu priced at $150, excluding tax and gratuity.

As the evening unfolds, the restaurant seamlessly transforms into one of the city’s most coveted nightlife destinations. Be sure to reserve in advance, and if you plan on keeping your dinner table for the club portion of the night, make that request ahead of time.

All weekend long, the programming brings together DJs from Saint-Tropez, Miami, and Gstaad, culminating Saturday with their “maximal” party featuring DJ Qwartz alongside Aaron Hyper and Ekho. The world’s best drivers may be in Montréal for the weekend, but some of its best parties are happening in Old Montréal.

Hang is another address you won’t want to miss during Grand Prix weekend. From DJ sets and expertly crafted cocktails to an à la carte menu starring lobster and grilled octopus, everything here is designed for evenings that stretch long into the night.

Dress for the occasion and settle into one of the weekend’s most high-energy atmospheres. Even better? A dedicated concierge service is available 24/7 throughout the weekend to assist with reservations, transportation, and more. Consider this your green flag for a full VIP experience.

Lola on Saint-Jacques Street is bringing a “Latin Grand Prix” flair to the weekend, and honestly, the promise of a full-on fiesta is impossible to resist. The festivities kick off at 10 p.m., so secure your tickets and we’ll see you there.

Sunday, May 24

Brunch, Then Refuel

There may be no better way to begin race day Sunday. While Old Montréal is overflowing with tempting brunch spots, we have a particular weakness for the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich at Dandy — especially when paired with one of their signature morning cocktails. The experience is elevated even further by the restaurant’s distinctive décor, where modern Art Deco influences create a setting as stylish as the crowd it attracts.

Another essential stop: Passé Composé on William Street. Order the Champêtre without hesitation — a poached duck egg served on brioche with seasonal wild mushrooms, Gaspor pulled pork, and a chive coulis that somehow makes the entire weekend feel even more indulgent.

And for anyone with a sweet tooth, their apple and white chocolate waffle topped with chestnut whipped cream comes remarkably close to perfection.

Art, Shopping, and Beautiful Detours

Old Montréal has long been a destination for independent boutiques, exclusive labels, and elevated shopping experiences spanning fashion, beauty, and design. But beyond the storefronts, Saint-Paul Street — the city’s oldest commercial artery — is also home to an impressive collection of art galleries, each worth wandering into between Grand Prix festivities.

From contemporary works to established Canadian artists, the district offers a quieter kind of spectacle — one best enjoyed slowly, espresso in hand. And after a weekend surrounded by luxury, adrenaline, and celebration, perhaps the ultimate Grand Prix souvenir isn’t another cap or jacket, but a piece of art to bring home instead.

It's Race Time!

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., all eyes turn toward the legendary Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve.

For two electrifying hours, the city collectively holds its breath as engines roar, strategies unfold, and the Grand Prix reaches its peak. In Montréal, race time isn’t just a sporting event — it’s a full cultural moment.

One Last Lap

Not quite ready for the weekend to end? Understandably so. Head to Pangea Supper Club for one final celebration. The restaurant’s modern Mediterranean-inspired menu offers indulgent options for everyone, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes that never sacrifice flavour for restraint.

Naturally, the Grand Prix atmosphere continues well into the evening. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the venue hands over the soundtrack of the night to Stephan Jolk, the Italian DJ renowned for his cinematic take on techno. The perfect closing scene for a weekend lived at full speed.

Nota Bene: Could your establishment be featured here, but isn’t currently mentioned? Feel free to write to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to add it.