Quick facts
- Event: Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix 2026
- Dates: May 22, 23 and 24 2026
- Location: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
- Main race: Sunday May 24 2026 at 4 pm
- Recommended access: Jean Drapeau metro station
Montreal goes full F1
The Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix returns to Montreal from May 22 to 24 2026 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
For three days, the city changes pace. Downtown gets packed, terraces fill up, hotels are busy and Notre Dame Island becomes the center of the racing world.
This is not just a race. It is one of Montreal’s biggest weekends of the year.
2026 Canadian Grand Prix schedule
Friday May 22 2026
- F1 Academy Practice : 9:00 to 9:40
- Formula 2 Practice : 10:05 to 10:50
- Formula 1 First Practice : 12:30 to 13:30
- Formula 2 Qualifying : 14:00 to 14:30
- Formula 1 Sprint Qualifying : 16:30 to 17:14
- F1 Academy Qualifying : 18:00 to 18:30
Saturday May 23 2026
- F1 Academy Opening Race : 9:45 to 10:20
- Formula 1 Sprint : 12:00 to 12:30
- Formula 2 Sprint Race : 14:10 to 15:00
- Formula 1 Qualifying : 16:00 to 17:00
- F1 Academy Reverse Grid Race : 18:05 to 18:35
Sunday May 24 2026
- F1 Academy Feature Race : 10:45 to 11:20
- Formula 2 Feature Race : 12:05 to 13:10
- Formula 1 Drivers’ Parade : 14:00 to 14:30
- National Anthem : 15:44 to 15:46
- Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix : 16:00 to 18:00
Why the Grand Prix matters in Montreal
The Canadian Grand Prix is one of the few events where sport, tourism, nightlife, business and culture all collide in Montreal.
- Downtown energy all weekend
- Packed restaurants and terraces
- F1 parties and private events
- International atmosphere
- Easy metro access to the circuit
MTL TIMES tips
- Use the metro instead of driving
- Arrive early at the circuit
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Plan your exit after the race
- Book restaurants and nightlife ahead of time
MTL TIMES verdict
The 2026 Canadian Grand Prix is more than a race weekend.
It is when Montreal becomes louder, faster and more international than usual.
