Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — Attraction in Montreal

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, a legendary motorsport venue transformed into a multi‑use recreational track when not hosting the annual Canadian Grand Prix.

🏁 Overview & Formula 1 Legacy

Opened in 1978 on Île Notre-Dame, the circuit was purpose-built for the Canadian Grand Prix, which had its first race there in 1978 and has since become its permanent home .

Named in honor of Gilles Villeneuve, the celebrated Canadian driver, following his first win at the track in 1978 and his death in 1982 .

It’s a 4.361 km (2.710 mi) clockwise street‑style circuit featuring 14 turns including the famous “Senna S,” “Hairpin Curve,” and the notorious “Wall of Champions” at the final chicane—where several world champions have crashed .

The lap record stands at 1:13.078 set by Valtteri Bottas in 2019 during qualifying .

As of 2025, the Grand Prix will continue through 2035, ensuring this iconic circuit remains part of the F1 calendar for another decade .

🚴 Public Access & Recreational Use

Outside race weekends, the circuit serves as a high-quality multi-purpose track: open to cyclists, runners, rollerskaters, and walkers .

Maintained with smooth asphalt and clearly divided lanes (bollards separating cyclists/skaters from vehicles during shared use), it’s often hailed as the best‑maintained pavement in Québec .

Speed limit for cyclists is typically capped at around 30 km/h (≈18 mph) for safety, especially during casual use .

The track officially reopened for public use on April 9, 2024, though it may be closed for preparation leading up to the Grand Prix (e.g., in late May to mid‑June) .

📅 Tips for Visiting

The circuit is closed roughly from May 24 to June 20, including the island itself, as racing preparations are underway; reopening is scheduled June 21 in 2025 .

On summer Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Provélo sessions offer exclusive time slots where the track is reserved for cyclists only, completely closed to vehicle traffic .

Even when open to vehicles, skating, walking, and cycling are allowed via the segregated path system—just remember to stay to the right side for slower traffic flow .

🌅 The Experience Awaits

Activity Details

Scenic Loop 4.36 km circuit encircling gardens, river & skyline Rolling or Riding Smooth surface ideal for cycling, skating, or jogging Training or Leisure Provélo nights provide safe, car-free cycling Photography & Views Excellent vantage points of city, river & islands

ℹ️ Things to Remember

Check the Parc Jean‑Drapeau website before visiting to confirm circuit access, especially around late May and mid-June due to Grand Prix closures .

Shared use etiquette is key: slower users keep right, faster users pass on the left.

BIXI stations, restrooms, and trails connect the circuit to surrounding Parc Jean‑Drapeau attractions like the Biosphere, lakes, and other urban...

2025 F1 Gran Prix. This is a safety disaster in the waiting room. Some positives of the race: 1. Weather. 2. Arriving to the event from Montreal near Latin Quarter was not that bad. Took the metro for $21.00 —3 day pass—and changed at Berri station to the island. Crowds were reasonable and lines moved decently. We went Friday, Sat and Sun and average 1:15 hr one way. Line to enter was organized. Bag check and entering venue was straightforward. NOW HELL UNLEASHED ITS FURY. Getting to grand stands was unsafe. People shoulder to shoulder trying to get to their seats. Grand stand bench seating was so uncomfortable. Moving from the grandstand to fan zone unsafe. People are packed. You can barely move. Exiting the venue at the end of the day is a death trap. If a security breach had occurred or an infrastructure mishap had occurred you would have experienced crowd crushing. Leaving the grand stand to exit one must walk on metal scaffolding walkway which leads to food area with people lined up to order food. So you walk through the line of people ordering food to exit. MORE HELL. Two narrow exit points to walk to the metro. You have to go over a bridgeway that is a choke point. People shoulder to shoulder. METRO HELL. Over 350K people attended this event and one metro station to exit. It was so disorganized. My son and girlfriend walked the track post race. They closed the track so you couldn’t make a loop. People entered the track and then had to turn around to exit. So you have thousands of people wanting to enter and exit the track at 1 access point. Son said cops were arresting people trying to jump the fence to escape the crowded track. Son waited off the side until it calmed down. They arrived 2.5 hours after race ended. This race should be called Canadian Grand Prix Try To Survive....

An Exciting Track with a Few Caveats

I recently had the opportunity to drive my car on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and it was an exciting and unique adventure, but there are a few things to keep in mind before hitting the track.

The left side of the track is designated for walkers, bikers, skaters, and other non-motorized activities, providing a great opportunity for recreational exercise. On the right side, cars are allowed to drive, offering a cool experience for automotive enthusiasts. It's a fantastic concept that caters to different interests.

The speed limit on the track is set at 30km/h, which may seem quite slow for those accustomed to faster speeds.

Another aspect to be mindful of is the presence of stop signs along the track for pedestrian crossings.

One surprising challenge is the size of the curbs on the track. They are larger than you might expect, and driving over them can potentially damage your car.

Despite these caveats, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve offers a thrilling experience for both drivers and non-motorized activity enthusiasts. The opportunity to drive on a renowned Formula 1 track is a unique and exciting privilege.

The track itself is well-maintained, and the atmosphere is filled with a sense of motorsport history. Being able to drive where legends have raced adds to the overall allure of the experience.

If you're an automotive enthusiast looking for a chance to drive on a famous track or simply seeking a place to enjoy non-motorized activities, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is worth a visit. Just be aware of the speed limits, stop signs, and the size of the curbs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

I hope this review provides helpful insights for anyone considering a visit to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Enjoy your time...