Montreal comes alive each June as the city hosts the exhilarating International Racing Weekend, featuring the world-renowned F1 Grand Prix. The city buzzes with excitement, drawing motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe to witness high-speed action on the iconic Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
For race fans, motorsport enthusiasts, and city lovers alike, it’s an experience marked by fast cars, sophisticated parties, and a celebration of automotive excellence against the backdrop of one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. Get ready to experience the thrill of the 2025 international racing weekend that brings together competitors from around the world.
For anyone planning to attend, accommodations are a vital part of shaping the entire experience. The city’s prime apartments near the track promise not just luxurious lodgings but a seamless way to savour both the event and the best that Montreal has to offer. Choosing the right place to stay can be the difference between a good weekend and an unforgettable one.
Experiencing Montreal During Race Weekend
Montreal’s international race weekend is much more than a sporting event. The festivities spill beyond Circuit Gilles Villeneuve – famous for hosting prestigious F1 and Formula 1 Grand Prix competitions – radiating through the city’s historic districts, chic boulevards, and lively nightlife. Restaurants extend their hours, pop-up parties thrive, and luxury vehicles line the streets. The air buzzes with anticipation, drawing people from around the world – whether they are following the FIAWEC, the WEC, or other global motorsport series – to witness not only the competition on the track but also the city’s flair for hospitality.
For guests eager to immerse themselves in the action, proximity is everything. Staying within walking distance of the track – or just a short ride away – lets you harness every moment of race-themed excitement, while still having a tranquil place to retreat once the engines cool.
Montreal’s Cultural Beat: Festivals and Entertainment
Dubbed the festival capital of Canada, Montreal pulses with vibrant cultural festivals that leave an indelible mark on anyone visiting.
Why Premium Apartments Offer the Edge
While hotels capture much of the spotlight, premium short-term apartments provide a distinct edge during this high-demand weekend. Here’s why a luxury apartment near the track stands out:
- Space and Comfort: Apartments typically offer more room than hotel suites. With separate living areas, bedrooms, and often custom kitchen, they offer a sense of home in the heart of the city.
- Privacy: Avoid crowded lobbies and public spaces. Enjoy direct elevator access or private entrances after a day at the track.
- Flexible Living: Host friends for after-parties, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the circuit, or relax in a living room with panoramic city views.
- Customizable Experience: Choose from sleek, modern condos, historic lofts, or penthouses with private terraces, tailoring your stay to your tastes.
For those looking for an even more tailored experience, options like the Werfy Luxury Apart-Hotel offer unparalleled comfort and individualized service, making your stay as dynamic and refined as the event itself.
Here is a quick look at what luxury apartments often feature compared to traditional hotels
| Feature | Luxury Apartment | Hotel |
|---|---|---|
| Living Space | Multiple rooms | Usually 1–2 rooms |
| Kitchen | Full kitchens | Limited (minibar, coffee) |
| Privacy | High | Moderate (shared spaces) |
| Group Stays | Easy | Often more costly |
| Custom Decor | Yes, often unique | Standardized |
| Laundry Facilities | Usually in-suite | Shared or external |
| Longer Stays | More cost-effective | Expensive |
During race weekend, these differences become even more pronounced when demand surges and the city feels alive around the clock.
Top Neighbourhoods to Stay Near the Circuit
Montreal’s compact urban core ensures that prime neighbourhoods are within easy reach of Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The following districts offer visitors the best blend of access, culture, and entertainment:
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
This historic quarter fuses European charm with modern luxury. Cobblestone streets house converted lofts and glass-walled penthouses, making it ideal for guests who want to pair race-day thrills – including the roar of F1 engines and the precision of Formula 1 races – with world-class dining and sightseeing right at their doorstep.
Downtown (Centre-Ville)
Stay here to be at the epicentre of the race weekend’s energy. High-rise apartments offer panoramic views, while boutique rentals provide tranquility just steps from business towers, shopping, and nightlife.
Griffintown
Griffintown is a dynamic neighbourhood that blends historic charm with modern living. Its proximity to downtown Montreal, trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife make it a sought-after destination for visitors. Our Werfy Apart-Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Griffintown, providing guests with stylish accommodations and easy access to all the excitement the neighbourhood has to offer. Enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and convenience during your stay in Montreal.
Plateau Mont-Royal
Slightly further out but rich in Montreal’s unmistakable flair, the Plateau draws those who want to combine trackside action with eclectic cafes, artistic murals, and leafy side streets.
Making the Most of Your Stay
It’s not just about the races. Booking a premium apartment during this unforgettable weekend opens doors to a host of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Start your mornings right: Luxurious kitchens allow you to prepare a fresh espresso or a gourmet breakfast, all before heading to the track to catch the latest F1, Formula 1, or Grand Prix sessions. Or, step out to local bakeries and return home to enjoy flaky pastries in your own space.
Entertain and unwind: After a day of high-speed action, few things match the pleasure of a private balcony or a rooftop terrace to watch the city light up. Gather friends for an evening cocktail, or settle into a peaceful living room with a bottle of Quebec ice cider.
Experience the city’s culinary scene: Montreal during race weekend is a playground for foodies. From Old Montreal’s famed terraces to hidden gems in the Plateau, you’re never far from celebrated cuisine. Some apartment buildings even offer concierge services that’ll secure hard-to-get reservations at sought-after restaurants.
Access is everything: Apartments near the track mean beating the crowds and making the most of every hour. You’ll spend less time in traffic, and more time enjoying the rhythms of both the event and the city itself.
Booking Tips: Securing the Best
Race weekend is one of the busiest stretches in Montreal’s calendar. With thousands of attendees vying for accommodation, here are a few strategies to find your ideal home away from home:
- Start early: Booking months ahead unlocks the best properties and rates.
- Read the fine print: Some rentals enforce minimum stays or hefty deposits during special events.
- Assess your group’s needs: Large apartments can make group stays not just affordable, but convenient and communal.
- Request recommendations: Hosts often know the best places to eat, drink, and celebrate nearby.
- Prioritize location: Properties within walking distance or a quick metro ride to the track promise maximum immersion.
Spotlight on Exclusive Amenities
In addition to lavish interiors, high-end rentals during race weekend often offer amenities that go far beyond the basics. These perks can redefine your visit:
- Rooftop pools and private gyms: Unwind after a day trackside with a swim or workout.
- Personalized concierge services: Some premium rentals have dedicated teams who can arrange airport transfers, book spa treatments, or organize private tours.
- Smart home technology: High-speed WiFi, voice-controlled lighting, and on-demand entertainment make for a seamless stay.
- Secure parking: Particularly important if you’re arriving in style, elite properties come with private garages or valet service.
Gathering with Friends or Entertaining Clients
Montreal’s race weekend isn’t just a fan experience. For many, it’s the ideal occasion to connect with business contacts or entertain friends in style. Having an apartment with generous entertaining spaces makes it effortless to host pre-race brunches, client mixers, or celebratory evenings without leaving your building.
Many rentals provide optional extras like private chefs, stocked bars, or even event planning tailored for groups. That means you can toast to victory or forge meaningful business bonds in an environment that reflects both your personality and the dynamism of the event itself.
Exploring Beyond the Track
Between practice laps, qualifying sessions, and race day itself—the day when the crowd roars for every f1, formula 1, and grand prix showdown—the city overflows with energy. But Montreal is always ready to reward those who wander off the beaten path.
Consider setting out to:
- Visit a local market and stock your apartment with the freshest Montreal specialities—think artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and maple treats.
- Explore the city on foot or by BIXI bike, passing from buzzing Crescent Street to the tranquility of Mount Royal Park.
- Dip into the city’s robust arts offerings, including pop-up galleries, music events, and festivals taking advantage of the energetic race-weekend crowd.
Having a well-located premium apartment gives you the flexibility to move from the thrill of the circuit to quieter moments of discovery and relaxation in your own time.
The Perfect Setting for Lasting Memories
Attending an international racing weekend in Montreal is about so much more than the main event. The sights, sounds, and tastes of the city become interwoven with on-track drama—whether it’s an exhilarating f1 race, an intense formula 1 battle, or a nail-biting grand prix finish—forming memories to last a lifetime. Whether you arrive with friends, family, or colleagues, the privacy, space, and luxury of a premium apartment makes each moment feel a little more special.
From morning espressos overlooking the skyline to late-night laughter after a day full of races, an apartment near the heart of the action elevates the entire experience. Montreal at race time is a city transformed—and with the right place to stay, guests can truly make it their own.