Montreal Grand Prix 2026 weekend: guide and best events

What is it? 2026 brings with it two new starred restaurants: Hoogan et Beaufort, and Sushi Nishinokaze. Plus a longer list of Bib Gourmands and honorable mentions.

Why go? Montreal’s newest stars invite diners to explore two distinct expressions of craft: wood-fired locavore cuisine at Hoogan et Beaufort and the serene precision of Sushi Nishinokaze’s omakase. They both in their own way distill an aspect of the city’s casually world-class food scene.

Don't miss: The discoveries you can make on the MICHELIN Guide’s more affordable Bib Gourmand list, which range from smoked meat joints to casual Middle Eastern restos.

What is it? Cloakroom is a tiny speakeasy hidden behind a menswear shop in Montreal’s Golden Mile that just topped the 2026 list from Canada’s 100 Best as the best bar in the country. With roughly 25 seats and no menu, it’s all about conversation and craft.

Why go? Co-owner and mixologist Andrew Whibley creates hyper-personalized cocktails based on a quick chat about your tastes. Expect house-made amari, custom liqueurs, low-temperature distilled tinctures and rare vintage spirits—every drink is a bespoke surprise.

Don't miss: The invitation to surrender control. It’s all about discovering cocktails you’d never have ordered but will instantly love.

What is it? A million and one glittering parties vying for your attention, all through the Grand Prix stretch. Because what does Montreal love to do? PARTY! There are so many great events to choose from, we made a whole list.

Why go? Because sitting around watching a race all day is the best way to pre-game we know. You’ll be raring to rev up your own engines. 

Don’t miss: International EDM acts lighting up the night, champagne gatherings that bring the class, grandiose feasts, 70s disco revivals… choose your poison, and go til the lights come up.

What is it? Reopened after nearly a quarter of a century, Le 9e is a historic downtown dining room that is legendary once more (and is more iconic than you can possibly imagine).

Why go? 1930s luxury liner vibes? A sumptuous cocktail bar and lavishly appointed grand salle with next-level acoustics? And we haven't even talked about the on point menu by Executive Chef Liam Hopkins (Hopkins, McKiernan, Park) and Culinary Director Derek Dammann (Maison Publique, McKiernan, Fifteen). 

Don't miss: The staggering view of the downtown skyline from the stunning bathrooms that's been hidden away for 25 years.

What is it? A Helicraft helicopter tour of the city, to see the city from the vantage point you deserve.

Why go? Get a real sense of the layout of this city—including landmarks like the Olympic Stadium, the St. Joseph Oratory and Jacques-Cartier Bridge—at the start of your adventure and you’ll always know where you’re going. Helicraft offers a city sights tour or a St. Lawrence River tour, both of which will afford you good times and stunning views.

Don’t miss: This unique vantage point on Parc Jean-Drapeau, home to the Jacques-Villeneuve racing circuit.

What is it? The storied afternoon tea service at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, served in the hotel’s chandelier-lit Palm Court—an indulgent, lah-di-dah ritual since 1912.

Why go? It’s the city’s most classic tea service: tiered trays of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones and intricate pastries paired with a curated selection of fine teas, all enjoyed beneath a palm-painted ceiling in one of Montreal’s most glamorous rooms.

Don’t miss: The pastries. Crafted by the Ritz’s pastry team, the sweets—miniature works of art—are reason enough to linger over that second pot of tea.

What is it? A personalized luxury shopping experience at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, the historic downtown department store where fashion, beauty and design meet under one impeccably restored roof.

Why go? Book a one-on-one appointment with an in-house stylist who will curate racks of designer pieces tailored to your tastes, whether you’re hunting for a statement look for a bumping night out, a wardrobe refresh for the summer or a perfectly chosen gift.

Don’t miss: The building itself. The restored heritage spaces—especially the light-filled atrium and the beauty hall—turn a simple shopping trip into a full-on only-here moment.

What is it? Montréal Bungee is 210 feet of fear and excitement—and officially North America’s highest urban bungee. 

Why go? Montreal’s Old Port has a variety of options to get high, not least of which is the Grande Roue de Montréal—an enclosed Ferris wheel with cabins that will fit up to 8 people at a time—and MTL Zipline, which will have you gliding across the beautiful Bonsecours lagoon on a 1,200-foot steel cable. But will any put the fear of God in you like this bungee jump?

Don’t miss: A victory drink at Pub Brewskey, a pleasant terrasse at nearby Marché Bonsecours that serves a serious selection of local beers.

What is it? A hearty brunch aboard a tour boat that’ll navigate the St. Lawrence River and give you another vantage point on the city.

Why go? The perfect cure for a late night out, the Croisières AML brunch cruise is also a great chance to see Old Montreal if you haven’t yet. The tour aboard the AML Cavalier Maxim starts mere feet from where the city was founded, at the Convoyeurs Pier. As you refuel with eggs, crêpes, croissants and bacon, you’ll navigate past the Olympic Stadium and towards the Victoria Bridge, with views of iconic structures and sights of the city centre throughout. 

Don’t miss: The profiteroles for dessert. Because every meal deserves a sweet finish, even brunch.

Find our list of the best brunch spots in the city here.

What is it? One of the city’s coolest summer festivals, Piknic Électronik is Montreal’s beloved weekly open-air dance party, held most Sundays in summer at Parc Jean‑Drapeau—just steps from the Circuit Gilles‑Villeneuve.

Why go? Equal parts festival and picnic, Piknic brings international DJs, local electronic talent and a laid-back crowd together under the trees. It runs all afternoon into sunset, making it the perfect place to decompress after the intensity of the races on May 24.

Don’t miss: The golden-hour sets. As the sun dips behind the skyline and the bass carries across the river, the open-air dance floor becomes one of Montreal’s most joyful spots to be.

What is it? Workshops that’ll teach you how to cook, prep drinks or taste wine like a pro. 

Why go? Learning is a way to build take-home memories worth more than any travel souvenir, and Atelier & Saveurs is the place to do it. With three locations in Montreal (including Time Out Market Montréal) and a wide array of learnable skills, it’s a tasty investment in your future foodie skills. Plus, you know, a fun time.

Don’t miss: The free race weekend festivities in the Market and Montreal Eaton Centre.

What is it? Rage Axe Throwing offers the most socially acceptable way of burning off major steam by throwing axes at targets as accurately as you can.

Why go? Because axe wielding is hardcore Canadian—not to mention an utter blast. Get your buddies together and head to Rage Axe Throwing, where you’ll be invited to embrace your inner lumberjack and chuck sharp objects at wood targets. During the 60-minute experience you can try different types of axes, hatchets, knives and lances, and learn important techniques between all the laughs. 

Don’t miss: A stop into the nearby Bar Renard, especially if all that violent exertion made you crave a little calm and class.

What is it? A deeply relaxing massage and thermal spa escape aboard Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau, the iconic floating wellness retreat moored in the Old Port.

Why go? Housed in a converted ferryboat gently rocking on the St. Lawrence River, Bota Bota offers a full Scandinavian-style water circuit—saunas, steam baths, cold plunges and outdoor hot tubs—with panoramic views of the city. For its 15th anniversary this summer, the spa is expanding with a second moored boat, adding new wellness spaces including a large sauna dedicated to immersive Aufguss rituals, plus additional pools. 

Don’t miss: The quiet moment between water circuits—lounging on the terrace and letting your mind drift with the skyline and river stretching out around you will easily turn an aaah moment into an a-ha one.

What is it? Yoko Luna is a larger-than-life, jumping, bumping Japanese-Peruvian themed supper club (we’re talking 6,000 square feet of party space).

Why go? The 15-foot-tall Geisha presiding over the Japanese garden décor is reason enough for a night at Yoko Luna, and that’s before we’ve even mentioned the food or music. Picture ceviches, kobe steaks and sushi with a twist in an environment that amps up the joy (literally). 

Don’t miss: The sake parlour. There’s an impressive cocktail list to whet your whistle, but for sake lovers, just park yourself on this part of the menu and go loco for Yoko.

What is it? Uplå Trampoline Park is North America’s largest outdoor trampoline park, about 30 minutes from Montreal—and after dark it transforms into a neon-lit treetop playground.

Why go? Suspended about 20 feet above the forest floor, more than 20,000 square feet of interconnected nets let you jump, slide and climb through trampolines, tunnels and tiny treehouse cabins. At night, glowing lights turn the whole canopy into a surreal moonlit adventure.

Don’t miss: The two-storey trampoline and spiral slides. Between bouncing platforms and secret passages, the 90-minute experience feels like discovering a glowing village hidden in the trees.

What is it? Montréal is full of surprisingly lush places to stretch your legs—from the wooded paths of Mount Royal to waterside walks along the Lachine Canal and the peaceful riverbanks of Parc Jean-Drapeau.

Why go? After the roar of the Canadian Grand Prix, a leafy stroll is the perfect reset. 

Don’t miss: The surprisingly tranquil corners of Parc Jean-Drapeau. Beyond the racetrack and festivals, the islands hide shady paths and serene spots along the St. Lawrence that feel miles from the race-day buzz.