Montréal’s Île Notre-Dame delivers one of Formula 1’s most distinctive hospitality backdrops. Set on an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence River, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve blends high-speed drama with easy access from downtown. For 2026, suites on the island promise refined hosting, weather protection, and superb vantage points that keep your guests close to the action throughout the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

Key facts at a glance

• Event: 2026 Montréal Hospitality: Best Suites on the Île Notre-Dame
• Dates: May 2026 (subject to FIA confirmation)
• Venue: Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Île Notre-Dame, Montréal
• Suite spotlight: Toundra Suite next to the Family Grandstand
• Ideal for: Corporate hosting, partner engagement, small groups, and family-friendly hosting
• Typical inclusions: Assigned table seating, reserved grandstand seats, big-screen views, live TV feeds, continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, coffee service, soft drinks and water, daily beer/wine allowance, cash bar
• Access: Multi-day hospitality with lanyarded entry and on-island facilities
• Accommodation: Premium hotel options in downtown Montréal, with select packages pairing top-tier properties
• Expected budget: Market examples suggest from c. US$7,945 to c. US$12,920 per person (double occupancy) for travel packages, depending on seat and hospitality level
• Getting there: STM métro to Jean-Drapeau (Yellow Line), island shuttles and signed walking routes
• Dress code: Smart casual; comfortable footwear recommended
• Weather: Spring conditions can be changeable; covered suites add comfort

Why Île Notre-Dame suites stand out

Hospitality on Île Notre-Dame places you within the circuit environment—close enough to feel the change in track grip, hear braking zones compress, and follow strategy in real time on dedicated screens. The island setting keeps transitions smooth: step from your reserved table to the grandstand, return for lunch service, and catch replays without missing key on-track moments.

The proximity to downtown Montréal is a further advantage. Post-session, guests can connect quickly to the city’s renowned dining and nightlife—an important factor for corporate programmes that combine race-day hosting with evening engagements.

The Toundra Suite: a proven, all-round choice

Prominently located by the Family Grandstand, the Toundra is a reliable option for 2026. It pairs an indoor, weather-protected environment with allocated table seating, plus reserved grandstand seats for live action. Large screens and live TV feeds keep your party in step with timing, strategy, and replays.

• Covered hospitality area with assigned tables
• Reserved grandstand seating adjacent to the suite
• Live television coverage and nearby giant screen
• Continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, and coffee service
• Soft drinks and water included, with a daily beer/wine allowance; cash bar available
• Lanyarded access over the race weekend
• Official race programme included

The Toundra strikes a balance between comfort and immersion. For mixed groups—clients, partners, and families—it offers a hospitable base, predictable service, and easy movement between the suite and grandstand. It is also a pragmatic choice for spring weather in Montréal.

Premium hospitality tiers and upgrades

For brands seeking deeper engagement, premium tiers can include highly limited experiences such as team garage visits, pit and paddock access, and team radio insights. Availability is constrained and subject to team and promoter approvals, so early planning is essential.

If your objective is brand impact or high-value relationship building, consider pairing an island suite with add-ons such as behind-the-scenes access, curated race briefings, or bespoke transfers. These elevate the experience beyond trackside viewing to create moments that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Accommodation planning: where to stay

Many guests anchor their weekend in Old Montréal or the downtown core. This provides swift métro access to Jean-Drapeau station and short transfers to evening commitments. At the top end, packages often combine hospitality with stays at landmark properties—Ritz-Carlton Montreal is frequently cited—while boutique hotels in Old Montréal offer character and convenience. Amenity-led options with pools and gyms are also widely available.

Room categories and rates move quickly for Grand Prix weekend; secure space early, confirm cancellation terms, and align rooming lists with your guest allocation to avoid late-stage compromises.

Access and on-the-day logistics

Most guests use the STM métro (Yellow Line) to Jean-Drapeau, followed by signed walking routes or island shuttles to hospitality entrances. Allow time for routine security checks and consider the walking distance when planning footwear. If you are hosting, communicate meeting points and ticket distribution well in advance.

• Build in buffer time around high-traffic moments (Saturday qualifying and Sunday race start)
• Travel light; check bag policies and prohibited items
• Layer clothing for the forecast; covered suites help, but outdoor grandstand seats are exposed
• Keep mobile battery packs handy for e-tickets and communications

What a typical weekend looks like

Friday is ideal for practice viewing, track walks (if offered), and settling into your hospitality base. Saturday ramps up with final practice and qualifying—prime time for client arrivals and hosted lunches. Sunday focuses on race build-up, grid strategy, and post-race celebrations back downtown. The suite provides a constant: somewhere to regroup, dine, and follow timing without losing the on-circuit atmosphere.

How to choose the right suite on Île Notre-Dame

• Group profile: Balance between corporate guests and families may steer you toward a suite near family-friendly grandstands.
• Privacy vs. buzz: Decide between a vibrant shared environment and more exclusive, controlled spaces.
• Weather resilience: For May in Montréal, covered hospitality with adjacent seating is a practical priority.
• Experience depth: If ROI hinges on access, prioritise packages that layer in pit, paddock, or team touchpoints (subject to availability).
• Budget clarity: Align inclusions—alcoholic allowances, transfers, official programmes, and concierge support—before you compare quotes.

For an overview of current options and availability, explore Above + Beyond’s curated Canadian Grand Prix 2026 hospitality packages.

Pricing and availability

Publicly listed, suite-inclusive travel packages have ranged from around US$7,945 up to c. US$12,920 per person based on double occupancy, with the upper tiers reflecting elevated hospitality or exclusive venues. Final pricing varies by suite, hotel category, and dates. Inventory is limited and historically sells out well ahead of the event; securing holds nine to twelve months in advance is recommended.

As always, inclusions, views, and capacities can change between seasons. Confirm precise seat locations, suite access paths, and catering service times in your agreement.

FAQs: 2026 Montréal Hospitality: Best Suites on the Île Notre-Dame