Discover the best grandstands at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal with our Canada F1 Grandstand Guide

The Canadian Grand Prix is undoubtedly one of the most popular in the Formula calendar. Offering an irresistible combination of spectacular city break and incredible on-track action, a weekend in Montreal is high on every fan’s bucketlist.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has firmly cemented its place as a Formula 1 fan favourite since the very first edition in 1978. Montreal was left with a manmade island on the St. Lawrence River after the Expo 67 World Fair and the Summer Olympics of 1976.

The industrious local authorities decided to build a race track and two years later the first Formula 1 Grand Prix was held. The first winner? Gilles Villeneuve. The Quebec native was killed during qualifying of the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix, but remains a legend of Canadian racing to this day.

Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton share the most victories at the Canadian Grand Prix at seven each.

The Canadian Grand Prix is one of the first to fully sell out each year, book your tickets today while there’s still availability!

🎟️ Official Canadian F1 Grand Prix tickets

Best grandstands at the Canadian Grand Prix

Canadian Grand Prix Grandstand Guide
Fans at the Canadian Grand Prix

Incredible racing action is guaranteed wherever you decide to sit – especially at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Before booking your place it is essential to have your priorities in a set order before deciding which is the best grandstand to watch the Canadian Grand Prix for you.

Canada may not be the cheapest race to attend, and if budget is a consideration, then you could opt for Grandstand 46. Here you get a good view of the very start of the long straight where the cars accelerate into the first DRS zone.

If budget is not an issue and you want to take in the full experience, including a good view of the pits and podium, then the Main Grandstand (GS 1) or Grandstands 11 and 12 are the options for you.

Canada F1 Grandstand map

Our map of the grandstands at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve should help you get an idea of where is best spot to suit your needs at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Canada Grand Prix Grandstand Guide

Main Grandstand (1)

Action zones: Starting grid; pit straight; finish line; podium
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Opposite the grid and pit lane, this is the place for pre-race build-up, the race start, and all pit stops. It’s also the best spot for the chequered flag and podium celebrations. The buzzing atmosphere and non-stop activity make it one of the most immersive places to watch the race.

Canadian Grand Prix Grandstand Guide
View of Main Grandstand from the Paddock Club terrace

Grandstand 10

Action zones: Turn 1; Turn 2; pit exit
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Situated in the Senna zone beside Grandstand 11, this vantage point offers close-up views of turns 1 and 2 and the cars rejoining from the pit lane – ideal for the early-lap battles.

Platine Grandstand (T1)

Action zones: Start/finish straight; Turn 1
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Another of the best options at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the Platine. Although it is at the pricier end of the ticket scale, it is the only grandstand that is covered. Sun and rain can both feature at the Canadian Grand Prix, and these seats are safe from the elements.

This grandstand sits between the start/finish grid and turn 1, offering views of both. The seats are moulded plastic with backs rather than bleachers.

Grandstand 11

Action zones: Turn 1; Turn 2
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Grandstand 11 is one of the most popular for its view of Senna Curve. Watch the first-lap drama unfold and the cars racing through the first corner.

Grandstand 12

Action zones: Turn 1; Turn 2; Turn 3
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Next to Grandstand 11, Grandstand 12 lets fans see the ascent to turn 3 and pit lane activity, keeping you close to the heart of the track action.

Canadian Grand Prix Grandstand Guide
View from Grandstand 12 with Grandstand 11 shown on the left

Grandstand 15

Action zones: Turn 10 (hairpin)
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Located at the apex of Turn 10, this stand offers one of the best overtaking views on the circuit, with cars braking hard and battling through the hairpin.

Turn 10 has earned its reputation following years of many risky overtakes and accidents. One such example was when Robert Kubica barrel-rolled his BMW Sauber in 2007.

Canadian Grand Prix Grandstand Guide
View down the hairpin from Grandstand 15

Grandstand 21

Action zones: Turn 10 hairpin; approach zone
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: No

Grandstand 21 sits at the first part of the hairpin complex, giving fans a lively, close-up look at heavy braking and wheel-to-wheel battles.

Grandstand 24 (Lance Stroll Grandstand)

Action zones: Turn 10 hairpin; Turn 11
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

This stand offers a clear view of the hairpin named after Canadian-born Aston Martin driver Lance Stroll, with the cars negotiating the right-left combination and fans enjoying one of the liveliest sections of the track.

Canadian Grand Prix Grandstand Guide
View from the Lance Stroll Grandstand

Grandstand 31

Action zones: Turns 8-9; back straight
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: No

This grandstand is located towards the back of the circuit. It offers views of the cars approaching at top speed as they up the back straight, passing under the bridge and then through the right/ left chicane of turns 8 and 9. You’ll then see them roaring off towards the turn 10 hairpin. Turn 8 is an occasional overtaking spot.

Family Grandstand (33)

Action zones: Turns 6-7; medium-speed chicane
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Grandstand 33 is the place to be if you’re coming to the Canadian Grand Prix with the family. The tight left-hand corner at turn 6 and then 7 offers a great view of the cars, as breaking and accelerating are tested at close quarters. Located at the medium speed chicane this is an area of attempted but notoriously difficult overtaking.

Grandstand 34

Action zones: Turn 10 hairpin; Casino Straight
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: No

At the eastern end of the circuit, Grandstand 34 provides a sweeping view of the hairpin exit and the start of Casino Straight, plus nearby entertainment areas.

The view from Grandstand 34

Grandstand 46

Action zones: Casino Straight start; rowing basin
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Grandstand 46 sits at the start of Casino Straight near the rowing basin. It offers views of cars accelerating down the straight and is a notable landmark for the circuit.

Grandstand 47

Action zones: Casino Straight; pit entry
Seat type: Grandstand seating
Covered: No
Numbered seating: Yes
Big screen visible: Yes

Grandstand 47 is located near the pit entry along Casino Straight. It provides a good perspective of the cars as they exit the final corner.

Canadian Grand Prix General Admission

General admission at the Canadian Grand Prix is not one of the most popular among diehard motorsports fans. However, it does sell out every year, and is more aimed at the racegoers who want to experience the atmosphere and festival vibe of this incredibly entertaining weekend in Montreal.

If you want a good spot for the race, make sure you get there early and the best spots become very busy. The best GA areas are located around grandstands 15, 22, 24, 33 and 34. If you don’t want to be tied to a seat the whole weekend and prefer the freedom to move around the circuit, this is the option for you.

Book tickets for the Canadian Grand Prix

The Canadian Grand Prix is one of the most popular races on the calendar and the quickest to sell out – book your tickets today!

See you in Montreal!

🎟️ Official Canadian F1 Grand Prix tickets