Tourists have flocked to Montreal for the Grand Prix — including Americans
Tourism and hospitality officials are pleasantly surprised by the Grand Prix weekend turnout, which includes a reversal of ongoing trends.
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Montreal Gazette
10 hours ago
- Montreal Gazette
Where the rich and famous stay on Grand Prix weekend
News By Montreal's the Ritz-Carlton was launched with quite the bang on New Year's Eve in 1912, and the party has yet to stop at this ever-chichi Golden Mile institution more than a century later. The Ritz's Royal Suite was also inaugurated that soirée following the bash, and while there's nothing official about who bedded down there then, speculation is that it was some prominent captain of industry. But the suite, although altered over the years, has since drawn more than its fair share of regal figures — among them, Queen Elizabeth II and family — as well as heads of state and noted dignitaries from around the planet. But come the annual Canadian Grand Prix here — this year taking place June 13-15 at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve — it has hosted another kind of royalty: top-tier F1 drivers, high-end Hollywood celebs and CEOs, as they are among the precious few able to pony up its $18,000-a-night cost — with a four-night minimum. Of course, this is no run-of-the-mill suite. Spread over 4,700 square feet, this mini-palace features one principal bedroom, two not-so-minor bedrooms, four bathrooms, a dining area, a separate dining and living room, and all manner of eye-catching art and antiquities over the suite's exquisite marble flooring. And as a bonus, complimentary wireless internet and a coffee/tea maker just in case that might be a deal breaker. Under 'posh' in dictionaries, the definition could well include a pic of this space. Suffice it to say that Grand Prix week is the most impactful business period of the year in these parts, fuelling our economic engine like no other event in the city and estimated to be generating around $100 million in revenues. A large chunk of that cash comes from tourists, mostly American and European, who get a big wallop for their buck from our dollar — in the U.S. 70-cent range — and who spend liberally with gusts to wildly at city boutiques and restaurants. Nor do they hold back on hotel room expenses, and hoteliers, ever wise to the ways of supply and demand, are able to up the ante on what they charge over this period. Regardless, our hotels are nearly fully booked for the period, and quite often reserved many months in advance of the actual race. For the record, the Ritz's Royal Suite can be had for a mere $12,000 a night the rest of the year — not exactly a commoner's price but still a relative cash break. The Ritz, with its 120 other luxurious rooms, has by no means the market cornered on lavish suites in town. The downtown Le Mount Stephen Hotel, within eyeshot of the Ritz, has a most stately, 5,000-square-foot penthouse suite, replete with an outdoor terrace and countless amenities like an in-house butler. The hotel can even install a private gym — at a price — should its occupant so desire. The suite can go for up to $15,000 a night — gym not included, with a four-night minimum during race week. It is rumoured that no less than British F1 royalty figure Lewis Hamilton has spent quality time here in the past and might even return again. Of course, it has been rumoured that Sir Lewis has stayed at the Ritz. Le Mount Stephen also offers three Sky Loft Suites, two Luxury Suites and seven Junior Suites going from $3,000 to $5,000 a night. Its other 90 rooms start at $1,300 a night. Not to be outdone is W Montreal at Square Victoria with its three EWOW suites, each with an outdoor terrace affording a panoramic overview of the city with nary an orange cone in sight. The W also has the aptly named WOW suites without terraces. Prices range from $1,300 to $5,000 a night — with a four-night minimum. Without doubt, though, the Ritz is turbo-charged for the Grand Prix, whether or not those who surface there occupy any of its suites, although many of the race's major players and visitors have also booked some of the hotel's 129 rooms, which start at $3,200 a night — with four-night minimum — with prices spiralling upwards toward the $18,000 Royal Suite. No matter, since the entire inventory of its rooms is sold out, notes Katia Piccolino, the ball of fire who serves as the Ritz's director of sales and marketing. 'We are the hub of anything off the track downtown,' Piccolino trumpets. No doubt. The tea-and-crumpet set vanishes as of Tuesday, June 10 as the lobby and restaurant area is transformed into a party zone for visitors. Festivities officially kick off at the Ritz on Thursday, June 11 with its 'Streets of Monaco' salute, with high-end sports cars dotting the hotel's Sherbrooke St. entrance and crowds converging outside to check out the who's who of celebs checking in. The most heralded Grand Prix party of all, the $1,000 evening bash takes place Friday the 13th with luminaries from the worlds of sport, culture, fashion and finance hobnobbing over caviar and champagne in the hotel ballroom. Cost of the affair is close to $1.6 million, and a percentage of ticket proceeds goes to the Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation for mental health. So who's coming to the hotel? 'We are the Ritz so we do have to be discreet, but we can say that off the track people will see glimpses of those who may be on the track,' Piccolino somewhat discreetly notes. 'And let's just say that the occupant of the Royal Suite, which I would describe as 'old-school luxury,' is very well known and is from Hollywood. There will also be a lot of celebs and athletes staying here as well.' A previous Royal Suite occupant was Italian cinema icon Sophia Loren, who dazzled her guests and staff by concocting pasta dishes in the room's kitchen. Over the years, the hotel has also hosted Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler and Charlize Theron as well as Hamilton's Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and late/legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi. And gawkers outside the Ritz, particularly during Friday night's ball, can count on catching a flurry of Habs stars, past and present, as well as other NHL and NBA stalwarts, not to mention American fashion model Niki Taylor and possibly cast members like Naomi Watts, Tye Sheridan and Michael Imperioli from the film The Housewife currently shooting in town. 'Toronto has TIFF and we have the Grand Prix, which is the most lucrative week there is in Montreal and we have to rise to the challenge in keeping the vibe going and in innovating it every year,' Piccolino says. Le Mount Stephen account manager Amy Cadiz echoes Piccolino's comments: 'There is no question that Grand Prix week is our most important of the year, but it's our mix of new and old dating back to the times of its founder Lord George Stephen in 1926 that really resonates with our guests. And those fortunate enough to have stayed at the penthouse are so blown away by it. Many have said it's like living in a museum. It is truly one of a kind.' This gargantuan suite features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two kitchens, a living room, dining room and an office, not to mention a butler at the guests' disposal. It sleeps 6, but frankly it could accommodate not only the F1 drivers but also much of their paddock-team members — and perhaps even their racecar. W Montreal offers a different ambience with a more modernistic touch but also butler — called an 'insider' here — availability. 'We have a kind of unique recipe as far as lifestyle goes — it's part of our brand DNA. We call it 'luxury liberated.' We don't have the formality of a luxury hotel, but we do have the luxury touches,' says Alexandre Tessier, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. 'The Grand Prix has been a kind of mini-Olympics for us. It's been such a huge blessing for hoteliers to have this every year, where demand always surpasses supply. It's our best time of the year by far revenue-wise.' Tessier credits the Netflix F1 series Formula 1: Drive to Survive in enticing more Americans to attend our Grand Prix and to stretch their dollar in the process: 'They don't count their dollars. … The race has been a real game-changer for us.' Though not necessarily geared to the needs of all F1 drivers, Nico Hülkenberg of the Haas team, has previously decamped here as have members of the Red Bull Canada sponsorship team. On the celeb side over the years, it's a different story as the W has welcomed Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, Céline Dion, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Tommy Lee. 'Rihanna almost stayed with us,' points out W's marketing manager, Sarah Le Bars. 'She was set to sleep in one of our EWOW suites, but her team decided not to wake her up after her show — so she ended up spending the night in her tour bus right in front of the hotel. A true missed opportunity … but a great story.' And then there are those Grand Prix regulars to the city who want none of the glitz associated with it. Nor do they seek swank amenities like gyms/swimming pools or restos/bars inside the hotel. What they seek instead is old-school charm that won't necessarily break the bank. And where they can find it is at Le Petit Hôtel on St-Paul St. Provided they were lucky enough to have booked one of this One-Key Michelin hotel's 28 rooms. Alas, they're long gone for this year's race. Situated in a heritage building — one of the oldest in Old Montreal — the hotel, launched in 2009, retains many of its original features, including its exposed stone walls, lancet windows and wrought-iron railings and has meshed them with Quebec-crafted furniture and stylish décor. Rooms, petit but cozy, range in price from $800 to $1,200 during the Grand Prix but prices drop significantly the rest of the year. Only continental breakfasts — featuring St-Viateur bagels — are served. No F1 drivers and only the occasional celeb — like Samuel L. Jackson, Alfre Woodard and Jake Gyllenhaal — seeking some serenity show up here. Far more A-listers turn up at the Petit Hôtel's much larger, more glam sister spot in Old Montreal, the 120-room Hôtel William Gray. 'Quite often, our guests book right after the Grand Prix for the next year's event,' says Georgia Antonopoulos, the vice-president of sales, revenues and marketing for the Gray Collection, owners of the two aforementioned spots. 'We cater to those who want to explore the city and are not looking to have their meals in the hotel. But when you wake up here, you know you're in Montreal.' The Gray Collection group is also the proprietor of the recently opened Le Petit Hôtel Notre-Dame in Old Montreal. Even plus petit than Le Petit Hôtel, this latest features but 17 rooms. 'Montreal is the North American flagship of the Grand Prix and really makes the city a global destination, putting a spotlight on the city and showcasing both the big and small attractions. We can almost forget about the street work — which may never end — during Grand Prix week,' cracks Antonopoulos, glancing over at the closed, construction-laden section of St-Paul St. outside Le Petit Hôtel. Sitting in the tiny lobby area, Philippe Cassidy, a former hotel employee, is totally oblivious to the clamour outside. 'I've worked at and have stayed at many hotels over the years, but, to my mind, Le Petit Hôtel is the best in the world,' Cassidy marvels. 'It is just so distinct.' Petite or princely, distinct does best describe lodging havens in Montreal — as it does just about everything else in this town. This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 5:00 AM. Bill Brownstein montrealgazette Born and bred in Montreal, Bill Brownstein has been a columnist at the Gazette since 1987, commenting on the city and the splendid array of characters therein. Also a broadcaster, podcaster (Corner Booth), documentarian (Bill Lee: Profile of a Pitcher, Skating on Thin Ice), author (Down the Tube, Montreal 24, Schwartz's Hebrew Delicatessen: The Story).
Montreal Gazette
10 hours ago
- Montreal Gazette
‘I came because the métro is open': Crescent St. booms with fans for Grand Prix Festival
News Rob Jenkinson arrived in Montreal before 9 a.m. Friday, but the early wake up didn't stop him from attending the Grand Prix Festival on Crescent Street. It's the Buffalo, N.Y., native's third time at the event. He plans to take it all in, from practice to the big race on Sunday. But it isn't just the sport that he loves, it's also the city. In the past, he and his family visited Atwater Market and walked along the Lachine Canal, and took in the sights in Old Montreal. 'Montreal is such a city cool city to begin with and then how much more international it is, it's really fun,' he said Friday. 'And our kids enjoy it, too.' Jenkinson said for how close Montreal is to his own city, what he appreciates is that 'it's so different.' He did notice a few more questions when entering the Canadian border this time, he said. When asked about possible tensions from locals over the tariff war, he cheekily pointed out that he's not the president. 'I haven't found anything too different from in the past. I found they always welcomed Americans,' he said. Crescent was already bustling by noon Friday, where energy drinks, alcohol samples and free ice cream were being handed out. Fans decked out in jerseys and F1 merch took photos next to splashy cars on display, while others took part in games. 'We're very excited,' said Steve Gloyd, who came in with his friends from Maryland and is staying in Griffintown. 'We wanted to see all the activities, the cars and hear the live music, and experience all the shops' downtown, he said. Locals also checked out the scene. Shaun Hughson, who lives on the south shore, enjoyed seeing tourists and getting free ice cream. 'I came today because the métro is open,' Hughson said, referring to the STM strike that impacted service earlier in the week. The city's public transit system will be operating at full capacity throughout the weekend while maintenance workers are on a nine-day strike. Bus and metro service will be maintained throughout F1 as masses flock to Jean-Drapeau Park. 'A happy time' The Grand Prix is a boon for businesses, generating an estimated $100 million in revenues. Ziggy Eichenbaum, owner of Ziggy's Pub, said this weekend brings in about a month's worth of business. His staff is doubled for the period. Not only is it good for his pub, but he said it's great for Montreal. He also gets to meet people from all over the world, including Spain and Japan. 'It's a happy time,' Eichenbaum said. Outside, a few regulars who have been coming to the pub for Grand Prix for more 20 years were taking in the sunny day and each other's company. Paul Brisebois was among those having a beer, saying he liked the atmosphere and people the most. 'Today's a good day because I get to meet the boys and the friends,' he said. More security Montreal police and security guards will also be present throughout the weekend, including at the festival where the department had a tent set up. Police said Friday that officers will be at F1 race site 'to ensure everyone's safety' though it didn't specify the number of officers on the ground, citing security reasons. 'We adapt our operations according to each situation and people's behaviour. Our officers are always ready to intervene should there be any excesses or violations of laws and regulations,' a police statement said. Police also met with hotel mangers and employees from transportation companies in hopes of 'preventing and raising awareness about sexual exploitation.' Brochures were also distributed at different venues, according to the SPVM. 'Community outreach officers also manned information booths in certain central neighbourhoods before the festivities began.' This story was originally published June 13, 2025 at 4:37 PM.
CTV News
21 hours ago
- CTV News
A look at the world's largest roadside attractions in Canada
In a country as large as Canada, the open road feels endless. Exits lure you to lunch or to a destination of another kind, like the promise of the world's largest axe in Nackawic, New Brunswick. 'It's intriguing, very different,' said Mark Hamelin from Brockville, Ont., who stopped on his way through. 'We didn't come all this way to see it, but we found it while we were driving through, so we needed to stop and see it. Take a picture.' The Axe stands as advertised. It's 15 metres tall and 10 metres wide. In 1993, it took the top spot in the Guinness World Records book. 'Pretty large, intimidating. Probably chop some big logs with that,' said Stephen Acheson, who was also passing through. Built out of community pride in 1991 when Nackawic was named the forestry capital of Canada, it's now a daily tourist draw. People wander off the Trans-Canada to see it after spotting its sign along the highway. Some bus tours purposely stop. 'It's a huge deal. It brings a lot of tourists in and even the community is very proud of what we have here,' said Paul Sherman, Director of Recreation and Parks at the rural community of Nackawic-Millville, who points out the axe's handle also holds a time capsule from 1991. Canada has no shortage of roadside attractions, like the largest curling rock in Arborg, Man., or the world's largest beaver in Beaverlodge, Alta., the giant goose in Wawa, Ont., or the Big Nickel in Sudbury, Ont. Sydney, N.S. is also home to the world's largest fiddle. Mac the Moose Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, Sask. There's Mac the Moose in Moose Jaw, Sask., who once lost his tallest title to Norway but reclaimed it with taller antlers. 'The idea that these quirky, whimsical things were a good way of putting your small community on the map started in the middle of the last century. You know, in the 1950s when people were hitting the roads again. It started in the States, and it definitely crept up to Canada,' said travel journalist Loren Christie. Christie personally loves the giant Fiddle in Sydney, Nova Scotia, but said the quirkiest stop he's visited is in Vulcan, Alberta, where the community has a replica of the Starship Enterprise and a museum paying homage to all of the Star Trek memorabilia. Not all roadside attractions are record-holders, but they hold our attention. Like The Big Potato, a market just outside of Fredericton -- a large, smiling, cement potato. Andrew MacLean, historian and author of explains how the Big Potato was built in 1969 by Winston Bronnum. 'He built it because his buddy who owned the place, they served in the Air Force together,' Maclean said. lobster The world's largest lobster in Shediac, New Brunswick. Bronnum also built the world's largest lobster in Shediac, New Brunswick. This week, that lobster was getting a fresh coat of paint to prepare for its summerlong photo shoot. 'New Brunswick's roadside attractions are a perfect mix of folk art, tourist traps and civic pride,' said MacLean, who highlighted how New Brunswick is also home to the world's largest fiddleheads in Plaster Rock and the world's largest salmon in Campbellton.
