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POINT OF INTEREST

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve

Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal

On Montreal’s Notre Dame Island (Île Notre-Dame) within Parc Jean-Drapeau, the 2.7-mile (4.4-kilometer) Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve hosts the Grand Prix du Canada and serves as a popular spot for biking, inline skating, running, and walking during the rest of the year. The multipurpose track also offers scenic views of Montreal, thanks to its location in the Saint Lawrence River.

You don’t need to be a race car driver to experience the rush of the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Do a lap or two here either by bike, on foot, or in a rental car. Some guided scooter tours of the city also include a visit to the track, allowing participants to go for a spin. Because it’s within Parc Jean-Drapeau, Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is close to many other outdoor recreational activities and attractions, such as Jean-Doré Beach, Floralies Gardens, and more.

  • The bike link segment at Parc Jean-Drapeau is part of the Trans Canada Trail and the Route verte; it is one of the rare spots where you can cross the Saint Lawrence River by bike.
  • There are no lockers by the circuit, but there are lockers elsewhere in the park.
  • The service area at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve has restrooms, water stations, and even a self-service repair station for cyclists.

Saint Helen's and Notre Dame islands, which make up Parc Jean-Drapeau, are located in the Saint Lawrence River. The park is linked to Montreal and the South Shore by two bridges, and is accessible by walking or biking, or taking a bus, car, or taxi. During the summer, you can take a river shuttle between Montreal's Vieux-Port area and the islands.

Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve is typically open mid-April to mid-November, depending on the weather. During certain times of year, it closes as organizers prepare to host the Grand Prix and other special events. On some Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the summer, the track is reserved for cycling training and closed to vehicular traffic.

A favorite spot of Montrealers and tourists, this public park extends across two islands—Saint Helen's Island and Notre Dame Island—off the coast of Old Montreal in the Saint Lawrence River. Along with plenty of cultural and sports programming, it’s home to an amusement park, a casino, and an environmental museum, as well as an outdoor concert venue.

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