Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

I am planning to buy tickets next week for the 2010 Canadian Grand Prix. I've been once before (2008) but wasn't in charge of buying tickets that time. Being from Calgary I haven't spent a lot of time in Montreal. For those who have been there before, any advice on the best places to sit?

Last time we sat in Grandstand #33, but I was thinking #34 or #22 by the Hairpin would be better. I can't see us spending more than the $225 for Bronze tickets; but what about the $100 general admission tickets - anyone bought those before?

I'll have to try and get in for dinner at Buonanotte again - maybe we can sit between Button and Massa again! (perhaps not surprisingly, Button was much more popular with the ladies than Massa)


Any insights would be helpful. Thanks!

www_circuitgillesvilleneuve_ca/grandprix-en/

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

I plan on going this year for the first time. The information you get will help me make decisions on where to sit as well. Thanks

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

Sounds like a nice trip, i'm envious. I have to make it one of these years

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

I would definitely stay away from General Admission Tickets. You have to be at the track really early in the morning to get seats next to the wall. If you get there late you will be far away from the action.

For $225 I would recommend grandstands 34 and 31 (in that order). 34 is cool because you see them fly into the hairpin and then accelerate out of it. I would definitely bring ear plugs though for this.

31 is the nicest chicane for that price, plus it's a close walk to subway.

As for places to eat I can recommend the following but you should call ahead and make reservations:

- Vargas (excellent steak)
- Med (little bit pricey)
- Dunn's Smoked Meat (great for lunch or a cheaper dinner)
- Gibby's
- Le Que de Cheval (If you want to go all out for dinner)

I hope this helps!

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

^^ Vargas isn't good at all.
Gibby's and Le Que de Cheval are both good. I prefer Gibby's. There's also, The Keg.

For smokemeat you have to try Schwartz's
Schwartz's - Montreal Hebrew Delicatessen - A Montreal Tradition Since 1928

Buonanotte is the place to be seen. Food is ok but when your connected who cares.

Oh, if you guys didn't book your hotels. You better do it now or else the rates will sky rise.

I sat on GS 24 and loved it. You can see them slowing down for the hairpin and then hear them speed up as the leave it.

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

You must have been @ Vargas on an off night. I was there during the 2007 GP and it was unbelievable. The Chateau Briand I ordered was unreal. We actually enjoyed Vargas more than the overly peppery steak we have at Le Que de Cheval. Maybe Vargas has changed management since my last visit.

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

I went when they first open. But overall, Gibby's wins my vote.

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

Thanks all for the input. I have submitted an order for Grandstand 34; hopefully I hear next week if we got them.

As for travel arrangements, we lucked out. I got flights on WJ for only $220+tax, and we got a room at the Holiday Inn Express Centre-Ville for $195 + points. I know, not the fanciest accomodation, but its downtown and I don't really plan on spending too much time there. I think it's quite a deal since advertised rates for that hotel are $338/night over that weekend.

I'm already excited - can't wait!

Re: Canadian Grand Prix - Advice
 

I'll be sitting in section 24, right near the hairpin. Looking forward to it!