It snuck up on my faster than I expected this year, but the Canadian Grand Prix is in Montreal this weekend. We’ve been to the race a few times before, but this year we’ll be watching from the comfort of our living room. For those of you who are going, I thought I would offer some last minute hints and tips.

First though, a bit of history. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is strictly speaking a street circuit, although not many cars use that “street” during the rest of the year. It is built on a small island called Île Notre-Dame which is part of a small complex of islands just off the southern shore of the island of Montreal. The islands are man-made, built from the material taken out of the tunnels for the Montreal metro system, and used originally as the venue for the Montreal Expo of 1967. The Formula One Grand Prix has been held on the island since 1978, except for 1987 when it was cancelled over a sponsorship dispute. In 1993 the Montreal Casino was opened, sitting in the middle of the island surrounded by the race track.

What to take

Here are some things worth taking with you to the circuit:

• A paddock pass. OK, so it’s unlikely that you have one, but if you can get one, don’t hesitate. And if you can get one for me too, even better.
• Water – It’s supposed to feel like 40 degrees Celsius this weekend, which is hot, really really hot, so take water. Seriously. I’m not kidding.
• Ear defenders or ear plugs – Those cars are loud. Loud enough to damage your ears. If you plan on listening to the radio commentary, ear defenders are best, otherwise ear plugs will do. You can buy them at the circuit but they won’t be cheap.
• Poncho – You never know, it might rain, and a poncho is better than an umbrella as far as the people sitting behind you are concerned.
• Cushion – The seats in the grandstands are not comfortable, not even in the “Gold” stands, so take something for a bit of comfort.
• Sun-screen and a hat – Like I said, it’s gonna be hot.
• Beer – Strictly speaking I don’t think you’re supposed to bring your own beer, but I’ve never had any trouble. The beer you can get at the circuit is expensive and weak.
• Food – You can get expensive and crappy hot dogs and hamburgers at the circuit or you can pack a nice healthy picnic for the day. You probably won’t get away with setting up a bbq though.
• Cameras – Depending on where you’re sitting, you can get some really nice shots, especially if you have a decent zoom.

Getting onto the island

First of all, leave early to beat the crowds. There’s plenty of stuff happening during the morning to keep you occupied so just get up and go, take breakfast with you. There are various ways to get to the circuit. You can walk, but it’s a bit of a trek from downtown. You can drive, but you have to park in a lot on the main island and get a shuttle bus to the circuit. You can take the metro, but the line-ups can get nasty. Or you can use the secret way, which I’m about to reveal to you. Hail a cab, and tell the driver to take you to the casino. Cabs going to the casino are allowed through all the barricades straight to the centre of the island, so you’re right there with no hassle at all. It’ll cost you a bit more but it’s well worth it.

Getting off the island

Getting off the island after the race is even worse than getting onto the island. You will be stuck in crowds of people whichever way you to try to go, possibly for hours. So don’t bother. Stay on the island, go to the casino, play some slot machines, grab a meal at one of the restaurants. Three or four hours at the casino and all the crowds will be gone, leaving you to stroll to the metro station or grab a cab off the island.