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Tourism accelerates as Montreal Grand Prix powers economic boost
The 2025 Canadian Grand Prix wrapped this past weekend with near-capacity hotel bookings and significant increases in tourism-related spending, reaffirming the event’s role as a major contributor to Montreal’s hospitality economy.
The 2025 Montreal Grand Prix track during practice on June 14, 2025. Photo by Stacey Newman.
Race weekend attendance and economic footprint
According to CityNews Montreal, more than 350,000 people attended the June 13–15 event at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, consistent with attendance levels reported in 2024 and 2023. As reported by Travel and Tour World, Tourisme Montréal estimates the economic impact at approximately $162 million. Of that amount, about $110 million is attributed to visitors from outside Quebec.
Provincial and municipal governments are expected to collect over $9 million in tax revenue associated with the event.
Hotels near full capacity, room rates surge
Downtown hotels reported occupancy rates approaching 90 per cent over race weekend, according to data published by CoStar on June 14. The firm noted that average daily room rates for Montreal hotels peaked at approximately US$658 on race Saturday, a 167 per cent increase over standard seasonal weekend rates.
As reported by Global News and CityNews, short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb saw listings ranging between $2,000 and $4,000 per night in downtown and Old Port locations. High demand was recorded across all categories of accommodation.
Visitor spending climbs across hospitality sector
According to CityNews Montreal, Moneris transaction data showed restaurant revenues rose by 45 per cent and bar sales increased by 43 per cent compared with the previous week. Hotel-related transactions were also up by 15 per cent.
These figures align with a 2023 report by the Telfer Business Journal, which found that average visitor spending during Grand Prix weekend reached approximately $926 per person over three days, with profit growth across restaurants, bars and attractions ranging from 13 to 31 per cent.
Fans move across the track towards the exit after the race on June 15, 2025. Photo by Stacey Newman.
Logistical improvements ease crowd movement
Organizers implemented several logistical changes in response to issues that occurred during the 2024 race, including overcrowding and transit delays. Updates this year included a colour-coded spectator map, enhanced signage and a dedicated mobile app for navigation and scheduling.
The Société de transport de Montréal increased metro service during peak travel times. Spectators interviewed by local media described this year’s experience as more efficient than in previous years.
Sustained tourism benefits
The Canadian Grand Prix remains under contract in Montreal through 2031. The event is among the most internationally visible stops on the Formula One calendar, with a global television and digital broadcast audience estimated in the hundreds of millions.
Tourisme Montréal has stated that the Grand Prix’s early June timing helps extend the summer travel season, strengthening performance for hotels and restaurants before the traditional peak months.
With more than 350,000 attendees, hotel occupancy near 90 per cent and strong tourism spending, the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix met or exceeded expectations for Montreal’s hospitality sector.
Operational improvements contributed to a more streamlined experience for attendees, reinforcing the city’s status as a premier Formula One destination and highlighting the event’s continued value to the local hotel and tourism economy.
