Circuit Mont-Tremblant
Location
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuit Mont-Tremblant - Quebec, Canada
Historic mountain circuit in the Laurentians - famous for steep gradients, fast sweeping corners and two Canadian Formula One Grands Prix
When was the track built?
Local hotel owner and racing enthusiast Leo Samson promoted the circuit as a way to attract visitors outside Mont-Tremblant's winter skiing season. The first section opened in 1964, carved through forested hills near the village of Saint-Jovite.
The longer Grand Prix course opened in 1965, with John Surtees winning its first major race in a Lola T70. After decades of limited investment, the venue was purchased by Lawrence Stroll in 2000 and rebuilt to modern standards by circuit designer Alan Wilson. It reopened in 2002 with wider asphalt, improved barriers and larger run-off areas.
When was its first race?
The inaugural meeting took place on 3 August 1964 using the short, 12-turn North Loop. Canadian driver Ludwig Heimrath won the 32-lap feature race in a Cooper-Ford 289.
What's the circuit like?
- Constant elevation changes: The track climbs, drops and crosses blind crests, making some corner exits difficult to see.
- Fast and flowing: Maintaining momentum through the sweeping bends is more important than braking as late as possible.
- The Esses: Rapid direction changes reward accurate steering and a stable vehicle.
- Namerow: A slower uphill corner provides an important braking zone near the end of the lap.
The famous Hump once launched powerful racing cars almost completely off the ground. It was lowered during the modern reconstruction, but the lap still feels like a high-speed drive through the mountains.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Champ Car: 1:17.327 - Sébastien Bourdais, Panoz DP01, 2007.
- Formula Atlantic: 1:21.157 - Carl Skerlong, Swift 016.a, 2007.
- Daytona Prototype: 1:29.308 - Max Angelelli, Riley MkXI, 2004.
- Porsche Carrera Cup: 1:36.610 - Parker Thompson, Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 2019.
- Superbike: 1:39.711 - Jordan Szoke, BMW S1000RR, 2013.
The optional chicane and separate North and South Loops create different configurations. Lap times should only be compared when the exact layout is known.
Why is it famous?
Mont-Tremblant hosted the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix in 1968 and 1970. Denny Hulme won the first race for McLaren, while Jacky Ickx led a Ferrari one-two in the second.
The circuit also welcomed Can-Am sports cars, USAC Indy cars, Trans-Am, Grand-Am endurance racing and Champ Car. Mario Andretti won all four races during its two USAC double-header weekends.
What events are held here?
The modern calendar centres on the Spring, Summer and Fall Classic race weekends. The circuit also hosts historic cars, Canadian club championships, private testing, manufacturer events and public lapping days.
A separate 1.3 km kart circuit operates at the complex. All vehicles using the main track must meet its 92 dBA noise limit and be fitted with a muffler.
Why go?
The combination of mountain scenery and historic racing makes Mont-Tremblant one of Canada's most distinctive circuits. Race tickets include pedestrian access to the paddock, allowing visitors to see the cars and teams between sessions.
General-admission parking is included with a ticket, while restaurants and concession stands operate during major events. Limited self-contained RV camping is available on selected weekends.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Turn 1: Watch competitors climb from the main straight and commit over a fast crest.
- The Esses: A good place to compare balance and precision through rapid direction changes.
- The Carousel: See vehicles manage sustained cornering forces through a long, sweeping bend.
- Namerow: A slower uphill braking area where overtaking attempts and mistakes are easier to see.
Viewing areas, camping and paddock arrangements vary between events. Check the organiser's spectator information before travelling.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit Mont-Tremblant (Quebec)
Circuit Mont-Tremblant sits in the Laurentian Mountains north of Montreal, close to Mont-Tremblant's Village and resort areas. Driving or hiring a car is the easiest way to arrive, but public transport via Saint-Jérôme makes a car-free journey possible with some planning.
Driving & parking (easiest way)
- From Montreal: travel north on Autoroute 15, which continues towards the Laurentians and Route 117. Follow signs towards Mont-Tremblant and then navigate to 1281 Chemin du Village.
- From Ottawa: approach Mont-Tremblant from the west using the main Laurentians road network and follow navigation to Chemin du Village.
- General parking: spectator admission at the circuit includes free general parking.
- Infield parking: major Classic weekends offer a separate P3 parking area with a shorter walk to the paddock.
Tip: Arrive early on race mornings. Mont-Tremblant is also a busy holiday destination, so summer and autumn weekends can bring extra traffic.
Train & bus from Montreal
- Montreal → Saint-Jérôme: exo's Saint-Jérôme commuter rail line connects central Montreal with Saint-Jérôme.
- Saint-Jérôme → Mont-Tremblant: l'Inter operates regional buses between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Tremblant seven days a week.
- In Mont-Tremblant: the city's free Bus Mont-Tremblant network connects downtown, the Village and the resort area.
- Final journey: check the current local bus stops against your circuit entrance. A taxi or pre-arranged pickup may be easier if the timetable does not suit your event.
Public transport is possible, but allow considerably more time than driving and check the last return connection before attending an evening event.
Airports & transfers
- Montréal-Trudeau (YUL): the main airport for most visitors and the best choice if you need a wide range of flights.
- Rental car: usually the simplest onward option. Rental-car companies operate directly from Montréal-Trudeau.
- Without a car: travel into the Montreal transport network and continue towards Saint-Jérôme, then use l'Inter to Mont-Tremblant.
- Mont-Tremblant International Airport (YTM): located at La Macaza about 35 minutes north of the resort and mainly useful for private, corporate and limited aviation services.
Spectator information
- Paddock access: normal spectator tickets include access to the race paddock on foot.
- Food: the circuit has a main restaurant and concession stands. Visitors may also bring their own food and drinks, but glass containers and BBQs are prohibited.
- Getting around: bicycles and street-legal mopeds are permitted, but personal golf carts, scooters and off-road vehicles are restricted.
- Pets: pets are not permitted beyond the admission gates except assistance dogs.
Camping
- Selected race weekends: camping is available for self-contained motorhomes and RVs in the P2 infield area.
- No hookups: there are no water or electrical connections, so RVs must be self-contained.
- No campfires: fires are prohibited and quiet hours apply overnight.
- Check your event: camping is not automatically available at every circuit activity.
Where to stay
- Mont-Tremblant Village: very convenient for the circuit and a good choice if your priority is a short drive.
- Tremblant Resort: offers a much larger selection of hotels, restaurants and evening activities.
- Downtown Mont-Tremblant: another useful base with shops, restaurants and access to the city's free bus network.
Book early for summer and autumn race weekends, especially when another major event is taking place in the resort at the same time.
Accessibility
- Limited mobility: travelling by car is generally the easiest option and avoids several public-transport changes.
- Before travelling: contact Circuit Mont-Tremblant to confirm the most suitable parking and spectator arrangements for your event.
- Flying: Montréal-Trudeau provides accessible taxis and other accessible ground-transport services.
Quick guide
- Driving? Head north from Montreal via the A-15 and Route 117, then navigate to 1281 Chemin du Village.
- Without a car? Travel to Saint-Jérôme, take l'Inter to Mont-Tremblant and use local transport or a taxi for the final section.
- Flying? Montréal-Trudeau is the main choice; hiring a car is the simplest onward journey.
Check Circuit Mont-Tremblant and local transport operators shortly before travelling, as race-day parking, camping and bus schedules can change.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit Mont-Tremblant (Mont-Tremblant, Quebec)
Whether you’re here for a race weekend, lapping day, private driving event or karting, Circuit Mont-Tremblant sits in the heart of the Laurentians - surrounded by lakes, mountain trails, family activities and one of Quebec’s best-known four-season resorts.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- TAG Karting Academy: Stay in motorsport mode on the circuit's separate 1.3 km kart track. Programs and public availability vary, so check ahead before arriving.
- Tremblant Pedestrian Village: The resort offers seasonal family activities including the panoramic gondola, summer luge, mini golf, water play and indoor entertainment.
- Domaine Saint-Bernard: This 1,500-acre nature area has family-friendly trails, wildlife, swimming at Lac Raynaud and plenty of space for a relaxed afternoon.
- Lac Mercier: The lake beside the Old Village is an easy place for a waterside walk, picnic or seasonal outdoor activity.
Culture hits & rainy-day winners
- Tremblant indoor activities: The resort has indoor games and family entertainment for days when mountain weather makes hiking less appealing.
- Casino de Mont-Tremblant: Adults can combine gaming, dining and live entertainment without travelling far from the resort.
- Old Village: Slow things down with cafés, local shops and a walk through the quieter lakeside side of Mont-Tremblant.
Eat & drink after the racing
- Old Village: A good choice for a relaxed dinner away from the busiest resort area, with independent restaurants and cafés around the village.
- Pedestrian Village: The easiest option for groups who want plenty of restaurants within walking distance of one another.
- Saint-Jovite: Mont-Tremblant's downtown district offers bakeries, cafés and restaurants with more of an everyday local feel.
Quebec favourites worth looking for include poutine, maple desserts and hearty dishes inspired by French-Canadian cooking.
Active outdoors away from the track
- Domaine Saint-Bernard: Follow forest trails through a protected natural area that works well for anything from a short family walk to a longer hike.
- Mont Tremblant mountain: Ride the gondola towards the summit and explore the hiking network, or rent bikes and discover the surrounding paths and trails.
- Le P'tit Train du Nord: This former railway corridor is now a long recreational trail through the Laurentians and is popular with cyclists and walkers.
Easy day trips if you’re extending your stay
- Parc national du Mont-Tremblant: Spend a full day hiking, canoeing or kayaking among lakes, waterfalls and forest. Families can choose easier trails while adventurous visitors can book the Via Ferrata du Diable.
- Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts: Head south through the Laurentians for a traditional lakeside town centred around Lac des Sables, with beaches and an easygoing summer atmosphere.
- Saint-Sauveur: Continue south for restaurants, shops and seasonal mountain attractions, including water slides and family rides.
Good to know when visiting Circuit Mont-Tremblant
- Check spectator access: The circuit mixes public Classic race weekends with private club and lapping days, so do not assume every track day is open to visitors.
- Noise limits are strict: Circuit activities currently operate to a 92 dBA limit and vehicles must use mufflers.
- The grounds are large: Bicycles are permitted for getting around during spectator events, while many other personal motorised vehicles are prohibited.
- Pack for mountain weather: Conditions can change quickly in the Laurentians, so bring sunscreen, water and a light waterproof layer even on a promising day.
Circuit access, race weekends, karting, resort activities and national-park facilities can change seasonally - check live calendars and booking information before travelling.