Heading to the Montreal this weekend? Here are our top five tips to make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

Since 1978, the Canadian Grand Prix has taken place on the man-made Île Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence Seaway. The circuit weaves its way around the futuristic buildings of Expo 67, and with the Olympic rowing basin behind the pits (formerly the site of the annual F1 mechanics’ raft race), the venue has a unique charm. This week, the city of Montréal is set to host its 44th Formula 1 race, with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve staging the tenth round of this year’s FIA Formula One World Championship. If you’re heading to the Québécois city this weekend, here are our top five tips.

Climb to the top of Mount Royal

In the 16th century, the French explorer Jacques Cartier climbed the triple-peaked hill and named it Mount Royal - which gave the city its name. Cartier himself is honoured to this day, with the Jacques Cartier Bridge serving as the main crossing of the St. Lawrence River - and the primary route into the circuit if you’re not using the subway. The highest of the three peaks is the Colline de la Croix, standing at 764ft. We suggest hiking or cycling to the top for amazing views of downtown.

Enjoy the sporting culture of Quebec

Despite the Montréal Canadiens ice hockey team exiting in the first round of the NHL playoffs, the Stanley Cup still grips the French-Canadian city each year. Almost every bar will be showing the action during this week. So order yourself a plate of the local speciality, poutine — a dish of French fries, cheese curds, and hot gravy - and enjoy the game. The city’s football team also plays in Major League Soccer at Stade Saputo, although CF Montréal are away to Houston during race week.

Sample the historic Old Town

You’ll find many of those bars in the old part of the city, near the shoreline, known as Vieux-Port. We recommend walking along Rue St-Paul and emerging onto the wide square on Rue St-Sulpice. Here you’ll find restaurants where you can sit outside, soak up the atmosphere, and plan your sightseeing - starting with the nearby, beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica.

Look out for a fan-themed festival

If you’ve got time for some shopping, head away from the Old Town, through Victoria Square and up to Sainte-Catherine Street - one of the main thoroughfares in the city. Here you’ll find malls and high-street favourites from Apple to Zara. Keep an eye out for F1 pop-up merchandise stalls, and watch for activations on Peel Street and Crescent Street. In the past, the latter has hosted a Formula 1-themed festival with live music and guest appearances to keep fans entertained.

Take a trip to the Villeneuve museum

Finally, if you have time - and a hire car - consider exploring a little of Quebec outside Montréal. Head toward Trois-Rivières, the site of the famous street circuit. En route, you’ll pass through Berthierville, the birthplace of legendary home hero Gilles Villeneuve (father of 1997 World Champion and TV pundit Jacques Villeneuve). There’s a small museum here dedicated to Gilles — perfect for fans seeking a bit of retro motorsport nostalgia.