Montreal's tourism boom holds steady after Grand Prix moved to May
May 2026 hotel demand surged 12.9% after the Grand Prix shifted months, while June maintained its strength—a win for both tourism seasons.
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Moving the Grand Prix to May paid off for Montréal's tourism industry, with hotel demand surging 12.9 percent in May 2026 compared to June 2025, when the race was previously held.
The shift also freed up space in June for major conventions and large-scale events. The results show the city successfully extended its peak tourism season without cannibalizing summer demand. Hotel occupancy across the island of Montréal hit 94.8 percent during the May race weekend, with significant demand growth both downtown and near the airport.
Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, said the change was "the right decision," attracting more visitors at the beginning of the season while creating room for other major events later in the calendar. On the South Shore, hotel demand rose by 5 percent during the race weekend, and in Laval, demand climbed 10 percent compared to the same period in 2025.
The Grand Prix also amplified Montreal's global reach. Formula 1 drivers' social media posts highlighted the city to nearly 200 million followers worldwide. Content featuring Montreal generated more than 10 million views, with one of the most popular posts showing driver Charles Leclerc exploring Mount Royal.
June 2026 hotel demand is tracking at the same level as June 2025 despite the Grand Prix moving to May—proof the city's festival season is keeping hotels full. Les Francos de Montréal, the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, the Festival International Nuits d'Afrique de Montréal, Just for Laughs, and other summer events are expected to draw continued tourism through the season.
