Notre Dame Island
Island Man-made Montreal island hosting parks and the Biosphere
Notre Dame Island in Montreal’s Saint Lawrence River hosts the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, parkland and seasonal festivals. Cyclists, picnickers and race spectators use its green spaces and waterfront paths.
Notre Dame Island is an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence River adjacent to downtown Montreal, Quebec, constructed in the 1960s for Expo 67 using fill from urban excavation projects. It is part of Parc Jean-Drapeau and is used for recreation, events and sporting facilities.
The island is best known for the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a permanent racing track that hosts the Canadian Grand Prix and other motorsport events, and for open parkland used by residents and visitors for cycling and walking. Several recreational facilities and event spaces occupy the island and it forms a green, event-focused counterpart to the nearby Île Sainte-Hélène.
Historically the island was created specifically for the 1967 world fair and has since been developed for long-term public use, including the installation and maintenance of major sporting infrastructure. Geographically Notre Dame Island lies in the Lac Saint-Louis section of the Saint Lawrence River immediately north of Montreal’s downtown.
- Creation for Expo 67: Created from fill and excavated material during construction of Montreal's metro and other projects for Expo 67, the island was completed in the 1960s.
- Park and events: The island is part of Parc Jean-Drapeau and is used for recreational parkland and large public events throughout the year.
What to See #
- Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: A motor-racing circuit that occupies a large loop on the island and hosts the Canadian Grand Prix; the lap is roughly 4.36 kilometres in length and runs beside the river and parkland.
How to Get to Notre Dame Island #
Take the metro to Jean-Drapeau station on Montreal’s Yellow Line; from there it’s a short walk to the island’s park areas and the race circuit. The Jacques-Cartier Bridge pedestrian access is another scenic option from the city.
Tips for Visiting Notre Dame Island #
- Cross to Notre Dame Island via the Jacques-Cartier Bridge pedestrian access from Montreal's Ile Sainte-Hélène for a scenic entry.
- Visit the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve (seasonally) to see the Formula 1 track or to rent a bike and ride the loop used by locals.
- Check schedules for seasonal events on the island (concerts, fairs) - the calendar can dramatically alter the atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Notre Dame Island #
Best in late spring through early autumn for outdoor activities, events and the island's parkland attractions.
Weather & Climate near Notre Dame Island #
Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (977 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of -3°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with 96 mm of rain.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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