 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX 2004 - COME CHECK IT OUT!! |
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| CANADIAN GRAND PRIX 2004 - COME CHECK IT OUT!! |
 Jun 1 2004, 02:28
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#1
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 Member Posts: 3,483 Joined: February 99  |
by Andy Wilson – Montréal, Qc, CANADA
NOTE: This thread is a "work-in-progress" so please check back often as I add more info. Last Updated: 08JUN04 20:40GMT Latest GP Weekend weather forecast: (for link to further weather details, see below) [b]WEATHER UPDATE! Looong-Range! Fri: MAINLY SUNNY - 18º C - P.O.P. 0% 
Sat: SUNNY W/CLOUDY PERIODS - 22º C - P.O.P. 30% 
Sun: CLOUDY W/SUNNY BREAKS & SCATTERED SHOWERS - 22º C - P.O.P. 40% [/b]
*********************************************************** IMPORTANT! (Please read to keep this from getting messy!) Just like the previous 5 years, my annual guide on the happenings in and around Montréal on GP weekend will be, once again, here in the Racing Comments Forum in order to make it fully interactive! By interactive, we mean that once you have read the article, should you have any questions to ask or things to add, you will be able to do so in order to benefit everyone. However there are a couple simple rules I ask you to follow: 1.) Should you have a question to ask pertaining to something outlined in this guide, please feel free to post it here and I, or others, will do our best to answer it for you. 2.) Should you know of an event, which I have omitted from this listing, PLEASE DO NOT POST IT HERE. Send me a PM with all the info you have on the event so that I may verify it and then add it to my original listing. This will keep the event listing all in one post rather than scattered throughout the thread. Thank you & enjoy! 
************************************************************ HERE WE GO AGAIN! THE FORMULA 1 CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN FOR IT'S FIRST NORTH AMERICAN STOP OF THE 2004 SEASON! MONTRÉAL, THE CITY OF FESTIVALS, IS ABOUT TO HOST THE 'KICK-OFF TO SUMMER' FESTIVAL, BETTER KNOWN AS THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX, AND WHAT A PARTY IT WILL BE! With Grand Prix Week all set to begin here in Montréal, the fun is lined up just waiting for you to arrive! Again this year, the main event away from the track will be the Crescent Street Festival! With everything from Pit-Stop competitions on the street, to live concerts, static racing displays and people galore, Crescent Street is where it's happening! Not to worry, the neighboring streets are not to be left out with such events as the Ferrari Parade and many other attractions. PLEASE NOTE: UNFORTUNATELY, THIS YEAR, THERE WILL BE NO OFFICIAL ATLASF1 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX HEADQUARTERS. However, the Hard Rock Café is still there, smack-dab in the centre of the action on Crescent Street and is probably as good a place as any to meet up with other AtlasF1-ers! However, with that said, there are a bunch of us getting together for a little Go-Karting at Circuit 500!  Anyone interested, please check out this thread:
http://forums.atlasf1.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=69661 Now then, let’s get started here… 
IT'S ALL HAPPENING IN MONTREAL! For a listing of some of the other events and activities going on in Montréal for Grand Prix week, read-on! (NOTE: THIS LIST IS JUST STARTED AND WILL BE UPDATED MANY TIMES OVER THE NEXT WEEK+. PLEASE BE SURE TO CHECK BACK.) The following is a list of (some of the) Grand Prix AND non-F1 related events going on in and around Montréal during the week of the Canadian Grand Prix this year. Although probably far from complete, here’s what I could find so far. If any other “Locals” know of some event(s) I’ve missed here, please feel free to send me a PM and I'll add them to the list.
I’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN, MUCH MORE INFO TO COME... Please check this thread often, check at the top of this post to see the “Last Updated” day & time. On-line reference sites for the City of Montréal: [smallfont]This section has always proved to be very popular, especially with those visiting Montreal for the first time. Some good links here to a lot of info you may want to know about![/smallfont] NOTE: All links checked and should be working fine now! 08JUN04. +General- Great info on Montréal from every angle! http://www.canada.com/travel/destinations/...uebec/montreal/ +General- A tourism guide for Montreal and area, including accommodations, maps, weather, pictures, golf, restaurants, attractions and other information for visitors. http://www.discovermontreal.ca/ +General- Official Tourism Quebec web site. www.bonjourquebec.com +Map! This is a great site by the Montreal Transit Authority with clickable maps which can also show you the best way to get from "A" to "B" via public transit. You can even select to 'minimize walking distances'! http://www.stcum.qc.ca/English/azimuts/a-index.htm +Weather- http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/c...es/CAQC0363.htm +FOOD! Montréal is known for it's great restaurants, hopefully these sites will help you find what you are looking for! http://www.homepagers.com/montreal/dine.html For events and things to visit and see right around the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, for the whole family, take a good look at this web site: http://www.parcjeandrapeau.com/en/accueil.asp While in Montréal, be sure to pick up a copy of The Gazette, Montréal’s English language daily newspaper (or online: http://canada.com/sports/auto/) each day for it’s special, daily, pull-out Grand Prix section. This will have all the information you will need to fully enjoy your Grand Prix experience at the 2004 Canadian Grand Prix! As more info is rec'd, I will be updating this post so feel free to check back often and see what has been added! [largefont]As we say here, Bienvenue au Grand Prix du Canada![/largefont] |
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Jun 1 2004, 04:02
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#2
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Member Posts: 3,483 Joined: February 99 |
Well here we go again!
Info on the goings-ons in and around Montreal for GP weekend can be found in this thread: http://forums.atlasf1.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=69820
See ya here! |
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Jun 1 2004, 04:22
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#3
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 Member Posts: 998 Joined: July 01 |
Thanks for starting the thread, Andy! It's a shame there's no official HQ, but I'm sure we can figure something out.
BTW, I have tickets in GS11. If anyone's nearby, let me know! |
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Jun 1 2004, 07:52
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#4
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 Member Posts: 95 Joined: February 04 |
Nice one mate, i'll be back later
Aurevoir Andy... 
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Jun 1 2004, 07:55
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#5
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 Member Posts: 1,226 Joined: October 01 |
I guess I am going
If it is not now that I live in Montreal it will never come to be. First GP ever. Can't wait. So what about taking the Hard Rock Cafe as the unofficial "official" AtlasF1 headquarters? Is anyone up for it? I suggest everyone dressing up as bjorn to be easily recognizable.
Here is looking for a great race and to meet some of you. |
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Jun 1 2004, 14:13
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#6
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 Member Posts: 2,003 Joined: March 04 |
 I think I'll have to go into hiding for the next couple of weeks - due to 'life' crap I can not go, not happy about it at all, had tickets had to give them up.  Sucks.
But there is always next year - so I'm planning for that.
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Jun 1 2004, 22:47
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#7
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 Member Posts: 207 Joined: October 02 |
Once again I'm unable to go to Montreal on that weekend, so I'm missing out on the GP. On the flip side though I'll be watching Le Mans all day and night..
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Jun 1 2004, 23:10
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#8
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 Member Posts: 2,699 Joined: January 02 |
I had fun there last year, wish I could go this year but my travel budget is tight at the moment.
It would be cool to go up to Canada for the GP and then attend the USGP in my home town the next weekend though. Maybe next year. |
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Jun 2 2004, 22:02
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#9
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Member Posts: 1,512 Joined: April 04 |
Good luck guys
Theres no way I will make it this year, but theres always next year |
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Jun 2 2004, 23:49
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#10
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Member Posts: 1,169 Joined: October 01 |
really nice job, wish this level of information was availiable for the USGP
awesome!
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Jun 3 2004, 01:31
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#11
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 New Member Posts: 12 Joined: August 02 |
Fantastic information for sure... thanks.
I am attending this year for the second time! Can't wait for the endless parties and great times! Less than 7 days and counting till me buds and I arrive. Please keep the beer cold for us. 
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Jun 3 2004, 02:07
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#12
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Member Posts: 2,699 Joined: January 02 |
Originally posted by dworsham
really nice job, wish this level of information was availiable for the USGP awesome! The gauntlet is thrown and I feel compelled to defend the honor of my home town.  
Since I seam to be the biggest Atlas whore in Indianapolis I'll have a go at a comprehensive list like Andy has put together. |
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Jun 3 2004, 16:09
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#13
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 Member Posts: 815 Joined: June 03 |
Originally posted by Mammoth
I suggest everyone dressing up as bjorn to be easily recognizable. Great idea! Been looking to use my tennis racket and dress up as Bjorn Borg for some time now...
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Jun 3 2004, 17:03
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#14
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Member Posts: 748 Joined: March 03 |
1st timer & this guide is the most useful that's been developed. Thanks! & Kudos!
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Jun 3 2004, 17:58
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#15
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 Member Posts: 2,773 Joined: July 01 |
Just don`t mention ''the kite incident''...
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Jun 3 2004, 18:28
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#16
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Member Posts: 3,483 Joined: February 99 |
Originally posted by cheesy poofs
Just don`t mention ''the kite incident''... I still can't find that "middle-finger-wave" smilie!! |
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Jun 3 2004, 18:37
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#17
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Member Posts: 2,773 Joined: July 01 |
Originally posted by Andy
I still can't find that "middle-finger-wave" smilie!! Have you tried doing a Google search ?
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Jun 3 2004, 19:26
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#18
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 Member Posts: 9,516 Joined: March 99 |
www.montrealcam.com
A few live cams around the city, the one from downtown (Peel-Ste Catherine) is just a few blocks away from Crescent St. Enjoy you luck ones who make it to Montreal, the city is
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Jun 3 2004, 20:33
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#19
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 Member Posts: 402 Joined: February 01 |
well, i guess i'll start the weather talk. weather.com says party cloudy, in the 70's. count on that to change at least five times before next weekend.
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Jun 4 2004, 00:39
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#20
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 Member Posts: 328 Joined: September 00 |
How good is the view with general admission tickets?
mark |
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Jun 4 2004, 01:03
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#21
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Member Posts: 998 Joined: July 01 |
GA tickets are the best deal at the track if you get there early enough... That being said, there are some spots that are off-limits.
I suggest heading down to the hairpin because there's a nice selection of great views
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Jun 4 2004, 01:34
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#22
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Member Posts: 3,483 Joined: February 99 |
Originally posted by _bigbadbob_
I suggest heading down to the hairpin because there's a nice selection of great views As long as you are there by 7am! Seriously, it used to be great as there were pleanty of great spots to watch from with GA tickets. However, over the past 6+ years those good spots have either been replaced with grandstands or blocked off so you can't get to them. There are still a couple good spots but, like I said, you have to be there damn early in the morning. I believe there is 1 GA Grand Stand on Casino straight, I'm not sure how that works but would definately be where I'd be heading for first thing in the morning. Good Luck! |
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Jun 4 2004, 10:08
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#23
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 Member Posts: 1,107 Joined: May 01 |
Well it happened!
I booked my hotel reservations for Montreal (through Expedia.com) back in the early October when the Grand Prix was in serious doubt. I was able to get a 3 night stay in a suite at La Tour Centre Ville for a ridiculously cheap rate. Back in November when the GP became official I gave the hotel a quick call to confirm the reservaton and see if they could extend the stay one more night so we could relax after the race. They had the reservation but one extra night's stay would have cost me more than I was paying for Thursday through Sunday morning combined so I didn't bother. I had a bad feeling after having problems with a flight, rental car and hotel on a recent trip I booked through Expedia. So I called the hotel again last night and sure enough, they suddenly have NO RECORD of my reservation and claim I have a non existing confirmation number. BASTARDS!!! I'm sure they sold my room to somebody else at 4x the rate. I tried to argue but the manager on duty basically said they were fully booked (no kidding) and didn't have authority to do anything so I'll have to call again later today and speak with the supervisor.
But I'm still coming. Even if I have to sleep at the track. |
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Jun 4 2004, 12:26
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#24
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Member Posts: 2,773 Joined: July 01 |
Originally posted by jaisli
Well it happened! I booked my hotel reservations for Montreal (through Expedia.com) back in the early October when the Grand Prix was in serious doubt. I was able to get a 3 night stay in a suite at La Tour Centre Ville for a ridiculously cheap rate. Back in November when the GP became official I gave the hotel a quick call to confirm the reservaton and see if they could extend the stay one more night so we could relax after the race. They had the reservation but one extra night's stay would have cost me more than I was paying for Thursday through Sunday morning combined so I didn't bother. I had a bad feeling after having problems with a flight, rental car and hotel on a recent trip I booked through Expedia. So I called the hotel again last night and sure enough, they suddenly have NO RECORD of my reservation and claim I have a non existing confirmation number. BASTARDS!!! I'm sure they sold my room to somebody else at 4x the rate. I tried to argue but the manager on duty basically said they were fully booked (no kidding) and didn't have authority to do anything so I'll have to call again later today and speak with the supervisor.
But I'm still coming. Even if I have to sleep at the track.  ...bastards !
Lets see if we can help you out... |
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Jun 4 2004, 13:08
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#25
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 Member Posts: 1,410 Joined: November 98 |
Originally posted by tripleM
1st timer & this guide is the most useful that's been developed. Thanks! & Kudos! Same here, thanks for the info. We definitely need to set up at least one meeting at the Hard Rock (if that's the spot) to all get up and throw back a couple of drinks. |
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Jun 4 2004, 13:38
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#26
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New Member Posts: 12 Joined: August 01 |
Andy,
Great info. I've heard nothing but rave reviews of Montreal and the Canadian GP. Looking forward to it. |
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Jun 4 2004, 13:49
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#27
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Member Posts: 438 Joined: October 01 |
Originally posted by indycarjunkie
The gauntlet is thrown and I feel compelled to defend the honor of my home town.
Since I seam to be the biggest Atlas whore in Indianapolis I'll have a go at a comprehensive list like Andy has put together. Yeah...Go ICJ...I can't believe all the stuff I read about that I missed every year after I get home... DREW |
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Jun 4 2004, 14:12
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#28
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Member Posts: 685 Joined: October 03 |
Due to some social issues, I won't be able to come. I wish you guys enjoy to the fullest.
Though I will be in Montreal during July. A few questions for the folks who know much about Montreal and F1. - Do they allow you to Visit the track as a tourist spot say in July? - Any promotional program where they allow you to drive your road car on the track for a lap or two for some fee ? |
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Jun 4 2004, 14:22
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#29
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 Member Posts: 274 Joined: February 01 |
Originally posted by dajwalia
Due to some social issues, I won't be able to come. I wish you guys enjoy to the fullest. Though I will be in Montreal during July. A few questions for the folks who know much about Montreal and F1. - Do they allow you to Visit the track as a tourist spot say in July? - Any promotional program where they allow you to drive your road car on the track for a lap or two for some fee ? I was up in Montreal in 2002 two weeks before the GP. I drove right onto the track and quickly got up to a scorching 20mph weaving in and out of bicyclists, roller-bladers, and pedestrians. As far as I can tell, its just a public park the other 51 weekends a year. |
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Jun 4 2004, 15:05
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#30
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Member Posts: 3,483 Joined: February 99 |
Originally posted by dajwalia
Due to some social issues, I won't be able to come. I wish you guys enjoy to the fullest. Though I will be in Montreal during July. A few questions for the folks who know much about Montreal and F1. - Do they allow you to Visit the track as a tourist spot say in July? - Any promotional program where they allow you to drive your road car on the track for a lap or two for some fee ? Hey dajwalia! To answer your questions, YES! The track is closed off right now, obviously, but during the rest of the summer most of the track is open for cycling and rollerblading. Part of it is open for cars as there is a big City Public Works building down there and the track is the access road to it. I've driven the entire track a few times and it's fun! Just watch the red & white curbs as some of them (used to be anyways) are not smooth and they'll do a real number on your street car suspension! However, if you're driving a rental... 
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Jun 4 2004, 16:47
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#31
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Member Posts: 1,107 Joined: May 01 |
Originally posted by cheesy poofs
...bastards !
Lets see if we can help you out... :\ Well, 5 phone calls and 3 hours later, I'm now confirmed at the hotel. It's amazing that you have to really resort to threats of legal retaliation before they actually begin to take you seriously and that you aren't just going to disappear. Or perhaps they didn't like the idea of me camping out in a sleeping bag in front of the reception area with a sign reading "this hotel screwed me out of my room". But it's the usual--the hotel blames it on Expedia, Expedia blames it on the hotel. I just hope some other race fan isn't going to get a nasty surprise upon arriving. But thanks again for the offer of assistance, chessy poofs!
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Jun 4 2004, 17:25
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#32
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Member Posts: 2,773 Joined: July 01 |
Originally posted by jaisli
:\ Well, 5 phone calls and 3 hours later, I'm now confirmed at the hotel. It's amazing that you have to really resort to threats of legal retaliation before they actually begin to take you seriously and that you aren't just going to disappear. Or perhaps they didn't like the idea of me camping out in a sleeping bag in front of the reception area with a sign reading "this hotel screwed me out of my room". But it's the usual--the hotel blames it on Expedia, Expedia blames it on the hotel. I just hope some other race fan isn't going to get a nasty surprise upon arriving. But thanks again for the offer of assistance, chessy poofs! Sweeeeeeet
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Jun 4 2004, 18:01
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#33
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Member Posts: 685 Joined: October 03 |
Thank You guys for the replies. It will be fun driving the lap. I will be going for the laprecord in my Carolla ;-)
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Jun 4 2004, 18:14
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#34
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Member Posts: 3,483 Joined: February 99 |
Originally posted by dajwalia
Thank You guys for the replies. It will be fun driving the lap. I will be going for the laprecord in my Carolla ;-) Oh ya?! See if you can beat my Chevy Venture MiniVan's blazing time of 4min15secs!! O.K., but I had to lap a few rollerbladers on that lap so they slowed me down a bit! Now I know how Michael feels when he comes up on a Minardi!!
Plus those curbs!! Nearly jolted my coffee cup right out of it's holder!
Have fun!!
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Jun 5 2004, 01:18
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#35
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Member Posts: 748 Joined: March 03 |
Any restaturants you vets would like recommend @ all price range?
Thanks |
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Jun 6 2004, 14:54
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#36
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 Member Posts: 2,179 Joined: October 02 |
Originally posted by tripleM
Any restaturants you vets would like recommend @ all price range? Thanks Well I don't live in Montreal now but I did spend a few years in this city, hoping my tips would be good. Of course, I believe either Bobby or Jhope can give you some better ideas. My no.1 favourite is Bar-B-Barn on Guy Ave. Yummmmm Yummmmmm... Don't forget to try their in-house Baby Ribs  You may have a look at the menu from the above website.
Have anyone mentioned Old Montreal yet?! It is one of the main attraction in Montreal, some might complain it's just another 'tourist town', but it is definitely worth seeing for its South France decor, its narrow streets and the old stone buildings. Restaurants in Old Montreal are generally good, but a little more expensive than those in Downtown on Ste. Catherine. Personal recommendation would be a Belgian restaurant called "Le Petit Moulinsart" on St. Paul. With no surprise, mussels are the house specialty. You may order the 'white' beer too. Back to downtown... I'm unsure if this is wise to recommend you the Peel Pub on Ste. Catherine.  But generally speaking, I-love-it. It's always good to be back to old school days, and the foods are cheap there Do they still have the $4.99 steak dinner at Peel Pub?
Lastly, don't ever go to the Chinatown. It's far away from Crescent (about 20 to 30-min of walking distance), and no fine restaurant can be found. Try the Vietnamese ones instead. Those are fairly good, better than the ones in Toronto and other parts of Canada. |
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Jun 6 2004, 15:02
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#37
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 Member Posts: 9,332 Joined: February 00 |
Shit! just give me two days and you'll know this town inside out. With me cheesypoofs and _bigbadbob_ as your hosts, you will fall in love with this place.
*avoid the peel pub and it's american college brats.* |
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Jun 6 2004, 15:05
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#38
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Member Posts: 9,332 Joined: February 00 |
Anyone up for some clubbing friday night? We could hit St-Laurent street for the clubs.
Or if that's not your cup of tea, we can hit St-Denis, which is much more french than Cresent and St-Laurent. On this street we can find many micro-breweries which serve a plethora of local brews. Brilliant stuff for the beer lovers. |
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Jun 6 2004, 15:07
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#39
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Member Posts: 2,179 Joined: October 02 |
Oppss... almost forgot....
Try Poutine
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Jun 6 2004, 16:09
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#40
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 Member Posts: 6,520 Joined: May 99 |
Originally posted by Jhope
Anyone up for some clubbing friday night? We could hit St-Laurent street for the clubs. Or if that's not your cup of tea, we can hit St-Denis, which is much more french than Cresent and St-Laurent. On this street we can find many micro-breweries which serve a plethora of local brews. Brilliant stuff for the beer lovers. I'm up for it.
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