F1 and Habs playoff run means a Montreal weekend like no other

Fans arrive at the Bell Centre prior to a Montreal Canadiens playoff game. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)

Checkered flags fill the streets meeting bleu-blanc-rouge Habs hockey sweaters as, for the first time, the F1 Canadian Grand Prix and a Montreal Canadiens playoff game are on the same weekend.

In past years, Montreal’s Grand Prix ran in June, but organizers moved it up this year to reduce the event’s carbon footprint.

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada said she’s feeling the city’s energy.

“Having the F1 at the end of May to start, the CH is still in the series, the Victoire that won the [Walter] Cup and the festivals are starting,” she said. “This is one of the best places in the world to be in this time of year.”

More than 350,000 visitors are expected on the weekend.

Tourism Montreal estimates that the Grand Prix alone will generate $100 million in economic benefits.

With a pair of playoff runs, it’s even more.

“It’s almost like Christmas economically,” said Tourism Montreal CEO Yves Lalumière. “It’s going to be the best weekend of the year by far.”

The Hotel Association of Greater Montreal says most hotels are near maximum capacity.

“For the nights of the playoffs, we can see an increase of 30 to 40 per cent of occupancy rate for the hotel industry,” said CEO Dominique Villeneuve.

The Canadiens first home game of the Eastern Conference finals is on Monday.