Located in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, Circuit Mont-Tremblant is one of North America’s most scenic and demanding road courses.
Set amid the rolling terrain near the Mont-Tremblant ski resort, the circuit is renowned for its flowing layout, dramatic elevation changes and fast, technical rhythm. Unlike flat, stop-start venues, Mont-Tremblant follows the natural contours of the landscape, rewarding commitment and precision through a series of twisting corners that quickly made it a favourite among drivers.
Although Formula One visited only twice, the circuit became an important venue in Canadian motorsport history, hosting everything from Can-Am and Trans-Am to Champ Car, superbikes, and endurance racing.
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Circuit Mont-Tremblant
| First Grand Prix | 1968 Canadian Grand Prix |
| Number of Laps | 90 |
| Circuit Length | 4.265 km |
| Race Distance | 383.850 km |
| Lap Record | 1:32.200 Clay Regazzoni (1970) |
Circuit
When was the Circuit Mont-Tremblant built?
Circuit Mont-Tremblant opened on 3 August 1964, originally as a shorter 2.5 km layout known as Circuit Mont-Tremblant–St-Jovite.
The circuit was created by local business owners and hoteliers who wanted to expand tourism in the region beyond the winter ski season. Construction took place in two phases, with the original layout opening in 1964 before the full-length road course was completed the following year.
By 1965, the circuit had been extended to 4.265 km, creating the longer, more challenging configuration that would later host Formula One, Can-Am, and several other major North American series.
From the outset, Mont-Tremblant stood out for the way it used the natural topography of the surrounding terrain. Rather than forcing a flat, artificial layout onto the site, the track climbed, dipped, and curved with the hills, producing a lap that felt fast, natural, and highly technical.
Best known for its flowing character and elevation change, the circuit’s twisting layout runs through the natural landscape of the Laurentians, giving it a rhythm that many drivers compared favourably to classic European road courses. Instead of relying on long straights and heavy braking zones, the track demands confidence through linked corners and constant changes in direction.
Its location also gives it a distinctive atmosphere. Surrounded by forest and close to one of Canada’s best-known resort areas, the venue combines natural beauty with a challenging old-school circuit style.
These features helped it become a favourite venue for many of the top drivers who raced there during the 1960s and 1970s.
When was the first Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Mont-Tremblant?
Circuit Mont-Tremblant first hosted the Canadian Grand Prix in 1968. That event was won by Denny Hulme driving for McLaren. Formula One returned again in 1970, with Jacky Ickx taking victory for Ferrari. The 1970 race is also notable for marking the Formula One debut of Tyrrell Racing as a constructor.
Although Formula One only raced there twice, Mont-Tremblant was a major part of the North American racing scene throughout that era. It hosted Can-Am, Trans-Am, USAC Championship Car, Formula 5000 and Formula Atlantic, attracting many of the biggest names in international motorsport.
Among the notable drivers to compete at the circuit were Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Bruce McLaren, Gilles Villeneuve, Dan Gurney, Denny Hulme, Jacky Ickx and A. J. Foyt.
What happened to the circuit later on?
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the track remained active with major Canadian national series and became an important proving ground for local talent.
The circuit is also home to the Jim Russell Racing Driver School, established in 1969, which has helped develop several successful drivers, including Gilles Villeneuve, Jacques Villeneuve, Lance Stroll and Nicholas Latifi.
In the 2000s, new ownership brought upgrades including resurfacing, widening, improved run-off areas and pit lane expansion. These works allowed the return of larger international categories, including sports car racing, Champ Car and Canadian Superbikes.
Today, Circuit Mont-Tremblant continues to operate as a venue for club racing, driving schools, manufacturer programmes and private events.
Circuit Mont-Tremblant lap record
The official Formula One race lap record on the original full road course is 1:32.200, set by Clay Regazzoni driving the Ferrari 312B during the 1970 Canadian Grand Prix.
Even without a long Formula One history, Circuit Mont-Tremblant remains one of Canada’s great classic circuits — a venue remembered for its beautiful setting, flowing design and its role in the country’s wider motorsport story.