"The city is beautiful," said Jenson Button, one such non-admirer of the actual circuit. "It's one of my favourite stops on the calendar."
Crescent Street, the heart of the French speaking Canadian city, is now revving up for the traditional 'Grand Prix Festival.'
"Montreal is a bit like Melbourne," said Williams' Mark Webber, "as it really embraces F1."
The track is named after Gilles Villeneuve, the late, legendary French Canadian, Ferrari driver and Jacques' father.
"There aren't any real fast corners," said JV, who owns a club in Montreal, "but I don't know of anyone coming to the city who isn't charmed."
Tiago Monteiro has raced a Champ Car there. "The island location and scenery is amazing," the F1 rookie said.
David Coulthard said Quebecois' remind him of Scotland. "The people are so hospitable," the Red Bull driver added, "and (Cirque du Soleil founder) Guy Laliberte's post race party is a highlight of the season."