Amex’s series of special pop-up events landed in Canada for the first time in 2024. It was the Maison Amex (Amex House) event in Montreal during the Formula 1 weekend. I went, and since the event is back for 2026, I want to share my experience in detail.
Our ultimate guide on the Maison Amex event has all the details. Here, I will only tell you about my experience. I obviously recommend going if you’re in town. I will go again this year myself. I was disappointed to miss the 2025 edition (well, not that disappointed either; I was in beautiful Montenegro).
The event is a nice plus, in addition to all the other benefits of premium-level Amex cards. Flytrippers helps you travel for less with our free newsletter specifically about travel rewards, our ranking of the best current deals, our monthly live videos, and our infographic with all the basics.
Here’s what it was like at the Maison Amex event during the F1 weekend in Montreal in 2024.
My experience at the Maison Amex
The Maison Amex took place directly on Crescent Street (not the same location as this year). It was in the building that was formerly the restaurant of F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, which is fitting.
It was across from the main stage of the Grand Prix Festival, and at the foot of the famous Leonard Cohen mural. Hard to find a better location.
I went with one of my friends right at opening on the first day, and there was already a small lineup because we were early.
The line moved very quickly once the doors opened. The employee looked at my Amex Platinum Card and ID and welcomed us.
The Amex cards that gave access to the event were clearly displayed on signs outside, so that passersby who see the Amex branding don’t think they can enter with their $120 Amex card.
(Like for example, the only Canadian card that’s a must-have for all types of travelers without exception; its new standard offer is almost as good as some of its past increased offers!!!)
Banks love legal terms, so there was the typical disclaimer posted in the entrance hallway.
I’ll give you a tour of the place.
You had to go up a first staircase to reach the main level.
The iconic Amex blue color was quite omnipresent.
The decor was very pretty, as it always is at the many Amex House events I’ve attended in Miami.
The first level was where the free food was served, so it was mostly small tables with comfortable chairs.
But there were also sofas.
All around, along the windows, there was a series of higher tables.
There was the main bar at the back (unfortunately, there were no free drinks, unlike in Miami).
There was another floor next, and the highlight was definitely the superb outdoor terrace.
It rained very briefly, but after that, we went to settle there for the view.
There were quite comfortable booths.
The terrace looked directly onto all the excitement of Crescent Street and onto the festival’s main stage, as mentioned.
Space was quite limited outside, but it’s pretty normal for that to be the most popular spot.
There was a counter with a limited choice of beverages directly outside.
This second floor also had an indoor part, including another full bar.
Across from it, there were small tables with very comfortable booths on one side and chairs on the other.
At one end, there were a few “U”-shaped booths for larger groups.
On the opposite side, there was a counter with free salty snacks (chips, pretzels, popcorn).
In terms of food, we each received a token at the entrance to get a portion.
The menu was prepared by celebrity chef Antonio Park (a few months before, I happened to use my annual $200 Amex Platinum dining credit at his very good Montreal restaurant, Park).
It was a plate with truffle fries and 4 small bites: chicken mandu, kimchi gyoza, smoked salmon, and sando à la bazin.
Everything was very delicious.
I had one of the specialty cocktails, the one with rum. It was very good, but I’m far from being expert enough to really tell the difference, honestly.
The drink prices were typical for this type of event.
Some employees even had beautiful branded shoes.
Anyway, Amex clearly puts a lot of budget into making the event high-quality, so I recommend it if you want to spend a few pleasant hours in a beautiful setting.
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Summary
The Maison Amex event during the F1 weekend in Montreal is a nice way to spend a few hours if you’re in town. I certainly recommend it. I’ll go back for the 2026 edition at the new location, so maybe we will cross paths there!
What would you like to know about my experience at the Maison Amex event in Montreal? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Maison Amex event (photo credit: Andrew D’Amours/Flytrippers)
Original publication date: June 30, 2024
