Parc Jean-Drapeau (formerly called Parc des Îles) is situated to the east of downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in the Saint Lawrence River. It comprises two islands, Saint Helen's Island and the artificial island Île Notre-Dame.
The islands were the site of the Expo 67 World's Fair. Île Notre-Dame was constructed for the exposition. The park was renamed in honour of Jean Drapeau, the late mayor of Montreal and initiator of Expo 67.
Since 1978 Île Notre-Dame hosts the annual Canadian Grand Prix, at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, with the exception of 1987 and 2009. The Montreal Casino, the Beach, the Olympic Basin, the Floralies Gardens and the pavillon of Canada are also located on the island. Île Sainte-Hélène hosts "La Ronde" amusement park belonging to Six Flags as well as the Complexe aquatique de l'île Sainte-Hélène (Aquatic Complex), public pools built for the FINA championships in 2005.
It is the site of the studio of Radio-Classique Montréal as well as the site of many outdoor concerts. Bands such as Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Radiohead, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden and Nickelback have performed in the park. The Vans Warped Tour and the Osheaga Festival is also located there almost every year. The metal festival Heavy MTL is also held there annually.
A snowboarding park was added in winter 2009.[1]