As drone racing has seen a rapid growth in recent years, Montreal got itself in on the fun Saturday with Canada's first drone expo.

More than 50 drone pilots from across the country and in eastern U.S. competed in the Montreal Drone Expo at Molson Stadium.

Organizer Ryan Walker said drone racing is a rush – drones can go as fast as 130 kilometres per hour.

“I get an out-of-body experience when I fly for 30 minutes. I fly past myself and I feel the wind and I'm, like, ‘Whoa! That's me,” he said.

The hobby drones used in racing are equipped with small cameras, allowing the pilot to feel like they're actually in the aircraft – but it's all remote controlled.

“Balance, strength and speed is what you want,” he said.

Drone racing is growing quickly.

“We're definitely seeing a growth in the industry. I think it's kind of fallen out of just a hobby and into more of an e-sport,” said organizer Jason Mainella.

More sophisticated drones have myriad uses, including military strikes and battling wildfires.

“Here in Montreal, Hydro Quebec is using it to monitor dams and electrical coils. The fire department – I've done a couple talks with them as well and they're using them for search and rescue,” said Mainella.

For those to want to try one out, bear in mind: Safety is an issue. There have been cases of drones interfering with commercial planes and helicopters.

It's important to do your research, said Mainella.

“Very important to get onto Transport Canada's website to check out the drone regulations and where you're allowed to fly. Most people aren't aware that most public parks are actually emergency landing zones for helicopters and are therefore a no-fly zone,” he said.