Crowd of 3,000 celebrates Canada Day at the Fort Erie Race Track

“Great atmosphere.”

This is what Niagara Falls resident Matt Punyi says he would write as a Google review for the Fort Erie Race Track after his first time there.

He was visiting on Canada Day with family, hanging out by the paddock before the fourth race on the card.

“The beer is cold, you can’t ask for more,” he added.

This is the second year in a row that Canada Day has landed on a race day.

Wagering was up by more than 18 per cent compared to 2024’s celebration, track spokesperson James Culic told Fort Erie Radio shortly before the sixth and final race was set to come out of the gate.

There were also food trucks and free activities like face painting, as well as Canada-themed cupcakes being handed out at no cost.

Because “so many families are looking for something to do on Canada Day,” being able to offer an outing that doesn’t break the bank is done on purpose.

“We try to make it so we can provide an affordable place for people and families,” said Culic.

Culic estimated that 3,000 people took part in Tuesday’s race day, noting that attendance numbers are usually calculated by a combination of program sales and how full the parking lot is.

On Monday, a “great crowd” came out for a day of races, which was capped off by a performance by The Tragically Trip, one of the province’s premier Tragically Hip tribute bands, and consisting of members from Fort Erie.

Doug and Sue Grant, from Welland, plan to visit the track once a year, and decided on Tuesday’s Canada Day celebration as their 2025 appearance.

“It’s great to come out, celebrate, and be part of the crowd,” said Doug.

Sue was getting a kick out of all the children enjoying the day.

“It’s great to see all the kids running around and having fun, eating cotton candy and hotdogs,” she said.

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe