Live horse racing
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Grand River Raceway

4.1
·1k reviews·Elora, Canada

Experience the thrill of live horse racing and a lively casino with unique events like the Wiener Dog Races at Grand River Raceway.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Race Nights

Experience the live horse racing thrill

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Live horse racing

Grand River Raceway

Best Time

Race Nights

Experience the live horse racing thrill

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of live horse racing and a lively casino with unique events like the Wiener Dog Races at Grand River Raceway.

4.1
(1k reviews)

"The horse races were free entry and fun for all ages. The facility is fully accessible and newer."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check the Schedule First

Always check the Grand River Raceway schedule for live racing dates and special events like the Wiener Dog Races!

💰 Inexpensive Night Out

Enjoy a fun and affordable evening with free entry to most horse races.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.1 · 1,079 reviews

Type

Event Venue

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Horse Racing

Live Horse Racing

The Raceway

Experience the thunder of hooves and the thrill of the race. Free entry makes it a great value.

Wiener Dog Races

Wiener Dog Races

The Raceway

A hilariously fun event that's a must-see! Highly recommended for all ages.

Slot Machine Casino

Slot Machine Casino

Casino Floor

A wide array of slot machines for those looking for gaming excitement.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Grand River Raceway

Grand River Raceway offers thrilling live horse racing and a casino with slot machines. Check the schedule for special events like the popular Wiener Dog Races. While entry to the races is often free, food can be pricey, so consider nearby dining options.

Casino vs. Racing Experience

If you're seeking a diverse casino experience with table games, Grand River Raceway might disappoint as it's primarily slot machines. However, for exciting live horse racing and a fun, accessible atmosphere, it's a fantastic choice for an inexpensive night out.

Best Times

When
Race Nights
Why
Experience the live horse racing thrill
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique events like Wiener Dog Races
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Evenings
Why
Quieter casino experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Riverfest Elora - any tips for 1st time out of towner coming this weekend?

I am excited to be down at Riverfest on Saturday but I have never been the festival (or even to Elora) before so looking for some tips. I searched on here and saw mention that the shuttles from Guelph were a mess last year. I am driving from the Mississauga area after picking…

🎯 Check the Schedule First

Always check the Grand River Raceway schedule for live racing dates and special events like the Wiener Dog Races! Reddit

💰 Inexpensive Night Out

Enjoy a fun and affordable evening with free entry to most horse races. Reddit

reddit.com

Day Trip to Elora

I'm coming with my family and cousins to Elora for Victoria day. Besides the outdoor activities and hikes, is there any other suggestions you may all have that is good for a group of 10 or so? I'm planning kn seeing the Gorge and falls, Victoria and Bissell park.

reddit.com

Closest casino(s) to kitchener?

Title pretty much sums it up. I've only been to one and it was in Quebec. It was a nice casino though.

🍽️ Dining Options

Food can be pricey. Consider eating at nearby spots like Willy's or Spanky's. Reddit

🐶 Don't Miss Wiener Dog Races

These races are a highly recommended, fun event for everyone! Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check the Schedule First

Always check the Grand River Raceway schedule for live racing dates and special events like the Wiener Dog Races! Reddit

💰 Inexpensive Night Out

Enjoy a fun and affordable evening with free entry to most horse races. Reddit

🍽️ Dining Options

Food can be pricey. Consider eating at nearby spots like Willy's or Spanky's. Reddit

🐶 Don't Miss Wiener Dog Races

These races are a highly recommended, fun event for everyone! Reddit

♿ Fully Accessible Facility

The raceway is modern and fully accessible, making it comfortable for all visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Grand River Raceway is praised for its exciting live horse racing, especially with free entry, and unique events like the Wiener Dog Races. The facility is modern, accessible, and staff are friendly. However, dining options on-site are considered overpriced, and the casino is heavily focused on slot machines with limited table game variety.

"Would not reccomend for those looking for card games or roulette. 95% of the casino is just slot machines. There is one roulette table in the corner but the seats were all taken and bound to stay that way. Security and staff were nice though."

Daniel Chandler

"Maren helped me out at the slots! She was so friendly and helpful! These places can be kind of intimidating and I'm fairly new to the whole scene so having some direction from a friendly face was great! Also saw the Weiner Dog races a few weeks back.... highly recommend!"

Olivia Milburn

"The horse races were free entry and fun for all ages. The facility is fully accessible and newer. Lots of watching options. The food was over priced and not very good. I recommend eating at a near by food stop like Willy’s or Spanky’s."

Kim (Kim Stir)

What People Like

Free horse racing entry
Exciting live races
Wiener Dog Races

What People Dislike

Overpriced food
Limited table games

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Grand River Raceway is located in Elora, Ontario. It's a convenient option if you're looking for casinos near Kitchener. Driving is the most common way to get there, with ample parking available. Check their website for specific directions from your starting point. Reddit

Public transport options to Elora can be limited. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes that may service the area. Many visitors opt for car travel. Reddit

From Kitchener, driving is the most straightforward method. The drive typically takes around 30-40 minutes. Reddit

While Grand River Raceway is a great option, Niagara Falls also boasts two excellent casinos, though it's a longer drive. Reddit

Grand River Raceway offers ample parking for visitors, making it easy to access the facility. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, entry to the live horse races at Grand River Raceway is free! This makes it a very accessible and inexpensive outing. Reddit

Operating hours vary depending on whether you're visiting for live racing, casino gaming, or events. It's best to check the official Grand River Raceway schedule on their website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

For special events like the Wiener Dog Races, it's advisable to check the Grand River Raceway website for any ticketing requirements or if advance booking is recommended. Reddit

The horse racing aspect is fun for all ages. The casino floor with slot machines is typically restricted to 19+. Always check age restrictions for specific events or areas. Reddit

Admission to the live horse racing is usually free. Casino gaming has no entry fee, but you'll need funds for the slot machines. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Grand River Raceway's casino is primarily focused on slot machines, with a vast selection. There might be limited table games like one roulette table, but it's not the main draw. Reddit

The facility offers multiple viewing options, and it's generally easy to find a good vantage point to watch the races. Reddit

Yes, the live horse racing is considered fun for all ages, and events like the Wiener Dog Races are particularly family-friendly. Reddit

The atmosphere is generally lively during race nights and events. The facility is described as newer and fully accessible. Reddit

Absolutely! The Wiener Dog Races are a standout, highly recommended event that draws a lot of excitement. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are dining facilities, reviews suggest the food can be overpriced and not the best quality. Reddit

Yes, reviewers recommend eating at nearby food stops like Willy's or Spanky's for better value and quality. Reddit

If you're renting a space like the Lighthouse Room for an event, catering with hot coffee and breakfast options is available. Reddit

Catering for events has received positive feedback, with options for hot lunches and afternoon snacks. Reddit

The food options available on-site are generally considered overpriced. For events, catering can include continental breakfast, hot lunches, and snacks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the excitement of the live horse races, the unique charm of the Wiener Dog Races, and the vibrant casino floor. The modern facility also offers clean lines for architectural shots. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally permitted during the horse races. Be mindful of other guests and avoid using flash that might startle the horses. TikTok

While general photography is usually allowed, it's always a good idea to check with staff if you plan on professional shoots or extensive filming. TikTok

A telephoto lens is great for capturing the action of the horse races from a distance. For the casino, a wider lens might be useful, but be discreet. TikTok

Look for scenic spots near the track or with the facility's modern architecture as a backdrop. The energy of race day also makes for great candid shots. TikTok

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