Off to the Races: the Perfect Weekend Getaway

Canadians, in general, have an appreciation for our diverse regional cultures… and an instinct for finding a good time & taking in a public celebration. One pastime that has a long history of bringing people together can be found at the racetrack – where the next chapter of a century long drama of fierce & storied competition is unfolding every year.

Century Downs Racetrack & Casino opened its doors in 2015, and offers just about every type of live spectacle you’d expect in the heart of Alberta. “We offer many different types of horse racing, whether it’s harness racing, thoroughbred racing, chuck wagon racing, quarter horse racing… We are also a casino year-round.” Says Century Downs General Manager, Jackie Morrison

Over the spring & summer months, the trackside stands are electric with the cheers of excited spectators as their favourites thunder down the home stretch. The facility offers a variety of spaces and dining options to suit family or group outings, and new exciting event programming aims to provide an ideal destination for memorable day-tripping. Return visitors have a variety of equine racing options throughout the season, from Standardbreds and Sulkies to Thoroughbreds and Quarter horses and a mid summer homage to Albertas ‘wild west heritage’ with  5-days  of Championship Chuckwagon races.

Despite its long heritage, many have never experienced these thrilling live, equine events – and that positions Century Downs in a unique place where it’s still a very novel experience to many, and an exciting outing choice to share with friends and family that may not be in the know. A day at the races, on a sunny Alberta afternoon is a day you won’t soon forget. According to Jackie: “I would say that racing is probably the most exciting sport from start to finish… you have to be here to experience it… to have that heart pumping, heart-pounding feeling. There’s nothing like it.”