Red Shores Racetrack & Casino

Imagine a place where historic equestrian traditions meet a modern world of bright lights and gaming excitement. Red Shores Racetrack & Casino is the premier entertainment hub in the city of Charlottetown, located on picturesque Prince Edward Island.

Often referred to as "The Kentucky of Canada," this complex combines a professional harness racing track, a high-class casino, and several restaurants. The heart of the facility is the historic Charlottetown Driving Park, which has been welcoming guests since the late 19th century while maintaining its status as one of the most technologically advanced entertainment centers in Canada.

Here, you can not only watch thrilling races but also appreciate the architectural heritage, such as the restored 1889 judges' stand, which is recognized as a national treasure. This unique blend of thrills, history, and comfort makes Red Shores a must-visit for any tourist.

To check the racing schedule or book a restaurant table, you can use the complex's official contact information.

The main magnet for visitors is the live harness racing. The sensation of the ground trembling under the horses' hooves and the excitement of the cheering crowd create an unforgettable energy. You can watch the races from the outdoor grandstands or from the comfort of the Top of the Park tiered dining room, where you can place bets right from your table.

For those who enjoy classic gaming, there is a modern casino. More than 200 slot machines are at your disposal, including popular progressive slots, as well as tables for poker (Texas Hold'em, Omaha), blackjack, and baccarat. Please note that the gaming floor has an age requirement of 19+.

Beyond gaming and racing, the complex is famous for its gastronomy. There are four restaurants featuring local ingredients prepared by professional chefs. It's an ideal spot for an evening out with friends or a family dinner, and in August, it hosts the legendary Gold Cup & Saucer festival, turning the racetrack into the epicenter of celebration for all of Atlantic Canada.

The complex is conveniently located at 58 Kensington Road, right next to the well-known Eastlink Centre. If you are in downtown Charlottetown, the drive will take no more than 5–10 minutes. For those who prefer public transport, city buses regularly run towards the Eastlink Centre.

For travelers arriving at Charlottetown Airport (YYG), it is easiest to take a taxi or Uber — the approximately 10-kilometer trip will take about 15 minutes. If you enjoy long walks, you can reach the racetrack from the downtown area on foot in about 40 minutes (a distance of roughly 3–4 km).

Free parking is available on-site for visitors arriving in their own or rented vehicles. If you are planning a trip from Summerside, the drive via Hwy 1 takes about an hour. It is recommended to check the official website before heading out to coordinate your arrival with the live racing schedule.

The roots of this site go back to 1886, when the racetrack in Summerside opened — the oldest continuously operating racing venue in Canada. Interestingly, the first major race drew 5,000 spectators, even though the grandstand was designed for only 500. Harness racing evolved from simple street competitions among local farmers and eventually became an integral part of the culture of Prince Edward Island.

The Charlottetown Driving Park, which serves as the foundation for the modern complex, opened its doors in October 1888 on the banks of the Hillsborough River. Throughout its long history, the venue has undergone many transformations: from the construction of new stables after a fire in the 90s to a massive expansion in 2005, which saw the addition of a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center.

A true architectural and historical gem is the 1889 judges' stand. In 1999, it was carefully restored and officially designated as a National Historic Site of Canada. This structure serves as a reminder to guests of the golden age of equestrian sports in the region.

The complex received its current name, Red Shores, in 2009. In addition to sporting and gaming events, the racetrack is known as a venue for grand shows: world stars like the Black Eyed Peas and Aerosmith have performed here, drawing thousands of fans under the open sky.

To fully soak up the excitement and enjoy all the facilities the complex has to offer, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 5 hours. This is enough time to watch several races at the track, try your luck in the casino, and enjoy a leisurely dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the track.

If your goal is strictly the harness racing, then 1.5–2 hours will be plenty. However, many tourists prefer to spend half a day here, especially on major race days, to combine the spectacular races with relaxation in the lounge areas and playing the modern slots.

Red Shores is open to guests daily, offering both daytime and nighttime entertainment. Standard operating hours for the casino and restaurants begin at 11:00 AM.

From Sunday to Wednesday, the venue is open until 1:00 AM, and on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the doors stay open until 2:00 AM. The racing office operates on weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and opens three hours before the first post time on race days. Remember that access to gaming is permitted only to those aged 19 and over.

After an exciting evening at the racetrack, it's worth taking some time to explore the surroundings. The area around Red Shores is rich in historical monuments and picturesque locations that will help you better experience the atmosphere of this historic city.