Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino: A full review of the vacation spot in Canada

Introduction and General Information

Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino, now known as Elements Casino Surrey, is one of the popular entertainment complexes in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Located in Surrey’s historic Cloverdale neighborhood, this complex combines a casino with state-of-the-art slot machines, gambling tables, and a racetrack that hosts exciting horse races.

Located just 40 minutes from Vancouver, Elements Casino Surrey offers visitors a variety of activities including gambling, gastronomic delights and exciting horse racing, making it an attractive vacation destination for locals and tourists alike.

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Location and how to get there

Elements Casino Surrey is located at:

• Address: 17755 60th Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, V3S 1V3

The casino is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, in the historic Cloverdale neighborhood, which is known for its love of all things horse related. The complex is located just off Highway 176, making it easily accessible to visitors traveling by car.

How to get there:

• By Car: From Vancouver, the drive takes about 40 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The casino has a large free parking lot accessible from 60th Avenue when traveling westbound.
• By public transportation: There are buses in the area that stop near the casino.

History

Fraser Downs was originally known simply as a racetrack for trotting horses, but over time it developed into a full-fledged entertainment complex. In 2015-2016, the complex underwent a major renovation at a cost of about $11 million dollars and was renamed Elements Casino Surrey. Despite the name change, Fraser Downs Racecourse continues to operate as an important part of the complex, keeping the tradition of horse racing alive in the region.

Gaming area

Elements Casino Surrey offers an impressive gaming area of approximately 60,000 square feet with a variety of entertainment options:

• Slot Machines: Over 500 state-of-the-art slot machines and electronic gaming tables of various types and denominations. This includes classic machines as well as the latest video slots.
• Table Games: Approximately 24 gaming tables with professional croupiers offering popular games such as:
  • Blackjack
  • Baccarat
  • Roulette
  • Poker and its varieties
• VIP-zones: There are special high-limit rooms for fans of high stakes games.
• Electronic Roulette: Electronic versions of popular table games are available.

The casino is open 24 hours a day, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy gambling at any convenient time.

Fraser Downs Racecourse

Fraser Downs Racecourse is one of the main attractions of the complex:

• Size: 5/8-mile (about 1 kilometer) track
• Type of racing: Specializes in harness racing
• Racing Season: Active for 7 months of the year, with a break from May through September
• Racingschedule: Races are usually held on weekends during the winter and fall seasons
• Watching the races: To watch the races, you can visit the Homestretch Restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the racetrack through floor-to-ceiling windows

Horse racing enthusiasts can place bets on the races and enjoy the exciting spectacle in comfortable surroundings. The racetrack also hosts various activities and special events related to horse racing.

Restaurants and culinary offerings

Elements Casino Surrey offers several dining options:

• Diamond Buffet: A buffet restaurant with a variety of offerings:
  • Morning Buffet ($5.99 for casino cardholders)
  • Lunch Buffet
  • Dinner buffet with main courses including prime rib on weekends
• Homestretch: Restaurant overlooking the racetrack, offering:
  • Á la carte menu with main courses and appetizers
  • Stunning views of the races through floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows
  • Betting facilities directly from the restaurant
• Foodies: A café offering a variety of food, convenient for a quick snack between games.

According to visitor reviews, the buffet has a limited selection of food, but the restaurants generally offer acceptable food quality. Service in the restaurants is generally rated as good, with the professionalism of some servers particularly noted.

Amenities and Services

Elements Casino Surrey offers the following visitor amenities:

• Free Parking: Large parking lot available to all casino visitors
• Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the complex
• Accessibility: The casino is equipped to accommodate people with disabilities
• Membership Program: The opportunity to get a loyalty card, which gives access to special offers and discounts
• ATMs: There are several ATMs on the casino floor
• Security: 24-hour video surveillance and professional security service

Special events and entertainment

In addition to daily gaming opportunities and regular horse racing, Elements Casino Surrey hosts a variety of events and entertainment programs:

• Live performances: Regular concerts and shows by local artists
• Special tournaments: Poker tournaments and other gaming competitions
• Seasonal Events: Holiday events, theme nights
• Corporate Events: Ability to organize corporate and private events in special venues:
  • The Dragon Lounge
  • Homestretch
  • Winners Circle
  • Total event space is approximately 10,000 square feet

Accommodation

There are no hotel rooms directly at Elements Casino Surrey, however there are various accommodation options within a few kilometers:

• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Langley-Surrey
• Ramada by Wyndham Surrey/Langley
• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Langley
• Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Surrey East Cloverdale

These hotels offer comfortable accommodations with a variety of amenities including free parking, Wi-Fi and other services.

Visitor reviews

Based on the collected reviews, the following highlights can be highlighted:

Positive aspects:

• Free and ample parking
• Professional and courteous staff at some establishments
• Variety of slot machines
• Atmosphere during horse racing at the racetrack
• Spaciousness of the premises

Negative aspects:

• Limited selection of food in the buffet
• Some visitors mention outdated slot machines
• Slow service in restaurants at times
• Limited selection of table games compared to larger casinos

Tips for visitors

• Best time to visit:
  • For horse racing: Check the schedule on the official website, as horse racing is seasonal
  • For casinos: Weekdays are usually less crowded
• Transportation:
  • Best accessed by private car, given the casino’s location
  • Parking is best on the west side of 60th Avenue
• Loyalty Program:
  • It is recommended that you register for a loyalty card on your first visit to access special offers and discounts
• Meals:
  • To watch the races, it is best to book a table at the Homestretch restaurant in advance
  • The morning buffet is considered the best value for money option

Theme nights and special offers

Elements Casino Surrey regularly holds theme nights and offers special promotions for its visitors:

• Reward Points Days: Certain days of the week when players can earn extra points through the loyalty program
• Live music nights: Local musicians and bands often perform on weekends
• Sports Broadcasts: During major sporting events, match previews are organized with special offers on food and drinks
• Seasonal Holidays: Special events on New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Canada Day and other holidays

It is recommended to keep an eye on the events calendar on the casino’s official website, as special offers may change depending on the season and other factors.

Horse racing and its features

Fraser Downs specializes in trotting (harness racing), which is a special type of horse racing:

• Features of harness racing: In harness racing, jockeys do not ride the horse, but drive it in a special two-wheeled carriage (sulky)
• Horse breeds: Mostly standardbred horses, specially bred for this type of racing, are used
• Racing Club: The racecourse has a Fraser Downs Racing Club, a community of racing enthusiasts that offers the opportunity to participate in horse racing at minimal cost and risk
• Betting system: A variety of betting options are available:
  • Win (on the winner)
  • Place (on the horse that will finish first or second)
  • Show (on the horse that finishes in the top three)
  • Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta (on the exact finishing order of several horses)

The racing season usually begins in the fall and runs through the following spring. A record betting season was recorded in 2023, indicating the growing popularity of the sport in the region.

Architecture and design

Following a 2016 renovation, Elements Casino Surrey has taken on a modern look with an elegant design:

• The main features of the architecture are:
  • Spacious atrium with light-filled interiors
  • A multi-level layout that provides a convenient separation of the different gaming areas
  • Stylish lighting that creates an atmosphere of luxury
  • Decor elements reflecting the theme of the four elements (air, water, earth, fire)
• Interior of game halls:
  • Modern slot machines are arranged in an ergonomic order
  • The gaming tables are placed in separate areas to ensure the comfort of the players
  • VIP lounges are decorated with extra luxury and provide more privacy
• Restaurant interiors:
  • Homestretch features a modern design with large panoramic windows
  • Diamond Buffet is decorated in a classic style with elements of modern design

Special occasion facilities

Elements Casino Surrey offers several options for special events:

• Corporate Meetings: Dedicated meeting and conference facilities with the necessary equipment
• Private parties: Festivities and celebrations can be arranged with customized menus
• Charitable events: The casino is often the setting for charity events and fundraisers for local organizations
• Wedding Celebrations: Facilities for wedding banquets with personalized catering

For private events, casino management must be contacted in advance. Depending on the type of event and number of guests, different room options and services may be available.

Surroundings and nearby attractions

When planning a visit to Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino, you should consider other points of interest nearby:

• Cloverdale Historic District:
  • Surrey Museum with exhibits on the history of the region
  • Cloverdale Farm Fair (held annually in May)
  • Historic buildings and early 20th century architecture
• Natural attractions:
  • Green Timbers Urban Forest Park with a lake and hiking trails
  • Bear Creek Park with gardens and playgrounds
  • Campbell Valley Regional Park with scenic landscapes
• Shopping and Entertainment:
  • Willowbrook Shopping Center in nearby Langley
  • Golf clubs and golf courses near Surrey
  • Fraser Valley wineries with local wine tasting opportunities
• Nationally important places of interest:
  • Peace Arch Provincial Park on the U.S.-Canada border
  • Historic Fort Langley, associated with the history of the founding of British Columbia

When planning a trip of a few days, it makes sense to explore these and other attractions in the surrounding area to create a more fulfilling itinerary.

Comparison with other British Columbia casinos

In the context of British Columbia casinos and entertainment complexes, Elements Casino Surrey holds a special place:

Aspect	Elements Casino Surrey	River Rock Casino Resort	Hard Rock Casino Vancouver
Location	Surrey	Richmond	Coquitlam
Gaming space size	~60,000 sq. ft	~70,000 sq. ft	~80,000 sq. ft
Number of machines	~500	~1,100	~950
Table games	~24 tables	~50 tables	~60 tables
Unique Features	Fraser Downs Racecourse	Hotel and theater	Concert Hall and Bars
Restaurants	3 main	7 different options	5 different options
On-site hotel	No	Yes	No

Compared to other casinos in the region, Elements Casino Surrey stands out for its racetrack, making it a unique destination for horse racing enthusiasts. Although it is inferior to some of its competitors in terms of size and gaming options, the combination of casino and racetrack creates a special atmosphere that attracts a specific audience.

Economic importance to the region

Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino plays an important role in the region’s economy:

• Job Creation:
  • Directly in the casino and racetrack industry
  • Related industries (hospitality, restaurants, transportation)
• Development of horse breeding:
  • Supporting local horse breeders and trainers
  • Developing the equestrian industry in British Columbia
• Tourism:
  • Attracting visitors from other regions and countries
  • Stimulating the development of tourism infrastructure
• Tax revenues:
  • Significant contribution to local and provincial budgets
  • Funding of social programs through taxes from the gambling industry

In addition to direct economic impact, casinos and racetracks contribute to the local community through sponsorship of events and support of community initiatives.

Tips for maximizing the enjoyment of your visit

To maximize the enjoyment of your visit to Elements Casino Surrey, it is recommended that you:

• Planning your visit:
  • Check the horse racing schedule in advance if you wish to attend the races
  • On race days, it is recommended to make reservations at least a week in advance at the Homestretch Restaurant
  • Weekends are usually busier than weekdays
• Transportation and Parking:
  • Allow extra time for transportation, especially during rush hours
  • Parking is free, but on busy days it can be difficult to find a spot near the entrance
  • Consider using cab or rideshare services, especially if you plan to consume alcoholic beverages
• Gaming tips:
  • Set a gambling limit ahead of time and stick to it
  • Sign up for the loyalty program to get bonuses
  • Learn the rules of the games before you start playing for money
• Meals:
  • The Homestretch Restaurant offers the best experience during the races
  • The Diamond Buffet is best visited during the morning hours when the fresh food selection is at its best
  • According to reviews, the best dish at the buffet on weekends is the prime rib
• Additional recommendations:
  • Dress comfortably, but keep in mind that some areas of the casino can be chilly due to the air conditioners
  • Bring your ID with you as age verification is mandatory
  • If this is your first time betting on horse racing, do not hesitate to ask the staff for help and clarification of the rules

Final thoughts

Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino (Elements Casino Surrey) is a multi-faceted entertainment complex that combines horse racing tradition with modern gambling. Its main advantage is its unique combination of casino and racetrack, which sets it apart from other entertainment venues in British Columbia.

While it may be inferior in size and luxury to some of the larger casinos in and around Vancouver, Elements Casino Surrey offers an authentic horse racing experience, a variety of slot machines and table games, and comfortable recreational facilities.

For travelers planning a trip around British Columbia and interested in recreational destinations, Fraser Downs Racetrack & Casino can be an interesting stop, especially if you are into horse racing or want to try your luck at the casino. Its proximity to Vancouver makes it accessible for both short visits and longer stays exploring the surrounding area.

The combination of gaming options, live entertainment and exciting horse racing makes Elements Casino Surrey a worthy place to visit as part of your introduction to Canada’s entertainment infrastructure.