The Port Colborne Optimist club brought back the Canal Days duck race in 2024, taking over from the Conservation Club that had previously hosted it for many years.
The Duck Race is a simple event. You buy a ticket, we write your number on a plastic duck. 3200 ducks are released at once into the Welland Canal, and the first one to the finish line wins.
Duck Race tickets are on sale during Canal Days at our booth on West Street, and can also be purchased from several other venues ahead of time. These may change during each year but include the Port Colborne Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Tickets can also be bought at the Lion’s Carnival in July, and the Optimist tent on Canada Day at H.H. Knoll July 1, and our booth on West Street during Canal Days. Members can also be asked for tickets.
Details
- Ducks are released at 3:00pm on the last day of Canal Days (Monday) along the wall near the Harbourmaster’s office.
- 3,200 tickets are available. No more, no less. Get yours before they are sell out!
- $5 per duck, $20 for a family of ducks (5 tickets)
Prizes
For the 2026 season the prizes (thank you to our generous sponsors) are:
- $1,500 cash – Port Colborne Optimist Club
- $1,000 cash – Port Colborne Marine Terminal
- $500 cash – Realtor Carlie Smith
- $200 cash – The Canalside
You do not HAVE to be present for the race in order to win, though you will miss a lot of fun if you aren’t. Winners will be contacted immediately after the event to arrange prize collection.
- Per Lottery law prizes must be distributed on the day.
If we are unable to contact a prize winner, the prize will go to the next lucky duck! Be sure to retain your ticket for verification, and make sure you gave us the right phone number.
