How Friday the 13th became Ontario’s bikers’ favourite day of the year in Port Dover and Gananoque
Here’s everything you need to know about why motorcyclists gather on this notable day.
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Every Friday the 13th, thousands of bikers roll into small towns such as Port Dover and Gananoque, transforming the quiet municipalities into Ontario’s largest motorcycle gatherings.
What started as a casual ride among friends has grown into a massive event that now draws riders from across North America. There is only one Friday the 13th this year and Port Dover is bracing for a weekend packed with roaring engines and overflowing streets.
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What does Friday the 13th mean to bikers and why do they gather?
Unlike most people, Friday the 13th for bikers isn’t about superstition — it’s about tradition and community. According to PD13, the organization that plans the events in Port Dover, what began in 1981 as a casual meet-up among 25 motorcycle enthusiasts in the lakeside town has since evolved into one of the largest and most iconic motorcycle gatherings in Canada.
At the heart of it all is Chris Simons, a lifelong biker whose passion was sparked by a minibike from his father in 1971. PD13’s website explains that Simons hosted the first ride on Nov. 13, 1981 — a Friday, of course. He and his friends gathered at the Commercial Hotel, now Angelos of Dover, simply for the joy of riding and camaraderie.
“They had such a good time they decided they should do it every Friday the 13th,” the website reads. “And so, the tradition was born.”
Forty years later the gathering is massive with Norfolk County hosting various events to complement it.
“It’s all about the motorcycles,” Raila Rintala of Toronto told the Brantford Expositer last year. “It’s fun when you’re riding in, and people are waving and taking pictures. You feel like a celebrity.”
Where do motorcycle clubs gather on Friday the 13th?
In Ontario, the main event for motorcycle clubs is in Port Dover and results in a temporary bump in the population for the day. According to Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census, Port Dover is home to 7,871 residents, but on a typical summer Friday the 13th, the OPP estimates 140,000 bikers flood the small lakeside town.
This incredible influx makes Port Dover the largest Friday the 13th biker gathering spot in all of Ontario.
Gananoque also sees a gathering of motorcycle clubs on Friday the 13th but it is nothing compared to its Lake Erie competitor. According to the 2021 Census, 5,383 citizens call Gananoque home. Gananoque doesn’t host a massive public event like Port Dover—but it does see a small, more exclusive gathering. This year, Gananoque Police’s Sgt. Mike Driscoll estimates anywhere from 150 to 300 motorcyclists will visit.
Who attends the gatherings?
The Friday the 13th rally welcomes a diverse crowd — from hardcore motorcycle club members to casual enthusiasts. Bikers come from across North America and even Europe, blending hard rock youth with retirees.
The gatherings are also popular with outlaw motorcycle gangs.
A news release from the Norfolk County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) states that “Outlaw motorcycle gang members will be in attendance, and members of the public are encouraged to be aware of potential criminal activity that can be associated with large gatherings.”
The Norfolk County OPP urged the public report any suspicious activity or behaviour that may pose a safety risk and emphasize that “displaying gang-related clothing or paraphernalia can increase the risk of being targeted by rival groups.”
Sgt. Driscoll explained that the group that gathers in Gananoque is a mix of general pleasure riders and Outlaw MC members.
“Not sure how the explain these gatherings, it’s just another reason to get together, visit each other, in a beautiful town, have a good meal in their city, visit around town,” a spokesperson from the Outlaws Motorcycle Club (MC) told the Whig-Standard in 2023.
“Why Gananoque? Just happened, I guess after one of our stops on other rides, we were well received and welcomed, and every year we go back, the same happens. From their restaurants, bars, hotels… The community seems to enjoy the sightings,
as we enjoy their town.”
Are there benefits to the gatherings?
The influx is a major money-maker not only for year-round businesses, such as restaurants, shops, hotels, and bars, but also for local non-profits and community organizations.
According to The Brantford Expositor, the gatherings support everything from street vendors and tourism operators to charities and service clubs, many of which set up booths or run fundraisers during the event. The sheer volume of visitors translates into millions of dollars spent on food, accommodations, merchandise, and entertainment.
Beyond the direct financial impact, Friday the 13th has also helped put Port Dover on the map as a cultural destination, drawing both domestic and international tourists intrigued by the rally’s reputation. Local officials recognize the event as a tourism driver that supports employment and seasonal income for small business owners.
Why do police put out warnings about the gatherings?
The OPP and Norfolk County officials emphasize the importance of safety and cooperation during these massive events. Police caution that road closures, traffic congestion, and parking restrictions will be in effect to manage the unprecedented influx of motorcycles and ensure emergency access.
“Police acknowledge that most people attending Friday the 13th events are motorcycle enthusiasts who appreciate the camaraderie of fellow riders and a chance to admire the motorcycles on display,” Norfolk OPP said in a news release. “To support a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, there will be an increased police presence throughout Port Dover, prioritizing traffic safety and maintaining a secure environment.”
According to an interview with Sgt. Driscoll, police don’t issue warnings but instead release community advisories to let residents know they’ll be seeing more police officers around, not just for the presence of motorcyclists. For police services, Sgt. Driscoll explained that advisories help educate community members and motorcyclists of policies that need to be followed during the gathering.
With the increased presence of the Outlaws MC in Gananoque, local police and the OPP have traditionally monitored the gatherings closely. Although past events have proceeded with minimal disruption, officials continue to prepare for any potential issues this Friday the 13th.
Sgt. Driscoll said he doesn’t expect to see any issues with the gathering this year but emphasized there will be an increased police presence to ensure that the event goes smoothly.
“That’s the reasoning behind having personnel — to ensure that everybody’s safe and has a great day,” Driscoll said.
Are there any other Friday the 13th in 2025?
Nope, making this Friday very special. Safe to say residents of Gananoque and Port Dover should prepare for a party.
In contrast, the following year, 2026, will feature three Friday the 13ths: on Feb. 13, March 13 and Npv. 13.
The kicker? Those dates don’t fall during the traditional motorcycling season.
Sarah Adams is an editor for the Queen’s Journal and a Whig-Standard intern.
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