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Casino Escapes Canada

Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · entry age 18+

River Cree Resort & Casino: our review

Last updated · facts verified

Hockey, Ramsay and a big gaming floor — River Cree, just west of Edmonton on Enoch Cree Nation land, does all three. The hotel has 249 rooms for now; the resort adds twin NHL-size rinks, one of the largest casinos in Alberta and the very first Hell's Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay in Canada, with West Edmonton Mall a free shuttle ride away. An 18-storey tower is under way.

  • Rooms & views7.5
  • Casino floor8.5
  • Dining8.5
  • Shows & events8.0
  • Pool, spa & fitness8.5
  • Getting there7.0

Ideal for: Edmonton trips that combine hockey, a large casino and Canada's first Hell's Kitchen.
Think twice if: Only a brand-new room will do — those arrive with the 2027 tower.

The pitch

Three kinds of visitor share the lobby. Hockey parents are here for the Twin Rinks, a pair of NHL-size ice sheets running public skates and youth programmes. Food people are here for Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, the country's first. Everyone else is here for the casino. The resort itself dates from October 2006 and stands on Enoch Cree Nation land just beyond Edmonton's western limit.

Sleeping

Until the tower opens, the hotel is a 249-room, 4½-star full-service property (its own description), with 11 suites among the rooms. Expect a Keurig, mini fridge and microwave everywhere, and in-room dining 24/7. You choose between Traditional King and Traditional Two Queen, or the Luxury One Bedroom and Luxury Family suites; the official site shows them on video rather than listing specs.

Coming in 2027

Construction on the $200 million expansion began in September 2024. What's going up, per STAY Magazine and GlobalData: a tower 18 storeys tall, about 230 to 240 rooms including more than 30 suites, a big event space and a fresh pool with a pair of waterslides. Trade reports in June 2026 had the exterior finished and July 2027 pencilled in for opening.

Playing

On the smoke-free main floor: 1,665 slots and 46 table games, with 14 more tables in the poker room. Separately, Embers is a smoke-friendly casino with 405 slots and 14 tables. Alberta's age: 18. The River Cree Players Club is free, and members save 15% on the best available room rate.

Eating

Hell's Kitchen does lunch and dinner — think Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. The Kitchen is for families, with a $19.99 breakfast buffet on Saturdays and Sundays (7 am–2 pm) and buffet evenings on Fridays and Saturdays. Sports fans head to Tap 25. Night owls: Fatburger until 4 am, Cree Subs until 5 am.

Families, shows, logistics

Kids have been welcome since 29 July 2024 in every part of the resort that isn't gaming — rinks, restaurants, community events — provided an adult tags along. Between the whirlpool and pool, a gym that never closes and the complimentary West Edmonton Mall shuttle (the mall is about five minutes off), families have plenty to do. For shows, The Venue flexes from 500 to 2,500 seats. By car, Edmonton International takes 20 to 25 minutes. Self-parking is free, and valet costs nothing from 9:30 am until 3 am.

Our take

Alberta's best casino resort for families and a destination dinner in its own right. Go now for Hell's Kitchen and the ice; return in 2027 for the new rooms.

Before you book: common questions

Can I eat at Hell's Kitchen at River Cree now?

Yes — the restaurant's page lists lunch and dinner. It was Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.

Is River Cree OK for kids?

Yes. From 29 July 2024, minors with an adult may use all non-gaming areas; gaming stays 18+.

When is River Cree's new tower due?

July 2027 was the target reported by trade press in June 2026.

Where our facts come from

Last fact check: October 23, 2026, link by link through the list above. Hotels move prices, fees and hours without warning — ring or email the property before you commit. Out-of-date detail? Send it our way. Keep planning with Casino Hotels in Alberta or the full ranking.