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Casino Stays Canada

Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · 18+ to play

River Cree Resort & Casino: our review

Last updated · facts verified

Just beyond Edmonton's western limits, on Enoch Cree Nation land, River Cree builds a lot around its 249-room hotel: a casino among Alberta's biggest, the first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen in Canada, a pair of NHL-size rinks and a free West Edmonton Mall shuttle. An 18-storey tower is going up on site.

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

Good for: Edmonton weekends that combine hockey, a big casino and Canada's first Hell's Kitchen.
Think twice if: You want brand-new rooms right now — the new tower is due in 2027.

The short version

Opened in October 2006 on Enoch Cree Nation land at Edmonton's western fringe, River Cree now serves three audiences at once: casino players; diners chasing Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen; and hockey families using the Twin Rinks, two NHL-size sheets with public skates and youth programmes.

Sleeping

Right now the hotel has 249 rooms (11 are suites) and markets itself as a 4½-star, full-service property. Each room gets a microwave, a mini fridge and a Keurig, and food can be sent up at any hour. There are four room types — Traditional King, Traditional Two Queen, Luxury One Bedroom Suite and Luxury Family Suite — presented through videos on the official site rather than written specifications.

Coming in 2027

Construction on a $200 million addition began in September 2024. What it adds, according to STAY Magazine and GlobalData: an 18-floor tower with something like 230 to 240 more rooms and over 30 suites, a fresh pool with a pair of waterslides, and a sizeable event hall. Trade reports in June 2026 had the shell finished and a July 2027 opening pencilled in.

Gaming

Main floor: 1,665 slots, 46 tables, and 14 more tables in the poker room — all smoke-free. Separately, Embers is the smoke-friendly casino, with 405 slots and 14 tables. Alberta age: 18. The free River Cree Players Club knocks 15 per cent off the best available room rate.

Eating and drinking

At Hell's Kitchen, lunch and dinner bring Ramsay signatures like Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. The Kitchen is the family option — a weekend breakfast buffet Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m., $19.99, plus Friday and Saturday buffet nights. Tap 25 is for sports; Fatburger stays open to 4 a.m., Cree Subs to 5 a.m.

Families, shows, transport

From July 29, 2024, minors with an adult have been allowed into every area that isn't gaming — rinks, restaurants, community events. Factor in the pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour gym and the free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall (about five minutes away), and it works well with kids. The Venue flexes from 500 to 2,500 capacity. Edmonton International is roughly 20–25 minutes by car. Free parking, and complimentary valet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Our call

If you're travelling with kids, no casino resort in Alberta handles them better — and Hell's Kitchen makes the trip worthwhile even without them. Book now for the rinks and the Wellington; come back once the 2027 tower opens.

Common questions

Is Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen at River Cree open?

Yes — lunch and dinner, according to its page. It was the first Hell's Kitchen in Canada.

Can I bring kids to River Cree?

Yes. Since July 29, 2024, minors accompanied by an adult can use all non-gaming areas. The casino floor stays 18+.

When is River Cree's new tower opening?

Trade press in June 2026 reported a July 2027 target.

Where our facts come from

We verified the facts on this page against the sources listed above on October 23, 2026. Rates, fees and opening hours shift over time, so check with the hotel before you book. Found something out of date? Email us. Keep browsing Casino Hotels in Alberta or the complete hotel top 10.