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Play & Stay Canada

Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · gaming age 18+

River Cree Resort & Casino: our review

Last revised · facts verified

Just west of Edmonton on Enoch Cree Nation land, River Cree combines a 249-room hotel, one of the largest casinos in Alberta, Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, a pair of NHL-size rinks and a free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall. A new 18-storey tower is under construction.

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

Go for it if: Hockey, a big casino and Canada's first Hell's Kitchen, all on one Edmonton weekend.
Think twice if: Only a brand-new room will do — the new tower isn't scheduled until 2027.

Why people come

Since October 2006, River Cree has stood on Enoch Cree Nation land at Edmonton's western edge. It draws three crowds. Hockey families come for the Twin Rinks, a pair of NHL-size ice pads with youth programmes and public skates. Food lovers come for Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, the country's first. And players come for one of Alberta's largest casinos.

Current rooms

249 rooms, including 11 suites, in what the resort describes as a 4½-star full-service hotel. Each has a Keurig, a mini fridge and a microwave, and room-service dining is available at any hour. Choose from Traditional King, Traditional Two Queen, the Luxury One Bedroom Suite or the Luxury Family Suite — the official site shows them in videos rather than spelling out specs.

The new tower

Work on a $200 million expansion began in September 2024. According to STAY Magazine and GlobalData, it's an 18-storey tower with somewhere around 230–240 rooms, 30-plus suites, a large event space and a fresh pool featuring two waterslides. Trade press in June 2026 said the exterior was done and the target opening was July 2027.

Casino

The main room is smoke-free, with 46 table games, 1,665 slots and 14 more tables in a poker room. Smokers have Embers, a separate casino with 14 tables and 405 slots. Alberta sets the age at 18. Join the River Cree Players Club (free) and you'll get 15% off the best available room rate.

Dining

At Hell's Kitchen, open for lunch and dinner, you'll find Ramsay signatures like sticky toffee pudding and Beef Wellington. For families there's The Kitchen: a $19.99 breakfast buffet from 7 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, plus buffet nights on Fridays and Saturdays. Late-night options stretch far: Cree Subs until 5 am, Fatburger until 4 am. Sports fans head to Tap 25.

Family rules, the venue, transport

On July 29, 2024 the resort opened every non-gaming area — restaurants, rinks, community events — to minors accompanied by an adult. Together with the pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour gym and the free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall (around five minutes away), that makes it practical with kids. Concerts and events go into The Venue, which holds 500 to 2,500 depending on layout. Driving from Edmonton International Airport takes about 20–25 minutes. Parking costs nothing, and valet is free between 9:30 am and 3 am.

Our call

For a family-friendly casino resort in Alberta and a serious dinner, nothing beats it. Visit now for the rinks and Hell's Kitchen, and return once the new tower opens in 2027.

Quick answers before you book

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

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

Is River Cree OK for kids?

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

When is River Cree's new hotel tower due?

July 2027 was the owner's target, according to trade press from June 2026.

Sources for this review

We verified the facts here on October 23, 2026 using the sources listed above. Rates, fees and hours can change, so check with the hotel before booking. Notice anything outdated? Let us know. Keep browsing: Casino Hotels in Alberta or the complete top 10.