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Northern Casino Resorts

Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · entry 18+

River Cree Resort & Casino: our review

Last revised · facts verified

Edmonton's western edge, on Enoch Cree Nation land, is home to a 249-room hotel with an unusual line-up: one of Alberta's largest casinos, Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, two NHL-size rinks and a free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall. An 18-storey tower is rising on site.

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

Go if: Edmonton trips mixing hockey, a big casino floor and Canada's first Hell's Kitchen.
Think twice if: Only a brand-new room will do; the new tower isn't due before 2027.

Casino, restaurant, rinks

Since October 2006, River Cree has operated on Enoch Cree Nation land on Edmonton's western fringe. These days it pulls in three audiences at once. Gamers come for a casino that ranks among Alberta's biggest; food lovers come for Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen; and hockey parents come for the Twin Rinks, where two NHL-size ice surfaces host public skating and youth programmes.

Today's hotel

River Cree describes itself as a 4½-star, full-service hotel with 249 rooms, 11 of which are suites. A microwave, mini fridge and Keurig come in every room, and you can order food to the room 24 hours a day. You can choose Traditional King or Traditional Two Queen rooms, or the Luxury One Bedroom and Luxury Family suites, though the official website shows them by video instead of listing written specs.

Next: an 18-storey tower

A $200 million expansion broke ground in September 2024. Per STAY Magazine and GlobalData, it adds an 18-storey tower with around 230 to 240 rooms and 30-plus suites, a fresh pool with a pair of waterslides, and a sizeable event space. In June 2026, trade press reported the exterior finished and named July 2027 as the target opening.

Casino floor

Inside the smoke-free main casino you'll find 1,665 slots and 46 tables, and the poker room adds 14 tables more. Smokers have Embers, a separate casino with 405 slots and 14 tables of its own. Players must be 18, as everywhere in Alberta. The River Cree Players Club is free to join and saves members 15% on the best available hotel rate.

Dining

Hell's Kitchen opens for lunch and dinner, and the menu includes Ramsay classics like Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. Families head to The Kitchen, which serves buffet nights on Fridays and Saturdays and a weekend breakfast buffet ($19.99, 7 am to 2 pm on Saturdays and Sundays). Sports fans have Tap 25. Late-night hunger is covered by Fatburger until 4 am and Cree Subs until 5 am.

With kids, at events, getting around

The big change came on July 29, 2024: since then, under-18s with an adult have been welcome in every part of the resort that isn't gaming, rinks, restaurants and community events included. A pool and whirlpool, an always-open gym and the free run to West Edmonton Mall (five minutes or so) make it an easy family base. Events at The Venue seat anywhere from 500 to 2,500 depending on the set-up. Edmonton International is 20 to 25 minutes away by car. Parking costs nothing, and between 9:30 am and 3 am neither does valet.

Our take

No casino resort in Alberta suits families better, and it's worth the trip for dinner alone. Book now for the rinks and Hell's Kitchen, and plan a return once the new rooms open in 2027.

Before you book: common questions

Can you eat at Hell's Kitchen at River Cree today?

Yes; the restaurant's page says it serves lunch and dinner. It is Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.

Can I bring kids to River Cree?

Yes. Since July 29, 2024, minors with an adult may use every non-gaming area. The gaming floor stays 18+.

When is the River Cree tower expected to open?

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

Where these facts come from

Fact check: October 23, 2026, against the sources above. Hotels change rates, fees and hours without warning, so confirm anything important directly before you book. If a detail here has gone stale, email us. Next stop: Casino Hotels in Alberta, or our full ranking.