Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · gaming age 18+
River Cree Resort & Casino: weekend review
Last revised · facts verified
River Cree, on Enoch Cree Nation land just past Edmonton's western edge, combines a 249-room hotel with a casino among Alberta's largest, Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, two NHL-size rinks and a free West Edmonton Mall shuttle. An 18-storey tower is under construction.
Ideal for: Edmonton weekends combining hockey, a big casino floor and a Ramsay dinner.
Look elsewhere if: You need a new room right now — the new tower targets 2027.
Why book it
Since October 2006, River Cree has stood on Enoch Cree Nation land immediately west of Edmonton. It now serves three audiences at once: gamers, diners heading for Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen (Canada's first), and hockey parents at the Twin Rinks — two NHL-size sheets with public skating and youth programmes.
Rooms worth asking for
249 rooms including 11 suites, in a hotel describing itself as 4½-star and full-service. Every room: microwave, mini fridge, Keurig; room service runs 24/7. Types — Traditional King, Traditional Two Queen, Luxury One Bedroom Suite, Luxury Family Suite — are shown on the official site through videos instead of written specs.
What's next: the tower
The $200 million expansion broke ground in September 2024. Per STAY Magazine and GlobalData: 18 storeys, roughly 230–240 rooms, 30-plus suites, a pool with two waterslides, a large event space. June 2026 trade reports had the exterior done and July 2027 as the opening target.
Friday night on the floor
1,665 slots and 46 table games, with a separate 14-table poker room. The main casino is smoke-free; Embers, a smoke-friendly annex, has 405 slots and 14 tables. Age 18. The free River Cree Players Club knocks 15% off the best available room rate.
Saturday: dinner, then a show
Hell's Kitchen does lunch and dinner — think Beef Wellington, sticky toffee pudding. The Kitchen handles families: weekend breakfast buffet, Saturday and Sunday 7 am–2 pm, $19.99, plus Friday and Saturday buffet nights. Tap 25 is for the game; Fatburger stays open to 4 am and Cree Subs to 5 am. The Venue scales from 500 to 2,500 depending on configuration.
Bringing the kids
Since July 29, 2024, minors with an adult may use all non-gaming spaces — rinks, restaurants, community events. Pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour gym and a free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall (about five minutes) round it out.
Logistics
- Edmonton International: roughly 20–25 minutes by car.
- Parking free; complimentary valet 9:30 am–3 am.
Our call
Alberta's best casino resort for families and a serious dinner stop. Go now for Hell's Kitchen and skating; return in 2027 for the new tower.
What weekenders ask us
Can I book Hell's Kitchen at River Cree?
Yes — the restaurant page shows it open for lunch and dinner. It was Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.
Are kids allowed into River Cree?
Since July 29, 2024, yes, in all non-gaming areas with an adult. Gaming stays 18+.
When is River Cree's new tower expected?
July 2027 was the target reported by trade press in June 2026.
Where our facts come from
- www.rivercreeresort.com/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/contact/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/minors-permitted/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/hells-kitchen/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/stay/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/capacity-chart-hotel-overview/
- www.rivercreehockey.com/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/entertainment/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/events/list/
- www.rivercreeresort.com/the-kitchen-restaurant/
We verified the facts on this page on October 23, 2026 against the sources listed above. Rates, fees and hours change, so confirm with the hotel before booking. Found something outdated? Let us know. See more in Casino Hotels in Alberta or the complete top 10.