Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · gaming floor 18+
River Cree Resort & Casino — full review
Last revision · fact check
Sitting on Enoch Cree Nation land on Edmonton's west side, River Cree combines a 249-room hotel, one of Alberta's largest casinos, the country's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen, a pair of NHL-size rinks and a free West Edmonton Mall shuttle. An 18-storey tower is going up.
Book it for: Edmonton weekends combining hockey, a big casino and Canada's first Hell's Kitchen.
Pass if: Brand-new rooms are a must right now — the tower won't open before 2027.
Three crowds, one resort
Since October 2006, River Cree has stood on Enoch Cree Nation land just past Edmonton's western edge. It now draws gamers to a big casino, diners to Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen (Canada's first) and hockey parents to the Twin Rinks — two NHL-size sheets offering public skating and youth programmes.
Today's rooms
249 rooms, 11 suites among them; the hotel bills itself as 4½-star, full-service. Each room has a microwave, mini fridge and Keurig, and you can order in-room dining at any hour. Types: Traditional King, Traditional Two Queen, Luxury One Bedroom Suite, Luxury Family Suite — shown on the official site as videos, without written specs.
Tomorrow's tower
The $200 million expansion broke ground in September 2024. STAY Magazine and GlobalData describe 18 storeys, about 230–240 rooms with 30-plus suites, a pool with two waterslides and a large events space. In June 2026 trade press said the exterior was finished and July 2027 was the opening target.
Gaming
1,665 slots, 46 tables, and a 14-table poker room. The main casino is non-smoking; Embers, a separate smoke-friendly room, has 405 slots and 14 tables. Minimum age in Alberta: 18. The River Cree Players Club is free and knocks 15% off the best available room rate.
Eating
Hell's Kitchen serves lunch and dinner, with Ramsay signatures such as Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. The Kitchen, aimed at families, puts on a weekend breakfast buffet (Sat–Sun, 7 am–2 pm, $19.99) and buffet nights Friday and Saturday. Tap 25 handles sports; Fatburger is open until 4 am, Cree Subs until 5 am.
Kids, shows, transport
Minors with an adult have been allowed in all non-gaming areas — rinks, restaurants, community events — since July 29, 2024. Throw in a pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour gym and the free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall (about five minutes) and families are well served. The Venue seats 500 to 2,500, depending on configuration. The international airport is a 20–25 minute drive. No parking charge; valet is free 9:30 am to 3 am.
Our take
Alberta's most family-workable casino resort and a genuine dinner destination. Go now for Ramsay and the rinks; return in 2027 for the new tower.
Traveller questions, answered
Is River Cree's Hell's Kitchen open for business?
It is, for lunch and dinner, per the restaurant page — and it was Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.
Can families with children visit River Cree?
Yes. Since July 29, 2024, minors accompanied by an adult may use all non-gaming areas. The gaming floor is 18+.
What's the opening date for River Cree's tower?
Trade press in June 2026 said the target was July 2027.
Sources behind this review
- 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/
Fact check: October 23, 2026, against the sources listed above. Rates, fees and hours move — confirm directly with the hotel before booking. Something out of date? Email us. Next: Casino Hotels in Alberta or the full ranking.