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Maple Casino Hotels

Enoch (Edmonton), Alberta · gaming age 18+

River Cree Resort & Casino: our review

Page revised · data checked

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

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

Book it for: Edmonton weekends that mix hockey, a big casino and Canada's first Hell's Kitchen.
Look elsewhere if: You need a brand-new room right away — the new tower is due in 2027.

Casino, Ramsay and hockey

River Cree opened in October 2006 on Enoch Cree Nation land at the western edge of Edmonton. It has three audiences now: gamers, for one of Alberta's larger casinos; food fans, for Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen; and hockey families, for the Twin Rinks, two NHL-size sheets with public skating and youth programmes.

Current rooms

249 rooms, 11 of them suites, in what the hotel describes as a 4½-star full-service property. Each comes with a Keurig, a microwave and a mini fridge, and room service runs 24 hours. Categories: Traditional King, Traditional Two Queen, Luxury One Bedroom Suite and Luxury Family Suite. The official site shows them on video rather than listing specs.

The tower coming in 2027

A $200 million expansion broke ground in September 2024. STAY Magazine and GlobalData describe an 18-storey tower with roughly 230 to 240 rooms, 30-plus suites, a large event space and a new pool with two waterslides. In June 2026, trade press reported the exterior finished and an opening targeted for July 2027.

Two casinos

The smoke-free main casino holds 1,665 slots and 46 tables, plus 14 more in the poker room. Embers, a separate smoke-friendly casino, adds 405 slots and 14 tables. Minimum age in Alberta: 18. The free River Cree Players Club knocks 15 per cent off the best available room rate.

Restaurants

Hell's Kitchen serves lunch and dinner, with Ramsay favourites like Beef Wellington and sticky toffee pudding. The Kitchen, the family restaurant, puts on a $19.99 weekend breakfast buffet (Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.) and buffet nights on Friday and Saturday. Watch the game at Tap 25; eat late at Fatburger (until 4 a.m.) or Cree Subs (until 5 a.m.).

Families, events and getting around

Kids have been allowed in all non-gaming areas since July 29, 2024 — rinks, restaurants and community events — as long as an adult is with them. Add the pool and whirlpool, a 24-hour gym and a free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall, about five minutes away, and families are well served. The Venue holds between 500 and 2,500 depending on configuration. Edmonton International Airport is 20–25 minutes by car. Parking is free, and so is valet from 9:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.

Our advice

The most family-friendly casino resort in Alberta, and worth the trip for dinner alone. Go now for Hell's Kitchen and the rinks; go back in 2027 for the new rooms.

What travellers ask us

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

Yes — the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, according to its page. It was Canada's first Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen.

Can children visit River Cree Resort?

Yes, with an adult, in every non-gaming area since July 29, 2024. The gaming floor stays 18+.

What's the opening date for River Cree's new tower?

Trade press in June 2026 said the target was July 2027.

Where our facts come from

Checked against the sources above on October 23, 2026. Hotels change prices, fees and hours without notice, so confirm with them before you pay. Out-of-date detail? Email us. Next: Casino Hotels in Alberta · the hotel top 10.