Urban Escape

River Cree Resort and Casino is a remarkable place and we want to show it off.”

Kevan Schell is vice-president and general manager of River Cree Resort and Casino in Enoch, Alta., and he wants to show the world what his casino has to offer. He doesn’t miss a detail to rave about, from baccarat tables to the wonderful ability of its employees.

River Cree is the first First Nations casino in Alberta and the largest in the province. It just opened in 2006 and its CEO is Diana Bennett, daughter of William Bennett, who was the original owner of Circus Circus Enterprises in Las Vegas. Bottom line: They know how to run a great casino.

As Schell puts it, “The Vegas feel leaves a lasting impression… It’s bright, fun and exciting.”
Among the casino, dining and nightlife, unique Twin Rinks ice rinks and Marriott hotel, it’s hard to imagine how it wouldn’t be. River Cree brings a whole lot more than gambling to the table.

The Casino
Sounds of excitement are a constant at River Cree Resort and Casino. Boasting the province’s largest slot floor, this casino hosts 920 slots, such as Star Trek, Monopoly and even an electronic roulette wheel. There are also 45 table games with all your favourites, a poker room and a Far East-influenced Baccarat Room.  The Centre Bar adorns a highlight in elegance: a 1,000-pound crystal chandelier that is a beautiful centrepiece viewed by all. On Mondays and Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. a wonderful live band is the backdrop, with jazz and vocal standards.

The Shows
Schell puts it best for this one: “Concerts come alive with excitement at the Venue, with such artists as Conan O’Brien, and even the Trailer Park Boys to name a few. Frankie Valli and Tim Allen will soon be here and HuntFest is bound to excite the avid sportsman. It’s just exciting and fun to be here during concerts.”

The Dining and Nightlife
If it’s food and atmosphere you crave, River Cree has your reservation. Be it the classic Sage Steakhouse with Chef Christophe Ithurritze, recently named a “Great Chef of America” by the Discovery Channel, or TAP 25 with its pounding sports atmosphere, it’s a sure bet the evening will be memorable.

Schell iterates the variety and complexity of all the food: “Spend all day here and sample a variety from all our diverse restaurants. For whatever mood you’re in, classic, sports or family, we’ve got you covered.”

The Rinks
Find another casino that can provide you with this: two NHL-sized ice surfaces with a full-service concession and a pro shop directly connected to the casino. The rinks are home to the Adult Safe Hockey League and have been used as a practice facility by the Edmonton Oilers. These rinks can also be rented out for a game of your own, or to train your little Olympian.

The Resort Experience
River Cree has options for all sorts of travellers, whether it’s for business, fun or a romantic weekend. With its four-and-a-half-star Marriott, being a destination spot is what it’s all about.  On top of the renowned bedrooms, luxury suites, Olympic-sized swimming pool and a workout facility, the Marriott offers the family choice for dining at The Kitchen Buffet and Bistro. This hotel’s state-of-the-art conference rooms can accommodate anyone from five executives to 750 for a wedding. Additionally, the Marriott at River Cree is just five minutes from the West Edmonton Mall.

Schell added he believes the resort’s employees are the main reason River Cree Resort and Casino and the Marriott at River Cree are the industry leaders they are today. 

When you combine it all together, you no longer have to leave the world behind for this resort experience. This truly makes River Cree an ideal location for a fun-filled, zero-stress escape. Thrill takes over and your vacation becomes a getaway, all making River Cree one of Alberta’s premier resort destinations. •

Photos Courtesy of River Cree Resort & Casino