Resort Profile
River Cree Resort & Casino: A Family Review for Non-Gamblers
Situated on Enoch Cree Nation land just west of Edmonton, River Cree Resort & Casino offers an unexpected highlight for athletic families: two full-sized indoor ice rinks alongside an indoor pool, hot tub, and complimentary shuttle service to West Edmonton Mall.
Illustration, not a photograph
Ranking → The ten → River Cree Resort & Casino
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How it scores for a family
- Pool and Water17 / 17Indoor pool and hot tub provide good year-round family recreation, though there are no slides or water park features.
- Non-Gaming Activities17 / 17Two NHL-sized rinks on site and a free shuttle to West Edmonton Mall deliver outstanding non-gaming entertainment.
- Family Rooms and Policies14 / 17249 non-smoking rooms offer comfortable stays, but specific policies on cribs and connecting rooms are not published.
- Shows and Events15 / 17River Cree Entertainment Centre provides regular live shows and concerts suitable for various audiences.
- Food for a Family14 / 16The Kitchen Buffet Bistro and Sage give families easy non-gaming dining options, though kids' menus are unlisted.
- Transparency11 / 16Key facts about amenities, rinks, shuttle, and 18+ age rules are clearly stated on official channels.
Family Overview: What Exists Off the Gaming Floor
River Cree Resort & Casino opened on 26 October 2006 as Alberta's first Indigenous-owned casino property, situated on Enoch Cree Nation land at 300 East Lapotac Boulevard. While the complex features a casino floor, poker room, and the Embers gaming area.
In Alberta, the legal gambling age is 18. Under Alberta regulations, guests must be 18 or older to enter the gaming floor. For a broader look at how provincial entry laws function across Canada, see our guide on what minors can and cannot do at casino resorts.
River Cree offers non-gaming attractions including two indoor rinks, a pool, a hot tub, and a shuttle to West Edmonton Mall.
The Twin Rinks and Non-Gaming Activities
River Cree Resort & Casino has two full-sized indoor ice rinks on site.
Beyond the rinks, the venue features the River Cree Entertainment Centre, which hosts concerts and community events. For regional sightseeing, the resort operates a complimentary shuttle service directly to West Edmonton Mall. This shuttle allows guests to access West Edmonton Mall. On site at the resort, free self-parking is available.
Pool, Hot Tub, and Fitness Facilities
For daily recreation with the kids, River Cree provides an indoor swimming pool and hot tub located inside the hotel complex.
The property has a fitness centre. If you wish to compare pool types across major Canadian casino hotels, review how we rank family water facilities on our methodology page.
Family Dining Options at River Cree
When dining with children, having accessible restaurants situated safely outside the casino floor is essential. River Cree offers three primary food venues on property:
- The Kitchen Buffet Bistro: The Kitchen Buffet Bistro is one of the resort's dining venues.
- Sage: Sage is one of the resort's dining venues.
- Tap 25: Tap 25 is one of the resort's dining venues.
Families can easily eat at The Kitchen Buffet Bistro or Sage without approaching the restricted gaming areas.
Rooms, West Edmonton Mall Shuttle, and House Rules for Minors
The hotel tower features 249 non-smoking rooms and guest suites.
House rules for families are straightforward. In Alberta, guests must be 18 or older to enter the gaming floor.
See our comparison table or browse by province.
Our verdict
Go for it when
You want an athletic family stay in the Edmonton area with indoor ice rinks, a relaxing pool, free parking, and convenient shuttle access to West Edmonton Mall.
Think again when
You are seeking an elaborate indoor water park with slides or want guaranteed resort-wide pet and crib policies detailed online prior to arrival.
A sports-friendly Alberta resort with twin rinks, a family pool, and easy West Edmonton Mall access.
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We check rooms and the current rate with the hotel or a booking partner and reply by email, usually within one working day. No card details here. Please do not send names of children.