We’ve prepared a guide to a casino road trip across Canada. From majestic mountains to stunning coastlines and bustling cities to charming towns, we’ve mapped out the most exciting casino destinations. Let’s dive into how to plan your journey through the country’s gambling hotspots!
A Guide to a Canadian Casino Road Trip
Best Casinos for a Road Trip
We suggest planning the casino road trip around the most iconic Canadian casinos. From Niagara Falls on the east to the great Pacific Ocean out west, plenty of casinos are on our road trip planner. Let’s take a look at the itinerary:
- Total drive time: 47 hours (but it can vary, depending on the route)
- Trip duration: 7 to 10 days, depending on how much time you spend at each stop
Location | Casino | What else to see |
Vancouver, BC | Parq Vancouver Casino Resort | Stanley Park |
Calgary, AB | Grey Eagle Resort & Casino | Lake Louise |
Edmonton, AB | Pure Casino Yellowhead | Nose Creek Regional Park |
Winnipeg, MB | Club Regent Casino | Saskatoon |
Niagara Falls, ON | Fallsview Resort Casino | Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie |
Stop 1: Parq Vancouver Casino Resort
- Casino games: 600 slot machines, table games (blackjack, baccarat, and roulette), a high-limit gaming area and a dedicated poker room
- Highlights: A 30,000-square-foot outdoor park above the skyline, two distinctive hotels, and Vancouver's largest hotel ballroom
Parq Casino Resort is outlandish in its design and futuristic approach to luxury. However, its incredible green space is the creme de la creme of the Parq, boasting more than 200 native pines and 15,000 local floras in keeping with its eco-driven culture.
Designed by landscape artist Christopher Phillips, its water feature and walking paths create a secret garden above the skyline to whisk urban explorers away to a magical and mystical world.
When you're not in the casino, enjoy the spectacular sites around Vancouver, which benefit from an exciting cultural scape. We recommend exploring Stanley Park. This urban park features views of the city’s skyline, forest trails and waterfront beaches.
Stop 2: Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
- Distance from stop two: 603 miles, 10-hour drive
- Casino games: Over 1,100 slots, table games (poker, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette)
- Highlights: Baccarat and poker tournaments, panoramic views of the Tsuut'ina Nation, state-of-the-art concert facility
The Grey Eagle Resort and Casino is brimming with amenities, including a modern fitness centre, an indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, and a massive brick-and-mortar casino. It is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary.
While the road trip takes some time (10 hours goes quickly with a podcast on the go), you can stop by some incredible sites, including the unfathomably beautiful Lake Louise. With crystal clear, glacial, turquoise waters, it represents one of the most stunning spots in the entire country. It flits from a ski resort in the winter to a summer boating haven in the summer. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can incorporate either into your plan.
Stop 3: Pure Casino Yellowhead
- Distance from stop two: 203 miles, 3-hour drive
- Casino games: Over 750 slots, table games (poker, blackjack, roulette)
- Highlights: Great dining options, immersive western theme
Just a short and sharp dart to the north will take you from Calgary to Edmonton, where Pure Casino Yellowhead is the best casino in the city.Opened in 2000, it might lack the modern features of other casinos on this list, but it would be fair to call it a bettor's sanctuary.
With regular poker tournaments and some of the best dealers, Pure Casino Yellowhead is one of the go-to destinations for intrepid gamblers. For a picnic stop during your trip, visit Nose Creek Regional Park – a 20-acre national green space with tables, a concession area, a fire pit, and nature trails galore.
Stop 4: Club Regent Casino
- Distance from stop three: 820 miles, 13-hour drive
- Casino games: Over 1,000 slots, table games (poker, blackjack, roulette), bingo
- Highlights: Amazing entertainment calendar, great bingo hall, excellent jackpot games
Pass through miles of beautiful Canadian countryside and stop at several incredible points, including Saskatoon on the South Saskatchewan River and the UFO Landing Pad. You can also enjoy some activities at the Blue Mountain Adventure Park.
When you get to Winnipeg, Club Regent Casino is one of the most happening spots in the city. They have regular acts performing throughout the week, including some of the best tribute shows in the business. There's plenty of fun on the casino floor, with slots, live casino tables, and a popular bingo hall helping complete the casino's entertainment offering.
Stop 5: Fallsview Resort Casino
- Distance from stop four: 1,390 miles, 21-hour drive
- Casino games: Over 3,000 slots, table games (poker, blackjack, roulette)
- Highlights: Niagara Falls, huge casino floor, beautiful accommodation
As this is a long drive, we recommend spending 6-7 hours in the car in one go on your way to Fallsview Resort Casino. In between, you can explore more of Canada. There are many exciting places, including Thunder Bay. You can climb Mount McKay's summit and enjoy incredible panoramic views there. We also suggest visiting Sault Ste. Known as the best adventure town in Canada, there are plenty of things to do.
Your hard driving yards will be worth it when you reach your final destination. Niagara Falls is a jaw-dropping natural wonder that adequately displays Mother Earth's raw power.
The Fallsview Resort Casino is perfect for ending your Canadian casino road trip. Located on a cliff atop the falls, it holds the title of Canada's largest gaming resort in the country. It is one of the most spectacular casinos in the world.
Casino Road Trip Planning Tips
Visiting casinos and exploring Canada by car includes comprehensive logistics and detailed planning. To help you plan, we've prepared the key things to consider when going on a road trip.
- Use route-planning apps: The most popular route apps, like Waze and Google Maps, allow you to efficiently plan your route and time.
- Plan your budget: Set a budget for all travel expenses, but don't forget to set aside funds for gambling. With five casinos in the itinerary, be mindful of your costs.
- Pack for a variety of weather conditions: Canada is known for unpredictable weather, so it's crucial to be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions. Pack appropriate clothing and supplies for a variety of weather scenarios.
- Ensure vehicle safety: Make sure your vehicle is up to scratch. You want to avoid the hassle of breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
- Adhere to driving laws: Each province in Canada has its own set of rules. Before starting your journey, take some time to familiarise yourself with Canada's driving laws and regulations.
- Use travel insurance: Travel insurance is a must. It will come in handy in unexpected situations like vehicle roadside assistance, delays in travel time due to weather, or medical emergencies.