Virtual Tour in Reality Gambling: Best Canadian Land-based Casinos

Cape Spear to Boundary Peak – Best Canadian brick and mortar casinos in 2018.

From coast to coast, Canada is brimming with well over one hundred casinos and gaming facilities. I say “gaming facilities”, because many of their gambling sites are run by charitable organizations, which can only promote a special class of gaming. Hence, their slot machines look like slot machines, but actually payout like pull-tabs. Right off the bat, I can tell you none of those “gaming facilities” made the cut.

The best Canadian land-based casinos are real, genuine casinos, delivering genuine gambling amusements. Slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, Texas Hold’em poker—all of it! They’re not necessarily the largest casinos either. Those get pricey… they are the ones with the best atmosphere, ambiance, friendly dealers and great customer service. After all, it’s the experience that should make the memory, not the ghastly carpets or rude attendants.

Best Canadian Brick and Mortar Casinos

1. Parq Vancouver, in Vancouver, B.C.

Starting with my personal favorite—I used to be a huge fan of the Edgewater Casino in Vancouver, BC. When it closed down last September, I was skeptical of the newer, bigger, bling-bling-ier Parq Vancouver that opened across the street. And while it does have that ritzy, luxury hotel feel, I have to admit, I like it.

The facility is all new and modern, and there’s no scent of stale smoke assaulting your nostrils. The only smoking area is outdoors. Everyone is super friendly here, but it does get pretty crowded. No surprise there. Vancouver is the largest tourist city in Canada, and Parq Vancouver is the only casino in the downtown area. Still, the casino is largest enough you’ll have no trouble finding a seat at your favorite games.

The A+ factor here for most is its close proximity to so many other attractions. If you’re touring the city, there’s lots to see within walking distance, including a ride on the famous Aquabus ferry.

2. Grey Rock Casino in Edmunston, NB

My good friends George and Linda, who do most of their traveling along the eastern side of Canada, get credit for our second recommendation, Grey Rock Casino, located on the Madawaska Maliseet First Nation reservation in Edmundston, New Brunswick. It’s a small—dare I say hole-in-the-wall?—casino that’s mostly home to a local crowd. In fact, that’s what they love about it.

It’s only been open since 2015, so everything is still fresh and new. There’s about 200 slot machines and electronic blackjack and roulette, with a small poker room that’s only open Thursday-Sunday, but you won’t find a friendlier staff or patrons anywhere. The upstairs restaurant is excellent—George swears the steak is best in Canada!

3. Fallsview Casino Resort, Niagara Falls, ON

This wouldn’t be a proper review if it didn’t include the fabulous Fallsview Casino, aptly named for its impeccable views of the stunning Niagara Falls. This place is massive, with thousands of slots, hundreds of table games, a large poker room and more. However, it’s not for the light of budget. Everything is expensive here, from the food and beverages, to the hotel rooms, to the $10+ table game limits. If you’re willing to splurge on a grand experience, Fallsview Casino is the way to go. Make it a day trip and you’ll save a bundle.

4. Playground Poker Club in Kahnawake, QB

Last but not least, if Texas Hold’em is your game, there’s only one place that’s really worth going. The Playground Poker Club in Kahnawake, Quebec is, hands down, the best Canadian brick and mortar casino for poker players. No slots. No blackjack. Just a massive, hard-core poker room, where the action is non-stop at all stake levels. It’s the nation’s number one hot spot for major tournaments, too, like WSOP-C, WPT, and PartyPoker Live events.