Casino Hotels

Île Notre-Dame, in the St. Lawrence River. The casino occupies pavilions first built for Expo 67, and the architecture alone is worth the trip across the bridge. Overnight stays are arranged with hotels in the city, a short drive or shuttle ride away.

Dining is a genuine draw, with several restaurants and views back toward downtown from the upper levels. The gaming floors spread across multiple storeys. Outside, the island has park paths and the Formula 1 circuit, with the Biosphère on neighbouring Île Sainte-Hélène.

• Expo 67 pavilions
• Island setting
• Several restaurants
• Gaming floor

A tall hotel tower on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. It stands high above the river, so many rooms look directly at the Horseshoe Falls. Book for the view; everything else is a bonus.

The resort has a spa, an indoor pool, a range of restaurants and a large theatre for touring shows. The gaming floor sits on the lower levels, apart from the guest floors. The falls walkway and Clifton Hill are close enough to reach on foot.

• Falls-view rooms
• Spa
• Show theatre
• Gaming floor

Richmond sits just south of Vancouver, and this hotel faces the Fraser River. It is close to the international airport and connected to downtown by the Canada Line. That makes it a practical base before an early departure.

Rooms run from standard doubles to suites with river outlooks. There is a marina, an indoor pool, a show theatre and several places to eat. The casino is one part of the property among many.

• Riverside
• Near the airport
• Marina
• Show theatre

North of Toronto, near Orillia and Lake Couchiching, on the lands of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Lake country surrounds it. Expect trees and water rather than a city skyline.

The hotel tower offers a spa, a pool and a handful of restaurants. An entertainment centre hosts concerts and comedy through the year. The gaming floor is large, but it is one feature of a resort many visitors use simply as a lakeside break.

• Lake country
• First Nation lands
• Spa
• Concert venue