Casino Hotels

The setting is unusual for a casino hotel. It stands on Île Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River, in buildings that began life as national pavilions at Expo 67.

The architecture still shows it: angled glass, strong geometry, views back across the water to the city. Restaurants and bars sit alongside the gaming floor, and the island's parkland and cycle paths are right outside.

Downtown Montréal is a short trip by métro or road. It works for a city stay with a riverside base.

Location sets the tone. The hotel tower rises above the Canadian side of the falls, and the best rooms look straight down at the Horseshoe Falls and the mist.

Beyond the rooms there's a spa, a range of restaurants, a large theatre for touring shows and a shopping concourse. The gaming floor is one part of a much bigger building.

The falls, the Niagara Parkway and the wine country around Niagara-on-the-Lake are all within easy reach.

River Rock sits on the bank of the Fraser River in Richmond, just south of Vancouver. Its hotel is largely suite-based, which suits longer stays and families.

There's a marina on the river, a theatre, several restaurants and a pool. The gaming floor shares the complex with all of it.

Getting in is simple. Vancouver International Airport is close, and the Canada Line stops nearby with direct trains to downtown.

Casino Rama sits on the lands of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, near Orillia, north of Toronto. Lake Couchiching and the cottage country beyond set the backdrop.

The hotel tower offers rooms and suites with lake and forest views. An entertainment centre hosts large touring acts, and restaurants range from casual to formal alongside the gaming floor.

Toronto is roughly a two-hour drive south. Many guests combine a stay with time on the lakes.