Located in the heart of the Peace River Country, Great Northern Casino offers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience in the bustling city of Grande Prairie, Alberta. With a rich history dating back to 1999, the casino has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, boasting a wide variety of gaming options, live entertainment, and fantastic dining experiences. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything the Great Northern Casino has to offer and provide all the essential information you need to plan your visit.
Great Northern Casino Overview
Established in 1999, the Great Northern Casino quickly gained a reputation as the premier entertainment destination in the Grande Prairie area. The casino covers 30,000 square feet of gaming space, featuring a diverse collection of Vegas-style slots, video lottery terminals (VLTs), table games, and a dedicated poker room. The establishment prides itself on offering top-notch live entertainment, including live bands, stand-up comedy, and dance nights, ensuring an unforgettable experience for its patrons.
Beyond its gaming and entertainment offerings, Great Northern Casino also takes pride in its philanthropic efforts, having assisted in raising funds for over 400 local charities. Whether you're a casual visitor or a seasoned gaming enthusiast, you can bet on having a great time at the Great Northern Casino.
Gaming Options
Slot Machines
Great Northern Casino boasts an impressive collection of 424 video slot machines, catering to players with diverse preferences and budgets. The casino offers a mix of classic machines with mechanical levers and modern titles featuring HD screens and exciting bonus games. Some of the most popular slots include Diamond Millions and Fortune's Heat, which offer the chance to win life-changing in-house progressive jackpots worth over one million dollars.
In addition to the wide variety of slots, the casino also features a special VLT room with 30 state-of-the-art video lottery terminals. Video slots and VLTs are available between 10 AM and 2 AM from Sunday to Tuesday and between 10 AM and 3 AM from Wednesday to Saturday.
Table Games
While slots dominate the gaming floor, Great Northern Casino also offers a solid selection of table games for those who prefer a more classic casino experience. The available table games include:
- Blackjack
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Ultimate Texas Hold'em
- 3-Card Poker
- Roulette
- Chase the Flush
Unfortunately, the casino does not offer craps or baccarat tables at this time.
Poker Room
Poker enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that the Great Northern Casino features one of the best poker rooms in Alberta. Open daily, the poker room offers No-Limit Texas Hold'em and Dealer's Choice games, which include Pot-Limit Omaha, Pineapple, and Crazy Pineapple.
Cash games are available every day, with buy-ins ranging from C200, depending on the day and game. The casino also hosts poker tournaments on Wednesdays and Sundays, although these are currently on hold due to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Live Entertainment
The Great Northern Casino is committed to providing a diverse array of live entertainment to its patrons. The Platinum Lounge serves as the primary venue for live events, featuring a stage for musicians and comedians, as well as a dance floor for patrons to enjoy. Live music events are held every weekend, while the popular Kokanee Comedy Night takes place every Wednesday.
Dining Options
Visitors to the Great Northern Casino can expect a delicious dining experience at the Platinum Lounge. The lounge offers daily specials, ranging from rib dinners and lasagna to senior buffets and build-your-own burgers. Drink specials are also available, with options such as dark beer, gin, and cocktails.
Accommodation
While the Great Northern Casino does not have an on-site hotel, the neighboring Service Plus Inns & Suites offers a convenient and comfortable option for guests. This 2-star hotel features 122 well-appointed rooms with amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Additional facilities include an indoor pool, a hospitality room with a hot breakfast buffet, and more.
For those seeking alternative accommodation options, other nearby hotels include Holiday Inn & Suites Grande Prairie, Holiday Inn Express, Sandman Hotel, Encore Suites, Podollan Inn & Spa, Best Western Grande Prairie, Pomeroy Hotel, and more.
Location and Hours
Great Northern Casino is conveniently located at 10910-107 A Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 7R2. The casino is easily accessible from Highway 43 and is just a short walk from the city center. It is also situated only five kilometers from the Grande Prairie Airport, making it an ideal entertainment destination for travelers.
The casino's operating hours are as follows:
- Monday: 9:30 AM - 2:00 AM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 2:00 AM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 AM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 AM
- Friday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 AM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM - 3:00 AM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Additional Amenities
In addition to its gaming, entertainment, and dining options, the Great Northern Casino offers numerous amenities for its guests, including:
- Auto shufflers
- Cash games
- Cell reception
- Check cashing
- Cocktail service
- Comps offered
- Currency exchange
- Discounted hotel rates
- Food tableside
- Jackpots
- Massage
- Non-smoking areas
- Order food at table
- Phone-in list
- Nearby restrooms
- RV parking
- Self-serve drink station
- Televisions
- USB chargers
- Valet parking
- Wi-Fi
Conclusion
The Great Northern Casino in Grande Prairie offers an unparalleled entertainment experience for both casual visitors and gaming aficionados. With its diverse gaming options, live entertainment, dining, and accommodation options, there's something for everyone at this premier destination. Whether you're looking to test your luck on the slots, enjoy a night of comedy, or simply unwind with friends over a delicious meal, you can bet on having a great time at the Great Northern Casino.