Address
218 18 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1L1
Elbow River Casino Calgary
Elbow River Casino sits in Victoria Park, close to the Calgary Stampede grounds, Victoria Park CTrain station and the 17th Avenue entertainment district. That makes it easy to combine a casino visit with sightseeing, food and an evening out rather than treating the casino as a standalone stop. The casino itself opens daily from 9:30 AM to 3:00 AM.
How to Get to Elbow River Casino
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 218 18 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1L1 |
| CTrain | Victoria Park station is nearby |
| Neighbourhood | Victoria Park / 17th Avenue |
| Stampede grounds | About one block away |
| Parking | Secure, air-conditioned underground parking |
| Main phone | 403-289-8880 |
| Casino hours | 9:30 AM–3:00 AM daily |
The casino is particularly convenient during major events at Stampede Park because of its location beside the grounds. During the Calgary Stampede, visitors can also use Victoria Park and Erlton CTrain stations, with Calgary Transit running 24 hours during the event.
A Day at Elbow River Casino
The best itinerary depends on what else you want to see in Calgary. A tourist arriving in the morning can explore the surrounding area first, spend the afternoon at the casino, then stay for dinner and live entertainment.
Morning
- Start around 17th Avenue: Walk through the nearby Red Mile entertainment district before heading to the casino. Elbow River Casino describes itself as being at the crossroads of 17th Avenue SE and Macleod Trail.
- Visit the Stampede area: The casino is only a block from the Stampede grounds, making it easy to combine the two during events.
- Explore the Victoria Park area: The neighbourhood has restaurants, nightlife, entertainment venues, and attractions within walking distance.
- Have breakfast or coffee before gaming: Sammy's Sports Bar serves breakfast from 9:30 AM, while Jester's Deli also opens at 9:30 AM.
Afternoon
- Spend a session on the gaming floor: More than 600 slot machines range from 1¢ to $5, with table games, poker, and off-track betting also available.
- Try the poker room: Visitors interested in Elbow River Casino poker can check the current poker schedule before making it part of their afternoon.
- Take a break for lunch: Jester's Deli is open daily until 2:30 AM, while Sammy's regular menu runs from 9:30 AM until midnight.
- Walk to the nearby attractions: The Sam Centre, which tells the story of the Calgary Stampede, is around a 10-minute walk from Victoria Park/Stampede CTrain station.
Evening and Night
- Have dinner at Sammy's Sports Bar: Its Asian menu runs from 4 PM to midnight, with the bar staying open until 2 AM.
- Try the Friday-to-Sunday dim sum: Dim sum is currently offered from 11 AM to 3 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
- Stay for live music: The Bayou hosts live bands on Friday and Saturday nights, with the current schedule changing by week.
- Finish with comedy: Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club is part of the wider Elbow River entertainment offering, giving visitors another option after dinner.
Tip for first-timers: Don't plan your whole day around the gaming floor. The casino's location makes it easy to combine a session with 17th Avenue, Stampede Park, the Sam Centre or Victoria Park before returning for dinner and evening entertainment.
What to Do Around Elbow River Casino
The casino's location is one of its strongest points for tourists. Stampede Park is immediately nearby, while 17th Avenue provides restaurants, bars and shopping. Victoria Park is also one of Calgary's main entertainment areas, with music, comedy and other nightlife venues.
For visitors interested in Calgary's history, The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland is another worthwhile stop. The site at the meeting point of the Bow and Elbow rivers explores Calgary's history and Indigenous connections to the area.
During July, the Calgary Stampede becomes the obvious addition to an Elbow River Casino day. The 2026 Stampede runs from July 3 to 12, with rodeo, chuckwagon racing, live music, agricultural events, and First Nations programming.
Dining and Entertainment
| Place | What to Expect | Current Hours / Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Sammy's Sports Bar | Sports, pub food and Asian cuisine | Breakfast 9:30–11 AM; regular menu 9:30 AM–midnight; Asian menu 4 PM–midnight |
| Jester's Deli | Quick meals, sandwiches, Chinese food and fried chicken | 9:30 AM–2:30 AM daily |
| Sammy's Dim Sum | Dim sum and Asian dishes | Fri–Sun, 11 AM–3 PM |
| The Bayou | Live bands | Friday and Saturday nights |
| Yuk Yuk's | Stand-up comedy | Check current show schedule |
The official dining page currently highlights Sammy's Sports Bar and Jester's Deli, while the casino's broader About page also refers to three eateries and buffet dining. Because dining offerings can change, visitors looking specifically for the Elbow River Casino buffet should confirm the current schedule before travelling.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- Bring government-issued photo ID: Casino entry and gaming are subject to Alberta's age requirements.
- Check the hours: The published Elbow River Casino hours are 9:30 AM–3:00 AM every day.
- Use the underground parking: The casino advertises secure, air-conditioned underground parking.
- Use the CTrain during Stampede: Parking demand increases around major events, while Victoria Park and Erlton stations provide direct transit access to Stampede Park.
- Check entertainment listings: Friday and Saturday live music schedules change, so check the current listing before making plans.
- Book accommodation early for Stampede: Calgary hotels fill quickly during the ten-day event, according to Tourism Calgary.
- Check current dining information: Restaurant hours and menus can change, particularly around special events.
Comparing a Casino Visit With a Wider Calgary Day
| Plan | Best For | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casino-focused | Gaming and entertainment | Casino breakfast | Gaming and live music |
| Stampede day | First-time visitors in July | Stampede Park | Casino dinner and entertainment |
| Victoria Park day | Food and nightlife | 17th Avenue | Bayou or Yuk Yuk's |
| Calgary culture day | History and local attractions | Sam Centre | Casino and dinner |
FAQ
The easiest combination is 17th Avenue, Victoria Park, or Stampede Park followed by an afternoon or evening at the casino. The location makes it possible to walk between several attractions rather than spending the day driving.
Yes. The casino describes itself as being just a block from the Stampede grounds. During Stampede, the nearby CTrain stations and extended transit service can be more practical than driving.
Yes. The casino advertises secure, air-conditioned underground parking. This is particularly useful for visitors coming from outside central Calgary, although event periods can increase demand.
Yes. Elbow River Casino is a standalone casino and entertainment venue, so tourists can visit for gaming, dining, poker, or entertainment without booking accommodation.
The official casino website provides photographs and venue information. Third-party Elbow River Casino photos can also give you an idea of the interior, but check when they were taken because gaming and dining areas can change.
Look for recent reviews that specifically discuss the part of the experience you care about, such as gaming, dining, parking, or entertainment. Older Elbow River Casino reviews may describe promotions or restaurants that are no longer current.
The published Elbow River Casino phone number is 403-289-8880. The address is 218 18 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1L1.
Yes. The physical casino has poker facilities, although poker schedules can differ from the general casino opening hours. Check the current poker information before making a dedicated trip.
The casino's current contact page directs job applicants to Indeed and other recruitment websites where its vacancies are posted.