Great Canadian Casino Toronto represents a transformative evolution of the beloved Woodbine Casino, combining decades of gaming heritage with cutting-edge modern amenities. This comprehensive review examines every aspect of the casino resort, from its extensive gaming floor to hotel accommodations, dining options, and overall visitor experience. Whether you're a seasoned casino enthusiast or planning your first visit, this analysis provides the detailed insights you need to make informed decisions about your experience at Canada's largest casino resort.
Introduction
The rebranding from Woodbine Casino to Great Canadian Casino Toronto in 2023 marked a significant milestone in Canadian gaming history. With a $1 billion investment, this property has become the country's most expansive and expensive casino resort. The facility maintains the original Woodbine Casino venue at the rear of the building, allowing longtime patrons to enjoy familiar surroundings while exploring the vast new gaming spaces.
Located at the intersection of Highway 427 and 409, just 10 minutes from Toronto Pearson Airport, the casino offers exceptional accessibility for both local residents and international visitors. The property sits on the historic Woodbine Racetrack grounds, home to the prestigious King's Plate, Canada's most popular horse race. This strategic location combines convenience with entertainment heritage, creating a destination that appeals to diverse audiences.
The resort features an internal corridor connecting the casino and hotel, eliminating weather concerns for guests moving between facilities. Throughout the property, $5 million worth of unique artwork enhances the atmosphere, creating an upscale environment that distinguishes this venue from typical gaming establishments.
Gaming Floor and Game Selection
The gaming floor at Great Canadian Casino Toronto spans an impressive 328,000 square feet, making it the largest casino gaming space in Canada. This expansive area houses over 4,800 slot machines and Virtual Lottery Terminals, offering the most extensive slots collection in the country. The selection includes classic games that appeal to traditional players alongside new releases featuring the latest gaming technology and progressive jackpot opportunities.
Slot Machine Variety
The slot machine collection caters to all player preferences and budgets. Penny slots provide entry-level options for casual players, while high-limit machines accommodate serious gamblers seeking substantial wagering opportunities. The casino regularly updates its slot offerings, ensuring access to popular titles and emerging games that reflect current gaming trends.
Video Lottery Terminals complement the traditional slot machines, providing alternative gaming experiences with different mechanics and payout structures. The variety ensures that players can find games matching their preferred themes, volatility levels, and betting ranges. From classic three-reel machines to complex multi-line video slots with bonus features, the selection addresses every gaming style.
Table Games and Poker Room
Beyond slots, the casino operates 175 gaming tables offering traditional casino games including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and various poker variants. Professional dealers maintain game flow and create welcoming environments for both novice and experienced players. Table limits accommodate different bankrolls, from minimum bets suitable for beginners to high-stakes tables for serious gamblers.
The 24/7 poker room represents a significant attraction for poker enthusiasts. Unlike many casinos with limited poker hours, Great Canadian Casino Toronto maintains continuous poker operations, allowing players to enjoy cash games and tournaments at any time. The dedicated poker space provides a focused environment separate from the main gaming floor, reducing distractions and enhancing the competitive atmosphere.
Hotel Accommodations and Amenities
The 400-room hotel attached to the casino offers modern accommodations with panoramic views of the Woodbine Racetrack. Guest rooms feature contemporary design elements, comfortable furnishings, and essential amenities including free WiFi, in-room safes, desks with laptop workspace, and blackout curtains for quality rest regardless of arrival time.
Room Features and Comfort
Each room includes private bathrooms, climate control systems, televisions, and coffee/tea making facilities. The hotel design prioritizes guest comfort, with attention to soundproofing and lighting that creates relaxing environments after gaming sessions. Housekeeping services are available on request, allowing guests to customize their privacy preferences during extended stays.
The internal corridor connection between hotel and casino eliminates weather exposure, a significant advantage during Toronto's harsh winter months. Guests can move freely between their rooms and gaming areas without outdoor travel, enhancing convenience and comfort throughout their stay.
Hotel Facilities
The hotel features an indoor pool providing year-round swimming opportunities, a valuable amenity for families and guests seeking relaxation beyond gaming activities. A 24-hour fitness center accommodates guests maintaining workout routines during their visits, equipped with modern exercise equipment and adequate space for various training activities.
Wellness facilities include a sauna and steam room, offering therapeutic relaxation options after gaming sessions or physical activities. Valet parking service adds convenience for guests preferring assisted parking, while the 3,800-space parkade ensures ample self-parking availability even during peak periods.
Dining Options and Food Services
Great Canadian Casino Toronto provides diverse dining options ranging from quick casual meals to upscale dining experiences. The food court features over half a dozen eateries offering various cuisines, allowing guests to find meals matching their preferences and schedules without leaving the property.
COPPERHORN MEET HOUSE serves as the signature restaurant, providing full-service dining with quality menu selections. The establishment caters to guests seeking sit-down meals in a more refined atmosphere compared to food court options. Additionally, a coffee shop and cafe operate throughout the property, offering beverages and light snacks for guests preferring quick refreshments between gaming sessions.
The variety of dining venues ensures that guests can find appropriate options whether seeking quick bites during gaming marathons or leisurely meals celebrating wins or special occasions. Room service extends dining convenience to hotel guests preferring in-room meals.
Location and Accessibility
The casino's location near major highways and Toronto Pearson Airport provides exceptional accessibility. The 10-minute drive from the airport makes the property an ideal destination for travelers with layovers or those arriving in Toronto for casino-focused visits. Free airport shuttle service enhances this convenience, eliminating transportation concerns for air travelers.
The proximity to Highway 427 and 409 facilitates easy access for drivers from throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. Clear signage and well-designed access roads simplify navigation to the property, reducing arrival stress for first-time visitors.
Public transportation options serve the area, though the casino's location favors personal vehicle or shuttle service access. The massive parking facility accommodates the high volume of visitors without the parking challenges common at urban entertainment venues.
Customer Experience and Service Quality
Reviews consistently highlight the attentive staff as a significant positive aspect of the Great Canadian Casino Toronto experience. Employees demonstrate professionalism and helpfulness, contributing to welcoming atmospheres throughout the property. From gaming floor attendants to hotel staff and restaurant servers, the service quality reflects the property's commitment to guest satisfaction.
The modern facility design with higher ceilings and brighter lighting creates more comfortable environments compared to the previous Woodbine Casino configuration. These architectural improvements reduce the claustrophobic feelings sometimes associated with casino environments, enhancing overall guest comfort during extended visits.
The preservation of the original Woodbine Casino space addresses nostalgia while providing familiar environments for longtime patrons. This thoughtful approach to renovation demonstrates respect for the property's history while embracing modernization.
Entertainment and Special Features
Beyond gaming, the 5,000-capacity concert venue positions Great Canadian Casino Toronto as a major entertainment destination. This space hosts concerts, shows, and special events, attracting visitors who might not otherwise visit casinos. The entertainment programming diversifies the property's appeal and creates additional revenue streams beyond gaming operations.
The location on Woodbine Racetrack grounds provides unique entertainment opportunities when horse racing events occur. The King's Plate and other racing events draw crowds that naturally extend their visits to include casino gaming and hotel stays, creating synergies between racing and gaming entertainment.
The extensive artwork throughout the property, valued at $5 million, elevates the aesthetic experience beyond typical casino environments. These installations create visual interest and conversation points, enhancing the upscale atmosphere that distinguishes this property from competitors.
Conclusion
Great Canadian Casino Toronto successfully transforms the Woodbine Casino legacy into a world-class resort destination. The $1 billion investment delivers tangible benefits through expanded gaming options, modern hotel accommodations, diverse dining venues, and enhanced entertainment facilities. With over 4,800 slots, 175 table games, a 24/7 poker room, and a 400-room hotel, the property offers comprehensive amenities that justify extended visits.
The strategic location near Toronto Pearson Airport and major highways ensures accessibility for diverse audiences, from local residents to international travelers. Free airport shuttle service, massive parking facilities, and internal connections between casino and hotel demonstrate thoughtful planning that prioritizes guest convenience.
Customer reviews emphasizing attentive staff, modern facilities, and extensive gaming options validate the property's success in delivering quality experiences. While the gaming selection leans toward classic and established titles rather than exclusively featuring cutting-edge releases, the sheer variety ensures that most players find satisfying options.
For anyone seeking casino entertainment in the Toronto area, Great Canadian Casino Toronto represents the premier destination, combining gaming excellence with hotel comfort, dining variety, and entertainment options that extend beyond traditional casino offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for Great Canadian Casino Toronto?
The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the poker room also maintaining continuous 24/7 operations. Hotel check-in and dining venues have specific hours that vary by location.
Is there a dress code at Great Canadian Casino Toronto?
The casino maintains a casual dress code for most areas, though smart casual attire is recommended for upscale dining venues. Guests should avoid overly casual items like beachwear or athletic clothing in restaurant settings.
Does the casino offer free parking?
Yes, the property features a 3,800-space parkade with free self-parking for guests. Valet parking service is also available for those preferring assisted parking.
Can I visit the casino if I'm staying at a different hotel?
Absolutely. The casino welcomes all visitors regardless of where they're staying. However, booking the on-site hotel provides convenience through the internal corridor connection and eliminates travel between accommodations and gaming areas.
What is the minimum age to enter the casino?
Guests must be 19 years or older to enter the gaming areas, consistent with Ontario gaming regulations. Valid government-issued identification is required for age verification.
Are there ATMs available on the property?
Yes, multiple ATMs are located throughout the casino floor and hotel areas for guest convenience. The casino also offers additional financial services at the cashier cage.